Word parts
What it means
A group of drugs that change how brain messengers such as serotonin and norepinephrine work. The main groups are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as sertralineSER-truh-leenAn SSRI antidepressant used for depression, anxiety disorders, OCD and PTSD.Full entry , serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), tricyclic antidepressants, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) and others such as bupropion and trazodoneTRAZ-uh-dohnAn antidepressant drug, often given in low doses at bedtime to help with sleep.Full entry . Most take 2 to 6 weeks or more to reach their full effect.
For the nurse
All antidepressants carry an FDA boxed warning about suicidal thoughts in children and young adults, so watch mood closely in the first weeks and after dose changes. Teach the client not to stop suddenly and that relief takes weeks. Watch for serotonin syndrome (agitation, sweating, fast heart rate, muscle twitching) when drugs are combined.
At a glance
| Drug class | antidepressant |
|---|---|
| Abbreviations | SSRI, SNRI, TCA (tricyclic antidepressant), MAOI |
| Spanish | antidepresivo |
| Also written | antidepressants |
Related terms
neurotransmitter
A chemical that a nerve cell releases to pass a signal to another nerve, muscle or gland cell.
sertraline
An SSRI antidepressant used for depression, anxiety disorders, OCD and PTSD.
citalopram
An SSRI antidepressant used to treat depression.
trazodone
An antidepressant drug, often given in low doses at bedtime to help with sleep.
escitalopram
An SSRI antidepressant used for depression and generalized anxiety disorder.