Antidepressant Medications

Definition

Antidepressant medications are drugs used to treat depression by balancing neurotransmitter levels in the brain, such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. They work by increasing the availability of these chemicals or slowing down their reuptake.

Related terms

Serotonin:

A neurotransmitter that plays a key role in mood regulation and is often targeted by antidepressant medications.

Norepinephrine:

Another neurotransmitter involved in mood regulation and commonly affected by antidepressants.

Dopamine:

A neurotransmitter associated with pleasure, reward, and motivation that can also be influenced by some antidepressants.