Our modern life sometimes presents many unpleasant surprises. Stress, worry, and anxiety have become constant companions of humans. When the next turmoil unsettles the calm, everyone begins to think about taking sedatives and stimulants. What to choose? What medicine for depression can you buy at a pharmacy without a prescription? Are such medicines dangerous?

The fight against depression is a common part of modern life.

Many people mistakenly believe that these two groups of medications act the same during stress. But it's not that simple. When going to the pharmacy for a suitable drug, arm yourself with some knowledge in the field of pharmacology.

Tranquilizers

Translated from Latin, the word “tranquilizer” means “calm.” These are psychotropic medications that are used to treat many diseases. These drugs were first synthesized in the middle of the last century. And the term “tranquilizers” came into medical use in 1956. These drugs are often called “anxiolytics.”

Tranquilizers are medications that relieve symptoms of fear and anxiety in a person. They stabilize the emotional background without negatively affecting the ability to think and memory.

The main effect of these drugs is anxiolytic (anti-anxiety). Thanks to this, the patient’s feelings of anxiety, fear are relieved, anxiety and emotional tension are reduced.

Interactions between drugs and tranquilizers

Medicines also have additional therapeutic effects:

• sleeping pills (fighting insomnia);
• sedative (reduce anxiety);
• anticonvulsant (relief of spasms);
• muscle relaxant (muscle relaxation).

Tranquilizers successfully help fight increased suspiciousness, obsessive thoughts, stabilize the state of the autonomic system, normalize blood circulation and lower blood pressure. But medications at this level are not able to help a person get rid of hallucinations, delusional states and affective disorders. Other drugs combat this – neuroleptics.

Types of anxiolytics

The list of tranquilizers is regularly updated, so there is no clear classification of such drugs. The most common tranquilizer drugs, the list of which belongs to the class of benzodiazepanes. They are divided into the following types:

1. With a pronounced anxiolytic effect. Lorazepam and Phenozepam are considered the strongest.
2. With moderate effect. These tranquilizers include: Clobazam, Oxazepam, Bromazepam and Gidazepam.
3. With a pronounced hypnotic effect. These include Estazolam, Triazolam, Nitrazepam, Midazolam and Flunitrazepam.
4. With anticonvulsant effect. The most common drugs that work to relieve convulsions are Clonazepam and Diazepam.

Neuroleptics. Antipsychotic drugs or antipsychotics. These medications are classified as psychotropic tranquilizers. They are used to treat various mental, neurotic and psychological diseases.

Modern doctors are ambivalent about prescribing such drugs - antipsychotics often provoke the development of dangerous side effects.

When prescribing antipsychotic medications, it is recommended to use new generation atypical antipsychotics. They are considered the most gentle and safe for health.

What are neuroleptics

The list of antipsychotic drugs without prescriptions is not as long as that of antidepressants and tranquilizers. The following antipsychotics can be freely purchased in pharmacies: Olanzapine, Chlorprothixene, Trifftazine, Thioridazine, Seroquel.

Do I need a prescription for tranquilizers?

Benzodiazepane tranquilizers are drugs that can be purchased in pharmacies strictly according to a prescription. These drugs cause dependence (reduced effectiveness) and addiction (mental and physical). New generations of anxiolytics can be purchased without a prescription. This:

Daytime tranquilizers. In their medicinal composition, daytime anxiolytics are similar to benzodiazepanes, but have a more gentle effect. In daytime tranquilizers, the anti-anxiety effect predominates, and the hypnotic, sedative and muscle relaxant effect is minimally expressed. A person taking such medications does not change the usual rhythm of life.

Features of tranquilizers

New generation anxiolytics. The obvious advantages of such drugs include the absence of addiction syndrome (as with benzodiazepane drugs). But their expected effect is much weaker, and side effects (problems with the gastrointestinal tract) are often noted.

List of tranquilizers without prescriptions

Titles	Indications
Phenazepam	Conditions accompanied by irritability, fear and tension
Atarax	Anxiety, psychomotor agitation, increased irritability
Zoloft	Depression of various types, panic disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic conditions, social phobias
Paxil	Depressive states of any direction and development, stressful and post-traumatic conditions accompanied by nervousness and anxiety, phobias
Etifoxine	Elimination of fear and anxiety, internal stress, persistent depression of mood due to somatic diseases, mild depression
Tofisopam	Neuroses, neurosis-like states, decreased activity, apathy, stress, emotional trauma, PMS, moderate psychopathic manifestations
Rudotel	Psychovegetative and psychosomatic disorders, manifestations of fear, anxiety, insomnia, irritability, neurotic conditions
Selnak	Anxiety-asthenic disorders, neurasthenia, complex adaptation, generalized anxiety states
Afobazole	Irritability during the fight against smoking, neurasthenia, adaptation period, alcohol withdrawal, chronic somatic diseases
Tenoten	Neuroses and neurosis-like disorders, psychosomatic diseases, stress disorders, moderate damage to the central nervous system, irritability
Deprim	Emotional and psycho-vegetative disorders, menopausal syndrome, PMS, depression, low mood, fears, anxiety, depressive symptoms

Antidepressants

Antidepressants are medications designed to combat the symptoms of depression. Depression– a mental disorder accompanied by a drop in mood, a decrease in intellectual abilities and motor skills.

A person in a depressed state cannot adequately assess his personality and often suffers from somatovegetative disorders (loss of appetite, muscle weakness, chronic fatigue, insomnia, lethargy, absent-mindedness, etc.).

Antidepressants not only stop such manifestations. Some of these medications even help fight smoking and bedwetting. They work as painkillers for pain of a chronic (protracted) nature.

Conditions for prescribing antidepressants

New generation antidepressants are considered the most effective. They relieve depressive symptoms subtly, delicately, without causing side effects or addiction.

Types of antidepressants

All drugs in this group are divided into two large categories:

Thymiretics. Stimulating agents. They are used in the fight against depression, which is accompanied by a depressed state of personality and pronounced depression.

Thymoleptics. Drugs with pronounced sedative properties. Such antidepressants minimize anxiety, have a relaxing effect, restore healthy sleep and relieve psycho-emotional states. Thymoleptics do not affect the state of the central nervous system in any way (they do not have a depressing effect on it).

Thymoleptic antidepressants are effective in the treatment of depressive conditions that occur with manifestations of agitation and irritability.

Features of taking antidepressants (compatibility with food)

Antidepressants are also divided into types that differ in the mechanism of action:

1. Stopping neuronal uptake of monoamines. These include non-selective agents (blocking the uptake of norepinephrine and serotonin). These are tricyclic antidepressants: Maprotelin, Fluvoxamine, Reboxetine, Amizol, Melipramine.
2. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAO-B and MAO-A inhibitor). These are: Transamine, Autorix, Nialamid, Moclobemide, Pirlindol.

Antidepressants are also divided into:

• medications with a sedative-stimulating effect (Pyrazidol, Imipramine);
• drugs with obvious psychostimulating effects (Moclobemide, Transamine, Fluoxetine, Nialamid);
• drugs that have a sedative effect (Trazadone, Amitriptyline, Tianeptine, Pipofezin, Mirtazaline, Paroxetine, Maprotiline).

The most widespread are antidepressants with a blocking effect on the uptake of monoamines. Such medications are most effective; their therapeutic effect is observed after 2-3 weeks of use.

Do I need a prescription?

A prescription for purchasing antidepressant medications from pharmacies will only become necessary in the following cases:

1. Exacerbation of the disease.
2. Treatment of severe and long-term depression.
3. If an atypical course of the disorder is observed.

Treatment of mild forms of depression can be carried out with the help of medications sold freely in pharmacies (over-the-counter). Antidepressants without prescriptions, the names of which are presented below, are new generation drugs.

New generation antidepressants “saw the light” in 2000

Modern drugs have an undeniable advantage over previously produced antidepressants. They give much fewer side effects, are not addictive, and have a quick healing effect on the body. The new generation of drugs can be combined with the simultaneous use of other medications.

List of antidepressants without prescriptions

Titles	Indications
Maprotiline	Menopausal, neurotic, psychogenic, endogenous and involutional depression, exhaustion, neurotic states, psychomotor retardation
Prozac	Bulimia/anorexia nervosa, obsessions, thoughts, obsessive-compulsive disorder, psychogenic depressive states, emotional overload, PMS
Paxil	Depressive states of all types (the drug is approved for use in children over 7 years old), suicidal thoughts
Deprim	Chronic fatigue, emotional overload, nervous exhaustion, decreased ability to work, apathy, lethargy, irritability
Azafen	Asthenodepressive manifestations, depression accompanied by anxiety and irritability, alcohol withdrawal, PMS, depression in somatic diseases
Amitriptyline	Manic-depressive psychosis, bulimia/anorexia nervosa, enuresis, anxiety, insomnia
Mirtazapine	Loss of interest in life, depression, accompanied by increased anxiety, apathy, lethargy, sleep problems
Herbal preparations
Leuzea extract	Anxiety, low mood, apathetic neurosis-like states, decreased general tone, lethargy, chronic fatigue, impaired concentration, low mood
Ginseng tincture	Severe nervous exhaustion, loss of tone, increased fatigue, low performance, hypotension, overwork
Schisandra tincture	Neurasthenic conditions, loss of tone, decreased ability to work, depressive symptoms, hypotension
Persen	High nervous excitability, depressive symptoms, insomnia, irritability, anxiety, suspiciousness
Novo-Passit	Neurasthenic manifestations, increased anxiety, insomnia, chronic fatigue, lethargy, decreased ability to work

At least you can buy anti-depression pills without a prescription at any pharmacy. Despite all the safety of antidepressants and tranquilizers, do not get carried away with self-medication! A preliminary consultation with a doctor is mandatory. It is absolutely forbidden to take such medications for a long time! Do not forget about the long lists of contraindications for such products. Take care of your body.

In the pharmacy you can find antidepressants without prescriptions that will help relieve anxiety, depression, and normalize sleep. These drugs affect the exchange of mediators in the brain (serotonin and norepinephrine).

The antidepressant effect of drugs is due to the stimulating effect on the human psyche. Therapeutic activity depends on the mechanism of action of the drug and the severity of the pathology.

You cannot buy strong antidepressants at a pharmacy without a prescription, as they have many serious side effects. Here is a list of antidepressants of various groups that can be found over the counter.

Maprotiline (Ladiomil)

It is one of the tetracyclic antidepressants. It improves mood, stabilizes psychomotor retardation, eliminates anxiety and apathy. The drug should not be used for kidney disease, liver dysfunction, or pregnancy.

Prozac (prodel, fluoxetine, fluval, profluzac)

It is a representative of the group of selective serotonin inhibitors (SSRIs). Quite popular among outpatient doctors (therapists, neurologists). The product effectively treats premenstrual disorders, eliminates panic and anxiety, and relieves obsessive thoughts. After using it, a person becomes balanced and adequate.

Zyban (Nousmoke, Wellbutrin)

It is most often used to alleviate the effects of quitting smoking and drug use. It improves performance and improves mood.

Paxil (adepress, plisil, rexetin, sirestill, plisil)

Antidepressants of the tricyclic group have a similar effect. It is used as an anti-anxiety and antidepressant. Advantages – does not affect other psychomotor functions or heart activity. Used to correct heart function. Indications for use: various types of phobias, depression, stressful situations.

Deprim

Persen

Consists of herbal components (melissa, valerian, peppermint). It is an effective sedative.

Novo-Passit

Has a pronounced sedative effect. It contains: hawthorn, St. John's wort, elderberry, lemon balm, guaifenesin, hops, passionflower. It relieves headaches, tension and anxiety, and alleviates menopausal and premenstrual syndrome.

Herbal antidepressants without a doctor's prescription

Effective herbal over-the-counter antidepressants are sold in large quantities at pharmacies. They are able to quite effectively cope with anxiety and depression that arise against the background of stress and anxiety.

• Infusions of lemongrass, maralia root, rhodiola rosea, and immortelle relieve fatigue. They should be taken 150 grams before meals.
• Leuzea extract in alcohol - increases performance and stimulates human psychomotor functions.
• Ginseng tincture exhibits strong immunostimulating properties. It increases the body's resistance to stress and treats depression. A side effect of its use is sensitivity to the sun. Do not visit solariums if you are taking ginseng tincture.
• Zamanikha - improves sleep and activates performance.
• Red clover, blue honeysuckle, oregano and motherwort. Infusions of these herbs help treat depression.
• Oregano, chamomile, dill and cumin are used in folk medicine to relieve seasonal depression.
• Valerian, peppermint, hops are excellent herbal antidepressants.
• Hawthorn has a calming effect
• Angelica officinalis is a good treatment for insomnia.
• Calendula – effectively relieves stress and fatigue.

Precautionary measures

A large number of people in our country have mental problems. Unfortunately, a person is constantly “stressed” at home, at work and even during vacation. Women usually grab pills when anxiety and depression arise, while men prefer to “kill the nerves inside themselves.” In both cases, the solutions are not the right way out of the situation. The help of a psychiatrist should not be avoided. Believe me, over-the-counter antidepressants will not help if there is a causative factor that caused the pathology. Only after it has been eliminated can you try medications. In other cases, the disease will become chronic with periods of exacerbations and remissions.

Before you try to look for over-the-counter antidepressants in pharmacies, think carefully, can you distinguish a depressive state from a neurosis? Isn’t it better to consult a qualified doctor to eliminate the negative effects of medications on the body? Even herbal remedies have side effects if used incorrectly.

Medical statistics show that the majority of people who buy antidepressants without prescriptions do not have mental problems. Within themselves, such patients create a mindset of depression and try to treat a fictitious condition.

If your doctor has prescribed antidepressants, strictly follow the time of their use and dosage. If you miss at least one dose of herbal preparations, you will not get the desired effect. With mental illnesses, there is a possibility that they will reoccur after a certain period of time. To exclude this phenomenon, antidepressants are used even after the clinical symptoms of the disease disappear.

Please note that when treatment for depression is carried out by a qualified specialist, he takes into account not only the severity of the pathology, but also the side effects that the pharmaceutical drug can cause. It is no secret that some antidepressants form dependence due to the body quickly getting used to them.

You may also be interested

The development of a depressive state occurs when the level of one of the mediators or biogenic amines in the brain decreases: norepinephrine, dopamine or serotonin. Antidepressants can help cope with this condition. They have a corrective and regulatory effect on the biochemical processes of the brain by changing the concentration of a particular neurotransmitter. Currently, the pharmacy chain sells antidepressants without prescriptions that will help eliminate depression, relieve anxiety, improve mood, and normalize sleep. The names of over-the-counter drugs are given later in the article.

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

The latest generation of antidepressants have a similar mechanism of action: they selectively block the reuptake of serotonin without affecting the uptake of dopamine and norepinephrine, and do not act on the histaminergic and cholinergic systems. Drugs in this group are indicated for the treatment of depression of various origins, panic, obsessive-compulsive disorders (phobias).

SSRI antidepressants have minimal side effects and in some cases can be dispensed without a prescription.

The most popular selective inhibitors are:

Paroxetine (Paxil, Adepress, Rexetine)

Available in tablets; active ingredient – ​​paroxetine hydrochloride.

Take the tablets once a day in the morning during breakfast. For depression, the recommended dose is 20 milligrams. If necessary, the dose is gradually increased to 50 milligrams per day. For older people, the daily dose should not be higher than 30-40 milligrams.

Side effects: convulsions, mania, anxiety, confusion, visual disturbances, sexual function (including ejaculation disorders and impotence), rhinitis, increased sweating, etc.

Contraindications: lactation period, pregnancy, childhood, unstable epilepsy, simultaneous use of MAO inhibitors.

Fluvoxamine (Fevarin)

Available in tablets; active ingredient – ​​fluvoxamine maleate.

At the beginning of therapy, the daily dose is 50-100 milligrams; if there is insufficient effectiveness, it can be increased to 150-200 milligrams. The maximum daily dose for an adult is 300 milligrams. In elderly patients, the dose should be increased more slowly and with caution. The course of therapy is 6 months.

Side effects: drowsiness, headache, fear, anxiety, dizziness, allergic reaction, change in body weight.

Contraindications: liver dysfunction, children under 8 years of age, individual intolerance to fluvoxamine, lactation period.

Citalopram (Celexa, Cipramil)

Available in tablets; active ingredient – ​​citalopram.

The medicine is indicated for oral administration once a day. The tablets can be taken at any time of the day (without chewing) regardless of food, but preferably at the same time. Treatment of depression begins with taking 20 milligrams per day. Depending on the individual reaction of the patient and the severity of the disease, the dose can be increased to a maximum of 40 milligrams per day. The recommended daily dose for the elderly is 10-20 milligrams. The course of treatment is at least 6 months.

Side effects: with abrupt withdrawal - sleep disturbances, paresthesia, nausea, asthenia, nervousness. You may also experience: abdominal pain, flatulence, gastrointestinal bleeding, increased heart rate, ringing in the ears, etc.

Contraindications: children under 18 years of age, hypersensitivity to citalopram, pregnancy, lactation. The drug should not be used in combination with MAO inhibitors.

Escitalopram (Elycea, Lenuxin, Cipralex)

Available in tablets; The active ingredient is escitalopram.

Depending on your health condition, the maximum daily dose is 20 milligrams. When discontinuing therapy, the dose should be reduced gradually over 1-2 weeks to avoid withdrawal syndrome. For patients over 65 years of age, the dose of the drug should not exceed 5-10 milligrams.

Side effects: panic attack, loss of appetite, hallucinations, anxiety, dry oral mucosa, urinary retention, myalgia, etc.

Contraindications: children under 18 years of age, impaired liver or kidney function, pregnancy, lactation, hypersensitivity to the active substance of the drug.

Tricyclics (TCAs)

The drugs prevent the reuptake of the neurotransmitter (norepinephrine) into the presynaptic nerve cell, resulting in an increase in its free concentration. They have a powerful antidepressant effect: some drugs in this group have a predominant stimulating effect, while others have a sedative effect.

Tricyclics act more quickly than other groups - in some cases, positive changes in mood can be observed within a few days after starting treatment. However, TCAs cause a number of unwanted side effects and therefore many are available by prescription.

Clomipramine (Anafranil)

Available in tablets; active ingredient – ​​clomipramine hydrochloride.

It is used to treat depressive conditions of various origins, depressive syndromes in personality disorders and schizophrenia, prolonged pain, chronic somatic diseases, disorders of a neurotic, reactive and psychopathic nature.

The drug is prescribed orally for adults - 25-50 milligrams 2-3 times a day; for children, depending on age – 25-50 milligrams per day.

Side effects: nightmares, convulsions, glaucoma, sinus tachycardia, cardiac conduction disturbances, diarrhea, nausea, increased appetite, etc.

Contraindications: previous myocardial infarction, arrhythmia, severe renal failure, pregnancy, lactation, urinary retention.

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)

An enzyme called monoamine oxidase is able to reduce the amount of serotonin and norepinephrine between the presynaptic and nerve cells and neurons in the synaptic cleft. MAOI blocks its action, while increasing the concentration of neurotransmitters.

Drugs in this group have a large number of side effects and are not recommended to be purchased without a doctor's prescription, even if possible.

Such antidepressants include Tranylcypromine (Parnate), Pyrazidol, Phenelzine (Nardil), Moclobemide (Manerix), Isocarboxazid (Marplan).

Noradrenergic and specific serotonergic (NaSSA)

Modern antidepressants are well tolerated and help get out of despondency, depression, and cope with anxiety. They have fewer side effects than previous generations. NaSSA reduces the absorption of norepinephrine by the presynaptic nerve cell, which increases its free concentration.

Mianserin (Lerivon)

Available in tablets; active ingredient – ​​mianserin hydrochloride.

Indicated for the treatment of depression of various origins.

Side effects: weight gain, convulsions, development of jaundice, arthralgia, etc.

Contraindications: mania, liver disease, kidney disease, age under 18 years, hypersensitivity to the components of the drug.

Remeron (Mirtazapine, Mirtalan, Calixta)

Available in tablets; The active ingredient is mirtazapine.

Relieves depression, improves mood, increases stress resistance, eliminates feelings of anxiety, fear, etc.

Take the tablets orally with water and swallow without chewing. For adults, the daily dose ranges from 15 to 45 milligrams; the initial dose is 15-30 milligrams. For older people, the dose is the same, but always under the supervision of a doctor. Remeron should be taken once a day at the same time, before bed. Duration of treatment is 4-6 months.

Side effects: drowsiness, dry mouth, rarely - diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, skin rash, increased appetite, fatigue, arterial hypotension, weight gain, confusion.

Contraindications: hypersensitivity to the active ingredient or any excipient, lactose intolerance, children under 18 years of age. The medicine is prescribed with caution and under medical supervision to patients with epilepsy, kidney or liver failure, heart disease, arterial hypotension, drug dependence, and diabetes.

Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors

The mechanism of action of the drugs is to stop or inhibit the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine, resulting in increased neurotransmitter activity in the central nervous system.

Velaxin (Venlaxor, Venlafaxine)

Available in tablets, capsules; active ingredient – ​​venlafaxine.

Prescribed for depression of various etiologies, generalized and social anxiety disorders.

The tablets should be taken with food and water. They should not be chewed, crushed or dissolved. For depression, the initial daily dose is 75 milligrams, the maximum is 225 milligrams.

Side effects: chills, headache, increased fatigue, abdominal pain, etc.

Contraindications: severe liver or kidney dysfunction, breastfeeding, pregnancy, hypersensitivity to the components of the drug, age under 18 years.

Cymbalta (Duloxetine)

Available in tablets; active ingredient – ​​duloxetine.

Prescribed for the treatment of painful forms of diabetic neuropathy, depression, generalized anxiety disorders, chronic musculoskeletal pain syndrome.

Side effects: development of hypothyroidism, laryngitis, dehydration, dry mouth, headache, etc.

Contraindications: age under 18 years, glaucoma, simultaneous use of MAO, fructose intolerance, liver disease, kidney disease, arterial hypertension, lactation, pregnancy, etc.

Vegetable origin

Glycine

Available in tablets and powder; active ingredient – ​​microencapsulated glycine.

Improves brain metabolism and is used for psycho-emotional stress, organic and functional diseases of the nervous system, which are accompanied by increased excitability, emotional instability, neuroses, depressive states, sleep disturbances, and decreased mental performance.

For depression, Glycine is prescribed to adults and children over 3 years of age, 1 tablet 2-3 times a day for 7-14 days; children under 3 years old – 0.5 tablets 2-3 times a day for 7-14 days. If necessary, the course of treatment can be repeated 4-6 times.

Side effects: allergic reactions are possible.

Contraindications: individual intolerance.

Deprim (Life 600, St. John's wort, Gelarium Hypericum)

Available in tablets, capsules; active ingredient – ​​St. John's wort extract.

Indicated for low mood, mild to moderate depression, accompanied by anxiety.

Adults and children over 12 years of age are prescribed 1 tablet three times a day (preferably at the same time); if necessary, the dose can be increased to 2 tablets (in 2 doses). Children from 6 to 12 years old - under the supervision of a doctor, 1-2 tablets in the morning and afternoon.

Side effects: feeling of fatigue, nausea, constipation, anxiety, itching, skin hyperemia; in people with increased sensitivity to sunlight, simultaneous use of the medicine and sunbathing can cause burns.

Contraindications: children under 6 years of age (for film-coated tablets) and 12 years of age (for capsules), hypersensitivity to the drug.

Nodepress

Available in capsules; active ingredients - amino acids (L-Tryptophan, L-Tyrosine, L-Glutamine), vitamin B6 and St. John's wort extract.

An antidepressant improves mood and effectively fights depression; relieves feelings of anxiety, melancholy, apathy; suppresses the motivation of self-blame and self-destruction, thoughts of suicide; normalizes sleep, etc.

Adults take 1 capsule per day with meals. The course of treatment is 1 month.

Contraindications: individual intolerance, pregnancy, lactation, children under 15 years of age.

Novo-Passit

Available in tablets and solution; active ingredients - extracts of dry herbs (St. John's wort, lemon balm, valerian, hawthorn, etc.).

Prescribed for neurotic reactions and neurasthenia, accompanied by anxiety, irritability, fatigue, fear, and absent-mindedness. Indicated for manager syndrome (a state of constant mental stress); insomnia; headaches caused by nervous tension; functional diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (irritable bowel syndrome, dyspeptic syndrome); migraine; itchy dermatoses (eczema, urticaria) caused by psychological stress.

Take orally for children over 12 years of age and adults, 1 tablet three times a day. If necessary, the dose can be increased to 2 tablets 3 times a day. The interval between doses should be 4-6 hours. If nausea occurs, the tablets should be taken with meals.

Side effects: cramps, vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, heartburn, drowsiness, dizziness, fatigue, muscle weakness, allergic reaction.

Contraindications: children under 12 years of age, myasthenia gravis, hypersensitivity to the components of the drug. Use the medicine with caution in patients with acute gastrointestinal diseases, chronic alcoholism, liver diseases, brain diseases, and epilepsy.

Persen

Available in tablets; active ingredients – herbal extracts (valerian, lemon balm, peppermint).

Prescribed for increased nervous excitability, irritability, depression, and insomnia.

Take the herbal medicine orally with water, regardless of food intake. For adults and children over 12 years of age for depression, nervous excitability and irritability, take 2-3 tablets 2-3 times a day. The maximum daily dose is 12 tablets. Persen is not recommended for continuous use for more than 1.5-2 months.

Side effects: peripheral edema, skin rash, allergic dermatitis, hyperemia, bronchospasm, constipation (with long-term use).

Contraindications: arterial hypotension, sucrase deficiency, cholelithiasis, cholangitis and other diseases of the biliary tract, lactose intolerance, lactase deficiency, lactation period, pregnancy, children under 12 years of age, individual intolerance to the components of the drug.

Tryptophan (Thymogen)

Available in tablets; active ingredient – ​​amino acid L-tryptophan.

The main component of the drug is involved in the synthesis of melatonin and serotonin, as well as hormones that regulate general mood and biological rhythms. When used, resistance to depression and stress increases, and the syndrome of constant fatigue is relieved. the drug is prescribed for depression of various origins, seasonal functional disorders, mood swings, obsessive-compulsive neurosis, aggressiveness, increased irritability, anxiety, sleep disorders, alcohol addiction, chronic fatigue syndrome.

For depression, 1-3 grams of medication is prescribed before bedtime. The duration of the course is no more than 1 month.

Side effects: rarely - dry mouth, decreased appetite, drowsiness.

Contraindications: sensitivity to the main component, pregnancy, lactation, simultaneous use with other medications intended for the treatment of nervous system disorders.

Nootropic

They are successfully used to treat depressive conditions, especially mild and moderate severity. The drugs have a sedative, psychostimulant, antidepressant, antiasthenic, antiepileptic, and adaptogenic effect.

Tenoten

Available in tablets; active ingredient – ​​purified antibodies to brain-specific protein.

It has an anti-anxiety, calming effect, without causing a negative muscle relaxant and hypnogenic effect, and improves the tolerance of psycho-emotional stress. It has nootropic, antidepressant, neuroprotective, and antihypoxic effects.

For depression, 1-2 tablets are prescribed orally during meals (keep in mouth until completely dissolved) 2 times a day.

Side effects: not identified.

Contraindications: lactose intolerance, age under 18 years.

Fenotropil

Available in tablets; active ingredient – ​​phenotropil.

Prescribed for depression of moderate and mild severity, adaptation disorder, neurasthenia, convulsive state, psychoorganic syndrome (flaccid apathetic state, intellectual-mnestic disorders, etc.), diseases of the central nervous system of various origins.

Take after meals, the average daily dose is 200-300 milligrams, divided into 2 doses; maximum – 750 milligrams. The duration of therapy, depending on the patient’s condition, can range from 2 weeks to 3 months. It is advisable to take Phenotropil before 15.00.

Side effects: rarely – headache, insomnia, increased blood pressure, allergic reaction.

Contraindications: severe organic damage to the kidneys or liver, arterial hypertension, severe atherosclerosis, breastfeeding, pregnancy, children under 18 years of age, individual intolerance to the components of the drug.

Homeopathic

Dormikind

Available in tablets; active ingredients - Cypripedium pubescens D4 15 mg, Magnesium carbonicum D10 20 mg, Zincum valerianicum D12 15 mg.

Prescribed to children under 6 years of age to normalize sleep and wakefulness, eliminate insomnia, irritability, tearfulness, anxiety, and increased excitability.

Children under 6 years old take 1 tablet 4 times a day. Dispersible tablets should be taken 30 minutes before meals or 1 hour after. The course of treatment is 3-4 weeks. When treating infants, it is recommended to crush the tablets and dissolve them in a small amount of warm water.

Side effects: not identified:

Contraindications: unknown.

Nervochel

Available in tablets; active ingredients – phosphoric acid, potassium bromide, bitter ignace, etc.

It has a sedative and anticonvulsant effect, normalizes sleep, improves mood, reduces irritability, and eliminates apathy. The substances that make up the drug do not cause addiction, reduce attention and concentration, and do not affect the reaction rate, so the drug can be used in children from the age of three.

For adults, Nervohel is prescribed 1 tablet three times a day, 30 minutes before meals or 1 hour after. The duration of the course of therapy is 2-3 weeks.

Side effects: allergic reaction.

Contraindications: age under 3 years, individual intolerance.

For children and teenagers

For children under 3 years of age, it is recommended to use homeopathic (Dormikind) or herbal (Glycine) preparations as a sedative.

From 3 to 6 years, the list of antidepressants for children increases slightly; Tenoten for children, Nervochel are allowed; from 6 to 12 years - Amitriptyline (Elavil), Deprim, Trittico, etc.; from 12 to 18 years - Persen, Nervohel, Clomipramine, etc.

However, before giving your child any of these medications, you should consult a pediatric neurologist.

During pregnancy and breastfeeding

Despite the lack of information about the harmful effects of the drug, taking Deprim, Novo-Passit, Remeron, Fevarin, Tenoten during pregnancy is possible only when the expected benefit to the mother outweighs the potential risk to the fetus. During lactation, it is recommended to avoid using any antidepressants so as not to harm the baby.

The first antidepressants were synthesized in the fifties of the twentieth century. Nowadays, pharmacological companies continue to work on the creation of new groups of antidepressants, taking into account modern scientific ideas about mental illness. These medications affect the painfully depressed mood that is observed with.

How do antidepressants work?

Mental illnesses, including depression, are still largely unexplored territory. There are many hypotheses explaining the nature of these diseases. According to the generally accepted monoamine theory of depression, the disease occurs due to a deficiency of monoamine neurotransmitters (serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine). Accordingly, in order to overcome depression, it is necessary to restore the normal metabolism and balance of these neurotransmitters. This is the mechanism of action of antidepressants.

Neurotransmitters- these are substances that transmit information from a neuron to another cell (nervous, muscle, etc.). The contact area between these cells is called a synapse. Neurotransmitters are produced in the presynaptic membrane of the neuron. Then from there they are released into the synaptic cleft - the space between neighboring neurons. Most neurotransmitters enter the adjacent neuron through the postsynaptic membrane. A minority of the remaining neurotransmitters are captured back into the presynaptic membrane. According to the monoamine theory of depression, the disease causes increased reuptake of monoamine neurotransmitters, in particular serotonin. That is, neurotransmitters are produced, but do not reach their destination. Because of this, mental activity is disrupted, apathy and bad mood appear.

Such a group of antidepressants as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) it precisely prevents the reuptake of this neurotransmitter by the presynaptic membrane. That is, the amount of serotonin in the synaptic cleft increases, and accordingly the postsynaptic membrane receives it in the proper amount. This is how the antidepressant effect is realized.

There is also such a group of antidepressants as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAO). Monoamine oxidase is an enzyme that breaks down monoamine neurotransmitters. Thus, the use of MAO inhibitors helps to suppress the activity of this enzyme, which is why neurotransmitters are not destroyed and, accordingly, their concentration increases.

Types of antidepressants

There are different classifications of antidepressants. This is how the classification looks like according to the mechanism of action of drugs:

1. Drugs that block the neuronal uptake of monoamine neurotransmitters
   • Non-selective (non-selective) actions that block the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine (Amitriptyline, Imipramine);
   • Selective (selective) actions that block the capture of only a specific neurotransmitter:
     • Blocking serotonin reuptake, this group is also called SSRIs (Fluoxetine, Paroxetine, Citalopram);
     • Blocking norepinephrine reuptake (Maprotiline).
2. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAO):
   • Non-selective action (Nyalamide);
   • Selective action (Pirlindol, Moclobemide).
3. Various (blocker of serotonin and alpha2-adrenergic receptors - the drug Mianserin, agonist of melatonergic receptors - Valdoxan).

In addition, there is also a classification of antidepressants according to their effect. In addition to the antidepressant effect itself, antidepressants have an additional effect: sedative or psychostimulant. Based on this, we distinguish antidepressants predominantly with a sedative effect(Amitriptyline, Mianserin), predominantly with a psychostimulating effect(Fluoxetine, Moclobemide). There are also balanced antidepressants (Paroxetine, Sertraline, Duloxetine). The doctor takes these aspects into account when selecting a drug for a particular patient, because for some, depression occurs with apathy, slowing of motor and mental activity, and for others with high anxiety and psychomotor agitation.

Indications for use

Just by the name of the group of drugs, you can understand that they are used in the fight against depression. However, the range of prescriptions for modern antidepressants, namely SSRIs, is quite wide. They are also prescribed for the following conditions:

• Anxiety disorder;
• Panic disorder;
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder;
• Complex.

Thus, SSRI antidepressants are widely used in general medical practice. Antidepressants are prescribed by a doctor and only if there are objective indications.

Many people are afraid to take antidepressants, even despite doctor's orders. They are driven by fears caused by popular myths about these drugs. So, many people believe that antidepressants are drugs that you can’t get off later.

In fact, antidepressants are not narcotic drugs. Their use can only influence pathologically depressed mood. They do not cause euphoria and are not able to improve the mood of people who do not suffer from depression. That is, if a healthy person takes an antidepressant, he will not feel any effect. In addition, antidepressants are not addictive .

Features of application

The use of antidepressants has its own characteristics. We are so designed that we want to immediately get rid of unpleasant symptoms with one pill. However, this will not work with antidepressants. The fact is that the antidepressant effect when using this group of drugs occurs after approximately two to three weeks.

Much earlier, the additional effect of the drug is realized: calming or stimulating. This is why SSRI antidepressants are used in the treatment of anxiety disorders, because anxiety and restlessness decrease quite quickly.

Note! Due to the fact that the antidepressant effect does not develop immediately, many people stop taking the medication on their own, considering it useless. You can't do that. You can definitely say about the effectiveness of the medicine after a month. If the medicine really turns out to be ineffective, the doctor will replace it with another medicine.

The dose of the medication is increased gradually, achieving the required clinical effect. That is, the dose is selected individually for each patient. The course of taking antidepressants is quite long. Initially, their use is aimed at eliminating the painful condition; this takes an average of two to three months. After eliminating depressive symptoms, antidepressants are not stopped and are taken as maintenance therapy for another four to six months. If the condition normalizes, the doctor discontinues the drug. This should be done gradually, gradually reducing the dose of the medicine. In general, the course of taking an antidepressant is at least six months. Sometimes treatment can take a year or even two.

Important! The path to recovery from depression can be quite long, but you shouldn’t give up. By following your doctor's instructions and working on yourself, you can get rid of painful symptoms and enjoy life again!

Side effects

First generation antidepressants(tricyclic antidepressants, irreversible MAO inhibitors) had many side effects. These are urinary retention, orthostatic hypotension, edema, cardio- and hepatotoxic effects, headaches, tremor,.

Antidepressants of the latest generations have fewer side effects, but they still need to be taken into account. First of all, at the beginning of treatment with the drug, increased anxiety, restlessness, etc. may be observed. This is due to the stimulating effect of the drug. To prevent such side effects, antidepressants are often prescribed with tranquilizers at the initial stage. Treatment should take place under the supervision of a doctor.

Side effects of SSRI inhibitors are also due to the fact that serotonin receptors are found in many organs. Receptor stimulation can cause the following side effects:

• , constipation;
• Daytime sleepiness;
• Apathy;
• Fast fatiguability;
• Tremor;
• Sweating;
• Decreased libido, anorgasmia.

Side effects occur in the first weeks of treatment and usually disappear as therapy continues.

Note! The use of any antidepressants is associated with the risk of developing manic states. Therefore, antidepressants should be used with caution in bipolar disorder.

Popular drugs

The most modern and widely used antidepressants are SSRI drugs. They are tolerated by patients much better than antidepressants of other groups. Their use has fewer contraindications and side effects. In addition, they can be used not only for depression, but also for anxiety disorders.

Amitriptyline

A drug from the group of tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs). Available in tablet form and solution for injection. The medicine quickly has a pronounced antidepressant effect. It also has a calming, anti-anxiety, and hypnotic effect.

Amitriptyline is less tolerated by patients than SSRIs. Its main side effects are:

• Dry mouth;
• Pupil dilation;
• Violation of eye accommodation;
• Constipation;
• Urinary retention;
• Hand tremors;
• Heart rhythm disturbances.

Amitriptyline is contraindicated in cases of high intraocular pressure, cardiac conduction disorders, prostate adenoma, and epilepsy.

The drug is not as widely prescribed as SSRIs. Amitriptyline is used in the treatment of severe endogenous depression. Treatment with the drug should be carried out in a hospital under the supervision of a doctor.

Fluoxetine

This is a popular SSRI antidepressant, also known by the trade name Prozac. The drug normalizes mood, reduces anxiety and fear. However, fluoxetine is classified as a psychostimulant antidepressant. Accordingly, it is prescribed for depression that occurs with a slowdown in motor activity and thought processes. In patients with psychomotor agitation and severe anxiety, the drug may aggravate pathological symptoms. Prescribed for moderate depression and anxiety disorders. Suitable for outpatient treatment.

The drug does not cause orthostatic hypotension and does not have a toxic effect on the heart, unlike Amitriptyline. However, taking Fluoxetine is not without side effects at all. These may include headaches, daytime sleepiness, nausea, vomiting, and dry mouth.

Cipralex

Belongs to the SSRI group, the active substance is escitalopram. Indicated for depression and panic disorder. The antidepressant effect develops after approximately 2-4 weeks. When treating panic disorder, the maximum therapeutic effect can be achieved after three months of treatment.

The medicine is used with caution when treating people with,.

Paroxetine

The drug belongs to the SSRI group and has a pronounced anti-anxiety effect. The range of uses of Paroxetine is very wide: from depression to post-traumatic stress disorder. This medicine is preferred for anxiety disorders. In case of depressive disorder with motor retardation and apathy, the drug can aggravate these symptoms.

Grigorova Valeria, medical observer

Social factors can influence a person’s condition so strongly that at some point he simply breaks down. Familiar things do not please you, indifference appears, and your ability to work quickly approaches zero. In fact, depression is not just a bad mood, but an illness that will not go away on its own. If left untreated, physical symptoms become increasingly apparent and the depression becomes chronic.

Modern antidepressants (SSRI group)

The increase in symptoms of depression subsequently changes not only thoughts, but also behavior, sensory perception, and causes diseases of a different nature. Blood pressure of different generations makes it possible to combat this ailment and return the patient to a healthy state and cheerfulness. Since the effect of drugs is associated with an effect on the nervous system, the question arises about the safety of their use. Only the attending physician will be able to individually prescribe a drug that will not only be effective, but also not cause harm.

Lack of patient satisfaction, problems concentrating, loss of motivation and psychomotor retardation are usually associated with a decrease in dopamine activity in the nervous system. The mediator cannot perform its functions due to a decrease in quantity or disruption of its metabolism. A lack of norepinephrine leads to drowsiness and general apathy. The patient appears depressed and has anxious thoughts. Depressed mood can also be associated with impaired serotonin metabolism.

The following medications are taken only as prescribed by a doctor.

For severe depression, doctors are increasingly prescribing new antidepressants that have dual action. The effectiveness of treatment with selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) has been confirmed in practice. Unlike ADs of other generations, they are more tolerable; in most cases, side effects do not appear. The dual effect of the drug is based on the selective inhibition of the reuptake of both serotonin and norepinephrine, which allows the use of one drug for metabolic disorders of both mediators.

Typical representatives of the SSRI group of drugs are venlafaxine(Velaxin), fluoxetine(fluxen), duloxetine, milnacipran and others. The drugs are sold strictly only with a doctor's prescription. In practice, the drugs venlafaxine and milnacipran practically do not differ in effectiveness.

Venlafaxine, a fairly strong blood pressure medication, is currently prescribed very rarely, as it can have a narcotic effect. This effect occurs due to increased activity of norepinephrine in the nervous system. You can replace the drug with a weaker fluxene. Its action is mainly aimed at reducing the reuptake of serotonin, but this does not reduce the effectiveness of treatment.

When treating double-acting blood pressure, it is important to select the dose necessary to achieve a therapeutic effect, since a larger amount of the drug can not only return the symptoms, but also intensify them. The drug should be taken at the same time. Medications that have a sedative or hypnotic effect are usually taken before bed. The exception is drugs, the maximum effect of which occurs 4-6 hours after administration; to improve sleep, they must be taken during the day.

Natural antidepressants (BP of plant origin)

St. John's wort inflorescences

For mild disorders of the nervous system or stress, it would be advisable to try herbal analogues of antidepressants. They are distributed without a prescription at any pharmacy. St. John's wort can affect the human nervous system, as it contains hypericin. St. John's wort preparations will help improve the condition of seasonal depression, which, as a rule, is accompanied only by psychological discomfort. Due to the presence of hypericin, AD based on St. John's wort enhances the activity of serotonin in the brain and has an antiviral effect.

It is worth mentioning that the effect of St. John's wort does not appear from brewed tea from the herb of the plant. Hypericin does not dissolve in water, so for targeted treatment you need to use alcohol tinctures of St. John's wort, which are easy to prepare even at home.