Antidepressants

Definition

Antidepressants are medications that are primarily used to treat depressive disorders by altering brain chemistry. They can also impact gut health due to the gut-brain axis.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Antidepressants can influence gastrointestinal function and gut microbiota, which may affect overall digestive health.
2. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) are a common class of antidepressants that often have side effects related to digestion, such as nausea or diarrhea.
3. Gut health can impact the effectiveness of antidepressants due to the production of neurotransmitters like serotonin in the digestive system.
4. Antidepressants may require dietary modifications to manage side effects and optimize nutrient absorption.
5. Patients on antidepressants should be monitored for changes in weight and appetite as these medications can alter metabolic processes.

Review Questions

• How do antidepressants potentially affect gut health?
• What is a common side effect of SSRIs related to digestion?
• Why is monitoring nutritional status important for patients on antidepressants?

Related terms

SSRIs:

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors are a class of drugs used primarily to treat depression by increasing levels of serotonin in the brain.

Gut-Brain Axis:

The bidirectional communication network linking the central nervous system with the gastrointestinal tract.

Serotonin:

A neurotransmitter that plays a key role in mood regulation and is produced both in the brain and the digestive tract.