depression drugs

Drugs for Depression

There are many options for the treatment of clinical depression, including:

  • Alternative or complementary therapies (including acupuncture)
  • Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)
  • Lifestyle changes
  • Psychotherapy
  • Support groups
  • Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)

Many people use multiple methods of treatment for depression, a combination that often includes antidepressant drugs.

Drugs for Depression

Although it is common to take drugs for depression, how can a patient know if depression medication is right for her? How does a patient know which antidepressant drug is right for him? The first step is to visit either a doctor or psychiatrist.

You’ll want to ask the following questions when considering this method of treatment for depression:

  • Are there any foods or substances I should avoid while taking drugs for depression?
  • Are there any medical conditions that may be causing my depression?
  • How long will I take this depression medication?
  • How might this depression medication interact with my other prescriptions?
  • If I decide to take antidepressant drugs, should I pursue therapy too?
  • Is my depression severe enough to require antidepressant drugs?
  • What are possible side effects?
  • What non-drug treatment for depression might help?
  • Will it be difficult to get off this depression medication?
  • Will my depression return if I stop taking antidepressant drugs?

Classes of Depression Medication

There are various classifications for depression medication:

  • Atypical antidepressant drugs
  • Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
  • Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
  • Tricyclic antidepressant drugs (TCAs).

Atypical antidepressant drugs affect neurotransmitters other than serotonin, or serotonin and one or more other neurotransmitters. This depression medication may cause nausea, weight gain, dizziness, blurred vision, drowsiness or nervousness. Trade names of atypical antidepressants include:

  • Cymbalta®
  • Effexor®
  • Wellbutrin®.

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) prevent the enzyme monoamine oxidase from breaking down neurotransmitters associated with mood. Side effects are similar to those of TCAs, and may also include light-headedness when sitting or lying down. Trade names for these drugs for depression include:

  • Emsam®
  • Marplan®
  • Nardil®.

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) control levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood. Common side effects of these drugs for depression include sexual dysfunction, drowsiness, sleep problems and nausea. Trade names of SSRIs include:

  • Celexa©
  • Paxil®
  • Prozac©
  • Zoloft©.

Tricyclic antidepressant drugs (TCAs) block the reuptake of three major neurotransmitters: serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. These drugs for depression have more side effects than other antidepressant drugs, including headache, increased heart rate, sexual dysfunction, drowsiness, low blood pressure, weight gain, nausea and weakness. Trade names include:

  • Norpramin®
  • Sinequan®
  • Tofranil®.

Antidepressant Drugs as Treatment for Depression

If you and your doctor decide that antidepressant drugs are right for you, you may not notice a difference right away. Many antidepressant drugs take four to six weeks to become effective. Monitor your side effects, and report any new side effects to your doctor. Finally, consult your doctor before stopping any depression medication.

Resources
HelpGuide Staff. (n.d.). Antidepressants: What you need to know about depression medication. Retrieved May 17, 2010, from the HelpGuide website: www.helpguide.org/mental/medications_depression.htm.

Mayo Clinic Staff. (2008). Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Retrieved May 17, 2010, from the Mayo Clinic website: www.mayoclinic.com/health/maois/MH00072.

Mayo Clinic Staff. (2008). Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs). Retrieved May 17, 2010, from the Mayo Clinic website: www.mayoclinic.com/health/antidepressants/MH00071.

National Institute of Mental Health Staff. (2009). How is depression detected and treated? Retrieved May 17, 2010, from the National Institute of Mental Health website: www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/depression/how-is-depression-detected-and-treated.shtml.