Medications Used to Treat Acute Depression

Acute depression can occur when symptoms have a sudden onset, such as in single or recurrent episodes of major depression, and have a significant impact on the patient's daily functioning. People with acute depression may be at higher risk for suicide attempts or psychotic symptoms that can be associated with the condition. Typically, medications used for depression take a few weeks to resolve symptoms. Early acute intervention is the best method in preventing worsening of symptoms. If a patient is suffering acute depression symptoms, an assessment should be administered as soon as possible at a doctor's office, clinic or hospital emergency department.

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors

• Taking a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) for depression is generally the first choice for treatment of depression due to overall effectiveness and low side effect profile. These medications usually reach full effectiveness after taking them for at least four weeks. SSRI's are typically first prescribed when acute symptoms of depression are first reported by patients. Prozac, Zoloft and Lexapro are examples of SSRI's that are commonly used for depression.

Tricyclic Antidepressants

• Taking a tricyclic antidepressant for depression is usually the next choice after patients have failed medication trials with the SSRI's. The tricyclic antidepressants are older medications with uncomfortable side effects. This in part is due to the molecular structure of the drug and how the medications affect chemical neurotransmitters in the brain. These medications were first used in the 1950s and may be seen more often in older people who may have been taking the drugs for years and are still reaping the benefits. Elavil, Anafranil and Tofranil are examples of tricyclics used to treat depression.

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors

• Taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAO-I) for acute depression is less common. This is in part due to the dietary restrictions when using this medication. Foods such as cheese and turkey or drinking certain types of wine can trigger a negative reaction with the medication. Certain over-the-counter medications, specifically cold medications, contain warnings on using the drug with MAO-I's. These types of antidepressants are usually the last defense in treating acute or long-term depression that has not responded to the other types. Nardil and Parnate are examples of the more common forms of MAO-I's.

Other Antidepressants

• Taking another type of medication that does not fit into these other categories may be recommended by a physician. Most of these medications are newer forms of antidepressants, coming out around the same time as the SSRI's. Buproprion is a medication that is indicated for depression and smoking cessation. Medications such as Cymbalta and Effexor can be effective in patients who have not responded well to SSRI's. Remeron and trazodone are effective for sleep but have an antidepressant quality that can relieve symptoms of acute depression.

Other Medications

• Taking others types of medication such as anxiolytics and/or antipsychotics are particularly helpful in quickly addressing symptoms of depression. These medications work immediately to sedate or calm symptoms of severe anxiety, ease agitation and treat insomnia, which are symptoms that are associated with acute depression. These medications can also be used in adjunct with antidepressants to boost effectiveness. Xanax and Valium are examples of benzodiazepines used for anxiety. Abilify, Geodon, Zyprexa and Risperdal are antipsychotic medications used for acute depression.