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Examples of effective and safe medications commonly prescribed
for depression or depression-related problems are listed in the chart below.
Type of medication
Drug Name
Brand Name
Conditions it Treats
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
Fluoxetine
Prozac
Depression -- Serotonin is a brain chemical thought to
affect mood states, especially depression. SSRIs help increase the
amount of serotonin to level the patient’s mood.
paroxetine
Paxil
Depression, panic disorder, social phobia
sertraline
Zoloft
Depression, panic disorder, social phobia
fluvoxamine
Luvox
Used for OCD. Can be used for depression, but not FDA
approved
escitalopram
Lexapro
citalopram
Celexa
Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)
Amitriptyline
desipramine
nortriptyline
protripyline
clomipramine
imipramine
doxepin
trimipramine
Elavil
Norpramin
Pamelor
Vivactil
Anafranil
Tofranil
Sinequan
Surmontil
Depression
(Clomipramine is used to treat OCD)
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
tranylcypromine
phenelzine
Parnate
Nardil
Marplan
Depression -- MAOIs increase the concentration of
chemicals in particular regions of the brain that aid communication
between nerves. MAOIs are reserved for people with
severe depression.
Azapirones
Buspirone
BuSpar
Anxiety, generalized
Benzodiaze-pines
Alprazolam
Lorazepam
Diazepam
Xanax
Ativan
PMS, panic disorder
Lithium
Bipolar disorder, recurrent depression
Mood stabilizing anticonvulsants
Carbamaze-pine
Valproate
Lamotrigine
Topiramate
Gabapentin
Tegretol
Depakote
Lamictal
Topamax
Neurontin
Bipolar disorder
Other medications
amoxapine
Asendin
Depression
buproprion
Wellbutrin
venlafaxine
Effexor
nefazodone
Serzone
mirtazepine
Remeron
trazodone
Desyrel
Also used as a sleep aide
maprotaline
Ludiomil
There are a variety of other medicines available that may be
prescribed, depending on your symptoms and individual needs.
How are medications selected?
The type of drug prescribed will depend on your
symptoms, the presence of other medical conditions, what other medicines you are
taking, cost of the prescribed treatments and potential side effects. If you
have had depression before, your doctor will usually prescribe the same medicine
you responded to in the past. If you have a family history of depression,
medicines that have been effective in treating your family member(s) will be
considered.
Usually you will start taking the medicine at a low dose. The
dose will be gradually increased until you start to see an improvement (unless
side effects emerge).
What are the side effects?
The doctor prescribing your medicine will discuss its
potential side effects with you, and will try to prescribe drug(s) with the
least number of side effects for your health condition. Sometimes, more than one
medicine may be tried before the desired benefits are achieved.
You will be monitored closely so that your doctor can detect
the development of harmful side effects and make the necessary changes.
Keep in mind that the benefits of the medicines generally
outweigh the potential side effects. Some side effects decrease after you have
taken the drug for a while. Be sure to discuss your concerns with your doctor
before taking any medicine.
Some common side effects of SSRIs include:
- Agitation
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Sexual problems including low sex drive or inability to
have an orgasm
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Insomnia
- Increased anxiety
- Exhaustion
Some common side effects of tricyclic antidepressants include:
- Dry mouth
- Blurred vision
- Increased fatigue and sleepiness
- Weight gain
- Muscle twitching (tremors)
- Hand shaking
- Constipation
- Bladder problems
- Dizziness
- Increased heart rate
It is important to note that you should not drink alcoholic
beverages while taking antidepressant medicines, since alcohol can seriously
interfere with their beneficial effects.
Will I become addicted if I take antidepressants?
Antidepressant medicines are not addictive; they do
not make you "high," have a tranquilizing effect or produce a craving
for more.
How long will I have to take antidepressants?
In order to be effective and prevent a relapse of
depression, medicines are generally prescribed for 6 to 12 months for people who
are being treated for first-time depression. Usually, these drugs must be taken
regularly for at least 4 to 8 weeks before their full benefit takes effect. You
are usually monitored closely during this time to detect the development of side
effects and to determine the effectiveness of treatment.
When you and your doctor determine that you are better, you
should expect to continue it for at least 4-6 months more, after which your
doctor may gradually taper you off your medicine. Once you and your doctor have
determined it is safe for you to stop taking your medicine altogether, you
should continue to be monitored during periodic follow-up appointments (about
every three months) to detect any signs of depression recurrence.
Long-term treatment with medicine may be recommended to
prevent further episodes of depression in people who have already suffered from
three or more episodes of major depression.
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