Chapter 28, Problem 28.72AP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The name of three drug families which are used to treat depression has to be listed.

Concept Introduction:

Neurotransmitters: Neurotransmitters are chemicals that transmit messages from the nervous system to the target cell. They are the chemical messagers where the electrical signal from the nervous system is travelled from one neuron to another to reach the target cell.

The “big three” neuro transmitters are serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine and are also called monoamines. The deficiency of the neurotransmitters serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine leads to depression.

By the mode of action, three families of drugs are used as effective anti-depressant. They are Tricyclic antidepressant (Elavil), Monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor (Nardil) and Selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors, SSRI (Prozac)