Safest Medication for Depression Disorders

Depression will affect you at some time in your life, whether directly or indirectly. The most common treatments are antidepressant medications, which are safe for most people. Each type of drug has unique side effects that you and your doctor will discuss in your treatment plan.

SSRIs

• SSRIs, or serotonin reuptake inhibitors, alter the brain's effect on the chemical serotonin; its side effects are seldom bothersome and include nausea, insomnia, weight changes, sleepiness, dry mouth, sexual problems and headaches.

Atypical Antidepressants

• Atypical antidepressants can affect serotonin, norepinephrine and/or dopamine, and some side effects are nausea, fatigue, dry mouth and weight gain.

Tricyclic Antidepressants

• These are older medications that are less commonly prescribed due to more serious side effects. These include bladder problems and increased heart rate, both of which can be dangerous in men with prostate problems or older individuals with other health issues.

MAOIs

• Doctors rarely recommend monoamine oxidase inhibitors as a treatment because they are less safe and can have fatal interactions with certain cold and flu medications. They are more likely to produce serious side effects of trembling, dizziness, and weakness.

Conclusion

• While medication is considered an effective mode of treatment, especially for the more seriously depressed patient, not all medications are the same. Overall, antidepressants are safe when used properly and monitored carefully, but MAOIs and tricyclics come with more dangerous side effects and are considered the least safe of the drug choices.