Understanding Antidepressants and Their Effects

Vocabulary (Text 1)

Common Antidepressants and Medications

• Serotonin: A neurotransmitter that carries signals between nerve cells.
• Mood Stabilizer: A medication that helps regulate mood swings.
• MAOIs (Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors): A class of antidepressants.
• SNRIs (Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors): A class of antidepressants that increase serotonin and norepinephrine levels.
• Remeron (Mirtazapine): An antidepressant used to treat major depressive disorder.
• Wellbutrin (Bupropion): An antidepressant and smoking cessation aid.
• Amitriptyline: A tricyclic antidepressant.
• Skelaxin (Metaxalone): A muscle relaxant.
• Flexeril (Cyclobenzaprine): A muscle relaxant.
• Cephalexin: An antibiotic.
• Percocet: A pain medication containing acetaminophen and oxycodone.
• Cymbalta (Duloxetine): An antidepressant and pain reliever.
• Morphine: An opioid pain medication.
• Hydrochlorothiazide: A diuretic.
• Vicodin: A pain medication containing acetaminophen and hydrocodone.
• Methadone: An opioid medication used for pain management and opioid addiction treatment.

Questions and Answers

1. Why should you avoid taking antidepressants when you drink alcohol?
   Because alcohol interferes with the metabolism of antidepressants.
2. What can MAO inhibitors cause if consumed together with tyramine?
   They can cause dangerously high blood pressure.
3. Is alcohol a drug?
   Yes.
4. How many types of medications does the author refer to?
   The author refers to 16 types of medications.

Vocabulary (Text 2)

More Medications and Terms

• MAO (Monoamine Oxidase): Enzymes that catalyze the oxidation of monoamines.
• Over-the-Counter: Medications available without a prescription.
• Dopamine: A neurotransmitter essential for central nervous system function.
• Tyramine: A monoamine that acts as a vasoactive substance in the body.
• SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors): A class of antidepressants.
• Opioids: Drugs with effects similar to opium, such as morphine.
• TCAs (Tricyclic Antidepressants): A class of antidepressants.
• Blood Thinners: Anticoagulant medications.
• Adderall: A central nervous system stimulant.
• Gabapentin: An anti-epileptic medication.
• Tramadol: A narcotic-like pain reliever.
• Clonidine: A medication used to lower blood pressure.
• Omeprazole: A proton pump inhibitor used to reduce stomach acid.
• Amoxicillin: A penicillin antibiotic.
• Metformin: An oral diabetes medication.
• Diazepam: A benzodiazepine medication.
• Phentermine: A stimulant similar to amphetamine.
• Methocarbamol: A skeletal muscle relaxant.

Questions and Answers

1. Why do reports say that a significant number of people who take antidepressants experience sexual dysfunction?
   Because it's related to increased levels of the brain chemical serotonin and decreased levels of another neurotransmitter, dopamine.
2. Does the severity of sexual side effects depend on the type of antidepressant?
   No, it also depends on the individual.
3. Which diseases does sexual dysfunction involve? Give examples.
   Sexual dysfunction can be associated with various health conditions, including diabetes and high blood pressure.
4. Are all antidepressants good for your body?
   No, they can cause side effects such as erectile dysfunction in men and vaginal dryness in women.