Compare and contrast the three types of antidepressants, giving an example (e.g., brand name) of each. Why aren't antidepressants prescribed for the treatment of bipolar disorder?

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The Answer is The answer should include the following information: (1) The first class of antidepressants was monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), which prevent the enzymatic breakdown of neurotransmitters such as dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. Although they were effective, they had many dangerous side effects and many drug interactions. An example of an MAOI is iproniazid; (2) Tricyclic antidepressants are effective in increasing amounts of norepinephrine and serotonin in the synapse by blocking their reuptake, but similar to MAOIs, they can have many side effects. Examples of tricyclic antidepressants include Tofranil and Elavil; (3) The most recent class of antidepressants are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which increase serotonin levels in the synapse by blocking its reuptake. SSRIs have fewer side effects than MAOIs and the tricyclics, and today are considered a front-line treatment for depression. Examples of SSRIs include Prozac, Celexa, and Paxil; (4) All antidepressants can take up to several weeks to show a therapeutic effect, and they are not recommended for treating bipolar disorder. In persons with bipolar disorder, all of these drugs could trigger a manic episode. Mood-stabilizing drugs, such as lithium and valproate, are used to treat bipolar disorder.

Compare and Contrast the Three Types of Antidepressants, Giving an Example