What is the main desired action of an antidepressant drug?

The main desired action of an antidepressant drug is to provide relief from symptoms of depression. These medications are specifically designed to alter neurotransmitter levels in the brain, which helps to improve mood, reduce feelings of sadness, anxiety, and helplessness, and enhance overall emotional well-being.

Antidepressants work by targeting chemicals such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine, which are critical in regulating mood and emotional responses. The primary goal is to alleviate the debilitating effects that depression can have on a person's daily life, enabling them to engage more fully in activities and relationships that they may have found challenging due to their depressive symptoms.

While changes in respiratory rate, heart rate, and blood pressure can occur as side effects or reactions to certain medications, they are not the main objectives of antidepressant therapies. The focus of these drugs is solely on easing depressive symptoms rather than affecting vital signs.