Chronic Depression Medication

Clinical depression is a treatable condition. Depression can be a chronic condition as mood episodes have a tendency to reoccur and can range from mild, moderate to severe. Older medications can be just as effective as more recent and widely used antidepressants. Talking with a physician can help you determine which medication is right for you. Trial and error may be necessary to maximize benefit in treatment.

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors

• Using a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) is typically the first choice for treating depression. SSRIs are inexpensive with less side effects than some older medications. SSRIs include medications such as Prozac, Lexapro, Celexa, Luvox, Paxil and Zoloft.

Tricyclic Antidepressants

• Taking a tricyclic antidepressant may be an option for chronically depressed patients whose symptoms do not respond to treatment with an SSRI. Tricyclics include some of the first antidepressants that were available, such as Elavil, Sinequan, Pamelor and Tofranil.

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors

• Using a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) for chronic depression is usually the last option. This is due to unpleasant side effects and special dietary restrictions while taking the medication. MAOIs cannot be taken with certain over-the-counter cold medications. MAOIs include medications such as Marplan, Nardil and Parnate.

Other Antidepressants

• Taking an antidepressant that does not fit in these classification systems is another option. For example, Wellbutrin, Cymbalta, Remeron, Serzone, Desyrel and Effexor are all medications that can be considered in a class of their own and have been effective in some patients diagnosed with chronic depression.

Other Factors

• Treating depression is usually successful. However, some people with chronic depression do not experience relief of symptoms by taking these medications. Using a mood stabilizer or antipsychotic medication as a booster to an antidepressant may be necessary.