Antidepressants
Substance
Antidepressants are used to treat depression, as well as anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorders. Their effects develop with regular use over several weeks, and the mechanism of action is usually indirect, involving the inhibition of the breakdown of neurotransmitters in the brain. Therefore, they do not carry a risk of addiction or dependence. What is perceived as an immediate effect when taking the medication are actually side effects (e.g., fatigue). When discontinuing antidepressant treatment, withdrawal symptoms (e.g., tingling, numbness, dizziness, sleep disturbances, headaches, nausea, sweating, and anxiety or panic attacks) can occur, especially if the medication is stopped abruptly.
group
Downer
Antipsychotics
Be careful when mixing substances!
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alcohol
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Benzodiazepines
Substance groups
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Neuroleptics are drugs with antipsychotic (combating loss of reality) as well as sedative (calming) effects.
dosage
Quetiapine (e.g., Seroquel®) has sedative and anxiolytic effects in single oral doses of 800 to 1200 mg. Caution: In high doses, it has a strong blood pressure-lowering effect.
Similar effects have also been described with olanzapine (e.g. Zyprexa®) at doses of 40 to 50 mg/day.
Effect
The effects of antidepressants are variable. Depending on the specific medication, antidepressants can have mood-lifting, energizing, sedating, calming, and anxiolytic properties.
Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) can be used in high doses to produce euphoria and feelings of contentment. A typical example is amitriptyline (e.g., Saroten®), which has a pronounced sedative effect. Tricyclic antidepressants are occasionally used to induce euphoria and hallucinations. Due to the synergistic effect of opioids and tricyclics, this class of antidepressants can be used to enhance and/or prolong their effects.
Bupropion (e.g., Wellbutrin®) is structurally similar to amphetamines and inhibits the reuptake of dopamine and norepinephrine in the central nervous system. Bupropion has a strong activating side effect, described as stimulant. It is occasionally used specifically because of this side effect.
The selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) fluoxetine (e.g., Fluctine®) has stimulant effects at higher doses than those used in therapy (over 80 mg/day). Combining it with 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, Ecstasy) can prolong its effects.
Risks and side effects
Antidepressants
Due to the significant differences between antidepressants, side effects depend on the specific substance. The most common side effects are: gastrointestinal problems, sweating, dizziness, nausea, restlessness, anxiety, palpitations, and decreased libido and erectile dysfunction. Rarely, heart rhythm disturbances, increased blood pressure, seizures, and, in cases of overdose, serotonin syndrome (life-threatening) may occur.
Antipsychotics
Side effects vary considerably depending on the specific drug. The most frequently observed side effects are drowsiness, sedation or restlessness, muscle twitching, dizziness, thirst and dry mouth, and weight gain. Less common side effects include motor symptoms such as stiffness, tremors, and involuntary movements (extrapyramidal disorders). After prolonged treatment with neuroleptics, some individuals may develop dystonia (specific postural abnormalities) or early or tardive dyskinesia (abnormal movements).