How Do Antidepressants Work?

Antidepressants come in two forms, SSRIs and SNRIs. The SSRIs stop stress hormones like Cortisol from reducing the effectiveness of the Serotonin your brain produces. The stress hormone catches the transfer of Serotonin between brain neurons and destroys the molecules or pushes them back into the transferring cell body. This robs you of the use of a vital neurotransmitter that helps to maintain good mental health.

SNRIs work on both the protection of Serotonin and Norepinephrine. Nor means to limit in Latin. Epinephrine is the new word for what used to be called something that started with an "A" that somebody copyrighted, so, we say Epinephrine now.

Epinephrine stimulates the body and too much of it can startle and make a person jumpy, increasing physical symptoms of anxiety. The brain produces Norepinephrine to keep the symptoms of anxiety in check. Stress hormones can destroy or push back Norepinephrine, just as they do with Serotonin.

Being unable to utilize the neurotransmitters leads us to anxiety, which builds frustration, sometimes anger, and a hopeless feeling that can lead to depression.

The type of medications mentioned above battle depression, along with anxiety, by preventing Epinephrine and Cortisol from keeping us in a flight or fight manner. Those who refuse to utilize such medications often suffer needlessly.

There are botanicals that can help but they are simply not as effective in fighting back against the stress hormones as medications. For more information, send Dr. Probst an email at drprobstwisconsin@gmail.com