Quite true. The explanation I gave about how Wellbutrin works in a previous post is, from tests, how it appears to alter brain chemistry. But how this altering of chemistry translates into the anti-depressant affects of the medication is still unknown.

What is particularly interesting about anti-depressants is why they take so long to start working. The affects on the brain chemistry are immediate with the taking of the first pill. Yet the anti-depressant affects aren’t felt until weeks of daily use. No one has any real clue why this is the case. Now, you could make the argument that it takes time for it to alter the delicate balance of chemicals in the brain enough to make difference in mood. And, in fact, this is the most commonly accepted theory. However, as we all know, other drugs, from benzo’s to cocaine have a quite immediate affect on mood. On the positive side, anti-depressants’ slow action may be at least part of the reason why tolerance and addiction are not much of a problems with them, as opposed to the drugs that give you an immediate “buzz.“

I think I read somewhere that as much progress as we have made in understanding how the brain functions we still probably only understand about 2%. So, with a lot of these "chemicals," years after they are released you find out side affects (sometimes positive, as in aspirin) that no one knew about. Also, if you want to be scared take a look at the "rare" side affect list on any med’s manufacturer’s insert. It lists pretty much about every nasty affect you can think of. Showing, I think, how unique we all are and that what works on person may not on another. Or may cause different side affects.