The brain and nervous system are made of billions of specialized nerve cells called neurons, which are connected to one another in an extremely complex and intricate network. Neurons coordinate every essential process of life from breathing to thinking, and use chemical and electrical signals to send messages throughout the body. 

The chemical messengers that neurons use to communicate with one another are called neurotransmitters. There are many different types of neurotransmitters in the body. In the brain, three neurotransmitters are known to play roles in regulating mental health and well-being and are targets for medications: 

  1. Serotonin plays an essential role in processes such as emotion regulation, sleep and appetite.
  2. Norepinephrine plays a major role in the stress response as well as mood, attention, and alertness.
  3. Dopamine. Known as the “reward chemical,” it plays a key role in mood, pleasure, motivation, attention, and learning.

Almost all commonly prescribed medications for mental health conditions such as Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Major Depressive Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Bipolar Disorder, and Schizophrenia work by impacting the activity of one or more of these three major neurotransmitters.

How do the Most Common Medications Work?

  1. Antidepressant and Antianxiety Medications. You may have heard of medications such as Prozac (fluoxetine), Zoloft (sertraline), or Lexapro (escitalopram). Known as Antidepressants, these medications belong to a class called the Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors or SSRIs. By inhibiting the reabsorption (or reuptake) of serotonin after it is released from the neuron, SSRIs increase the availability of serotonin in the brain. Greater availability of serotonin can lead to improvement in symptoms of depression such as low mood, poor sleep, and changes in appetite as well as symptoms of anxiety disorders such as nervousness, excessive worry, and panic attacks. 

  1. Antipsychotics. Another class of mental health medications is called the Atypical Antipsychotics. An excess of dopamine is understood to play a major factor in conditions such as bipolar disorder, which can cause manic symptoms, including racing thoughts, impulsivity, and a decreased need for sleep as well as schizophrenia, which can cause symptoms such as paranoia and hallucinations. Atypical Antipsychotics generally work by blocking key dopamine receptors to reduce psychotic symptoms, such as hallucinations, while also improving mood by modulating serotonin.
  2. Addressing ADHD. Because norepinephrine and dopamine both play a major role in concentration, motivation, planning, and thinking, medications used to treat ADHD work by increasing the availability of either dopamine or norepinephrine, or both.
Did you know? 

Although SSRIs are called “antidepressants” they are also first line medications for anxiety disorders such as Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Panic Disorder as well as Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD).

Why is it Important to know how Medications Work in the Brain?

Mental health conditions have traditionally been stigmatized in society due in large part to a lack of understanding. Many of us fear what we don’t understand. As a result, many people suffer in silence from conditions that are treatable. Remember, mental health conditions are medical conditions. As with diabetes, heart disease, and asthma, medication is often an essential component of treatment. Getting the right care for yourself or for your young person is nothing to be ashamed of. 

Read More About Medications

Is Mental Health Medication Right for You? Have you wondered whether mental health medication may be helpful for yourself or your young person? Explore the process for deciding if you or a loved one should consider speaking with a medical provider about starting medication for a mental health condition. This next article provides a guide to take with you when you meet with your provider. 

Further Reading