15.2 : 抗うつ薬：概要

Antidepressant drugs alleviate symptoms of depression by enhancing neurotransmission in the brain.

These agents are classified based on their chemical structure and molecular targets.

The first-generation antidepressants include tricyclic antidepressants or TCAs and monoamine oxidase inhibitors or MAOIs.

TCAs primarily block transporters responsible for catecholamine reuptake and also affect histamine, acetylcholine, and adrenergic receptors. MAOIs inhibit monoamine metabolism. Both these drug categories are potent but exhibit toxicity.

Second-generation agents include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs, which block serotonin reuptake, and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors or SNRIs, inhibiting reuptake of both serotonin and norepinephrine.

Serotonin receptor antagonists effectively target the 5HT₂ receptor family and are used for treating insomnia.

Additionally, the combination of atypical antipsychotics with SSRIs or SNRIs addresses major depression in treatment-resistant cases.

Antidepressant drugs manage anxiety disorders, fibromyalgia, and premenstrual dysphoric syndrome.