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Medicine Used to Treat Depression

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, approximately 9.5 percent of the United States population deals with depression. After the condition has been diagnosed, there are various medications that can be prescribed to help relieve the symptoms often associated with depression.

  1. Tricyclic Antidepressants

    • Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) are a common form of medical treatment for depression. TCAs comprise some of the oldest medications available for the treatment of depression and include drugs such as Vivactil, Adapin, Elavil and Norpramin. TCAs work by increasing the presence of two important neurotransmitters---serotonin and norepinephrine---in the brain. Both chemicals are associated with the regulation of mood and emotions. Because TCAs have more side effects than most other antidepressants on the market, they are rarely the first type of drug considered for treatment.

    SSRIs

    • Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are another commonly prescribed medication for depression. These medications make up some of the most popularly prescribed medications, including Zoloft, Prozac and Paxil. SSRIs work by preventing the reuptake of serotonin back into the nerve cells of the brain, resulting in an increased amount of serotonin in the system, which helps lessen the major symptoms associated with depression.

    Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors

    • Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are another common form of antidepressant medicine. Commonly prescribed MAOIs include Nardil, Marplan and Parnate. MAOIs work similarly to TCAs by increasing the amount of both serotonin and norephinephrine in the brain; however, MAOIs have fewer side effects than TCAs, making them a more popular prescription choice.

    SNRIs

    • Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are similar to SSRIs. SNRIs differ in that they not only block the reuptake of serotonin, but also prevent the reuptake of norepinephrine. This increases the availability of both chemicals in the brain to help regulate and boost mood. Commonly prescribed SNRIs include Cymbalta and Effexor.

    Herbal

    • Some patients may want to try a more natural approach to treating depression, or to supplement medication with herbal remedies. Common medicinal herbs used to address depression include ginkgo (ginkgo biloba), St. John's wort and Siberian ginseng. Before using herbal remedies, however, it is critical that you speak with your doctor to insure that the herbs will not interfere with other medications you take.

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