5 surprising ways antidepressants affect your brain chemistry!

How do antidepressants influence brain chemistry in surprising ways, including their impact on brain plasticity, serotonin and dopamine levels, fatigue, and alterations in brain structure?

Antidepressants are a class of drugs used to treat depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. Here are five surprising ways antidepressants affect your brain chemistry: 

1. Increases Brain Plasticity 

• Antidepressants can boost brain plasticity by elevating levels of a protein called brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which supports neuron growth and survival. This greater plasticity is believed to improve learning and adaptability. 

2. Affects Serotonin Levels 

• Antidepressants increase specific neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, which regulate mood, appetite, and sleep, leading to better mood and less anxiety. 

3. Causes Fatigue 

• Antidepressants can cause fatigue, but the reason is not fully understood. This side effect may be related to the way antidepressants affect neurotransmitter levels in the brain. 

4. Affects Dopamine Levels 

• Antidepressants may impact dopamine levels in the brain, which regulate pleasure, motivation, and reward. Higher dopamine levels may contribute to improved mood and energy. 

5. Alters Brain Structure 

• Antidepressants alter brain structure, affecting gray matter density in areas associated with mood regulation and emotional processing. Despite their power, these drugs can have long-term consequences on brain chemistry.

Source:- University of Eastern Finland. (2023, April 5). How an antidepressant increases brain plasticity. ScienceDaily . Retrieved April 11, 2023 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/04/230405112132.html 

Disclaimer:- This information is intended to supplement, not substitute, advice from your healthcare provider or doctor. It does not cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions, or side effects, and may not be appropriate for your specific healthcare needs. Always consult with your doctor or another qualified healthcare provider before modifying or discontinuing any prescribed portion of your healthcare plan or treatment, in order to determine the best course of therapy for you. Do not ignore or delay professional medical advice based on anything you have seen or read on Medwiki. 

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