Mood Elevators

Mood elevators is a general term that usually refers to antidepressants, but can also include a host of other non-drug substances and even activities that can help those suffering from depression. 

Principally, most prescription mood elevators come in three different forms; serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).  Basically, these mood elevators work on the chemicals in the brain that regulate moods such as depression.  TCAs work by increasing the levels of two neurotransmitters or chemicals in the brain, serotonin and norepinephrine. Neurotransmitters carry messages from one nerve cell to another. It is believed that insufficient amounts of these chemicals in the brain are a cause of depression.  MAOIs treat depression by preventing the metabolism of neurotransmitters. These mood elevators are used less frequently than the TCAs because they are less effective, it takes longer for them to become effective, and are more toxic. Usually they are prescribed for depression that is associated with anxiety attacks, or if the depression is not responding to treatment with other mood elevators.  SSRIs have become the most widely used prescription mood elevator in the treatment of depression because of their safety record in comparison to other prescription mood enhancers for depression. These prevent the neurotransmitter serotonin from being taken up at the nerve endings.

Natural mood elevators are drug alternatives that may help in dealing with mild to moderate depression.  They range from specialized diets, to exercise, to taking non prescription mood enhancers and supplements like blue-green algae, B vitamins, SAM-e, or St. John’s Wort.

Mood Elevators related topics: Depression, Antidepressants, Mood Elevators, Natural Antidepressants, Natural Mood Elevators, Postpartum Depression, S-Adenosyl-Methionine, Sam e Depression, Serotonin

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