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Drugs Used to Treat Depression in Teens

Teen depression often goes untreated for a variety of reasons, including teens' dependence on caregivers for help and a misconception that sadness in teens is simply part of teen angst. According to Helpguide.org, approximately only 20 percent of teens receive treatment for their depression. Left untreated, depression can lead to problems in school, reckless behavior, substance abuse, low self-esteem or even self violence or suicide. However, although treatment is important, drug therapy is not always the best option for teens. The effects of antidepressants on the developing brain are still not fully understood, and, in some cases, antidepressants can actually increase suicidal thoughts.

  1. Antidepression Medications

    • There are a number of different types of antidepressant medication that can be prescribed to treat teens who are suffering from depression. These medications are prescribed based on the theory that the teen depression is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. The most commonly prescribed class of antidepressant drugs is SSRI drugs. There are also other types of antidepressant medications that are less commonly prescribed, including atypical antidepressants, tricyclic antidepressants and MAOIs.

    SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors)

    • SSRIs, including Prozac, Luvox, Zoloft, Paxil, Lexparo and Celexa, impact the levels of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin plays a role in regulating mood, and these SSRI inhibitors can thus adjust serotonin levels in the brain to reduce depression. However, because serotonin levels also impact mental clarity, digestion, pain and sleep, SSRIs have a number of different side effects including difficulty sleeping, drowsiness, nausea and sexual problems.

    Atypical Antidepressents

    • Atypical antidepressants refers to a broad range of new antidepressant medications on the market that impact both serotonin levels and other neurotransmitters in the brain that regulate dopamine and norepinephrine. These new drugs include Wellbutrin, Effexor, Cymbalta, Remeron, Desyrel and Serzone. Like SSRIs, these drugs can have serious side effects including weight gain, difficulty sleeping, drowsiness, nausea and nervousness.

    Tricyclic antidepressants and Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors

    • Tricyclic antidepressants and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are part of a group of older medications that were traditionally used to treat depression. Because the side effects of these medications are even more severe than the other classes of antidepressant medications, they are typically only prescribed as a last resort.

    Risks of Drugs as Depression Treatment

    • The long-term effects of antidepressant drugs on the teen brain is unknown. Furthermore, it can be difficult to stop taking antidepressant drugs once you begin taking them. Withdrawal symptoms, similar to those of stopping any addictive drug, can occur. Those who wish to stop taking anti-depression medications should be weaned off the drugs slowly, under the care of a physician. Anti-depression drugs can also increase the risk of suicide in some teenagers and young adults under the age of 24. This risk is worse for teens with bipolar disorder, a family history of bipolar disorder or previous suicide attempts.

    Talk Therapy

    • Because of the risks associated with antidepressant medications, talk therapy may be recommended for teens suffering from depression as an alternative to medication. Even for those teens who are prescribed medication, the National Institutes of Mental Health recommends that these medications are used in conjunction with other forms of treatment including counseling, behavior management and family therapy.

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