Antidepressants

Antidepressants do not seem to have all of the same addictive qualities as other substances such as nicotine, caffeine, cocaine, or other stimulants in other words, antidepressants may cause dependence and withdrawal but not to the extent of others. There is a large amount of research evaluating the potential therapeutic effects of antidepressants, whether through efficacy studies under experimental conditions including randomized clinical trials or through studies of real world effectiveness. It is well recognized that virtually all major antidepressant drugs suppress REM sleep and it has, in fact, been proposed that the clinical efficacy of these drugs largely derives from their suppressant effects on REM sleep. Various opiates were commonly used as antidepressants until the mid 1950s, when they fell out of favor with medical profession due to their addictive nature, the tolerance buildup issues and their side effects. The selection of an antidepressant and dosage suitable for a certain case and a certain person is a lengthy and complicated process, requiring the knowledge of a professional. An antidepressant, in the most common usage, is a medication taken to alleviate clinical depression. Tryptophan dietary supplements have also been used as natural antidepressants.