Although antidepressants have been widely regarded as effective, a recent large-scale analysis of published clinical trials indicates that there is only a small difference between antidepressants and placebo. This analysis of FDA clinical trials data indicates that only 18% of the drug response is due to the pharmacological effects of the medication.

With such a small drug effect, it appears there is little justification for the use of antidepressants. You don't have to rely on expensive and possibly toxic pills to relieve your depression or anxiety.

It is important to carefully investigate antidepressants and their side effects, along with exploring alternatives when looking for depression relief.

Antidepressants work by altering the way certain neurotransmitters work in the brain. Millions of cells within the brain transmit messages to one another using chemical substances called neurotransmitters. Although there are about 100 different chemicals active in the brain, two neurotransmitters are particularly affected with depression; Serotonin (sometimes referred to as 5HT) and Noradrenaline.

The problems with antidepressant drug medication is that all antidepressants have side effects and some of these side effects can be quite severe. At question is whether the benefits of antidepressants outweigh the risks, or the risks outweigh the benefits of antidepressant drug medication.

Antidepressants were first developed in the 1950s to relieve the symptoms of depression. Antidepressant drug medication is also used for anxiety, panic attacks and obsessive problems. Antidepressants, especially the new antidepressants, might also be prescribed to for chronic pain, eating disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder 

There are three main types of antidepressants; Tricyclics, Selective serotonin re-uptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) and Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).

Tricyclics work by blocking the re-uptake of serotonin and noradrenaline. SSRIs block the re-uptake of serotonin only. MAOIs block the breakdown of excitatory neurotransmitters.

The older Tricyclics antidepressants have the same level of effectiveness as the new SSRIs but seem to have more side effects. The SSRIs, on the other hand, are shown to increase the risk of suicide, violence and deeper depression.

Deprex works quite differently from synthetic antidepressants, by supplying the precursors to mood-controlling neurotransmitters and providing nutrients needed to allow the body to naturally care for itself. Instead of artificially mimicking serotonin activity, Deprex naturally and effectively enhances serotonin levels within the body and brain - without side effects.

Any therapeutic strategy using Deprex is at the discretion of the individual and their health care provider. In all cases of clinical depression, always seek a your health care provider's guidance first.

*This antidepressant drug information does not endorse antidepressants, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible warnings, uses, precautions, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse side effects of antidepressants. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your health care provider or pharmacist. The information provided should not be construed to indicate that antidepressants are safe, effective or appropriate.

Do not stop taking antidepressants without first talking to your doctor. Your doctor may need to gradually reduce the dose before stopping a dosage completely. Suddenly stopping some antidepressants may cause unpleasant and potentially serious side effects and withdrawal symptoms.