Medications for Stress & Depression

Antidepressants are prescribed not only for depression, but also for the treatment of anxiety. For those suffering from depression or anxiety, there are many different types of antidepressants that can be prescribed. Understanding the medications available can help you make the best choice for you, with the help of your doctor.

Imipramine

• Imipramine is available as Tofranil. It is used to treat major depression and anxiety. The typical dose starts at 25-75 mg and is increased to as much as 100-200 mg. It takes about two to six weeks for the drug to start working. If it doesn't work after six weeks, your doctor may choose to add additional antidepressants. This drug interacts negatively with alcohol, illegal drugs, birth control and many other medications. Side effects include dry mouth, blurry vision, weight gain, drowsiness, sweating, dizziness and sun sensitivity.

Fluoxetine

• Fluoxetine is the generic version of Prozac. It is used to treat depression, panic disorder, OCD and social phobia. A typical dose is 20-80mg. It is also available in liquid form. Typically it takes about two to six weeks for the full effect of the medication to be felt. There are fewer side effects associated with Prozac, but some include insomnia, nausea, diarrhea, stomach cramps, headache, weight gain and nervousness. Prozac reacts negatively with alcohol, amphetamines, St. John's wort and many other medications.

Sertraline

• Zoloft is the brand name for sertraline. It is used to treat depression, panic disorder, OCD, PTSD, social phobia and PMDD. The typical dose is 100-200mg and it takes four to six weeks to take full effect. Side effects include upset stomach, insomnia, headache, shakiness and sexual dysfunction. Zoloft is one of the few antidepressants that does not react negatively with alcohol, but can react with diet drugs, St. John's wort and many other medications.

Paroxetine

• Paroxetine is available as Paxil and is used to treat depression, panic disorder, OCD, PTSD, GAD and social phobia. The typical dose is 10-50 mg and it takes about four to six weeks to take full effect. Common side effects include weight gain, sexual problems, nervousness, insomnia, shakiness and upset stomach. Paxil reacts negatively with antacids, alcohol, diet drugs, St. John's wort and many other medications.

Citalopram

• Celexa is the brand name for citalopram. Celexa is used to treat depression and most anxiety disorders. It is available in pill or liquid form. The typical dose is 20-40 mg, and it should begin to work in two to six weeks. Side effects for this medication are usually mild and often disappear after a few weeks. They include upset stomach, insomnia, headache, shakiness, sexual dysfunction and weight gain. Celexa also does not react with alcohol, but it does react with amphetamines, St. John's wort and many other medications.