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Medication for Major Depressive Disorder

Being diagnosed for Major Depressive Disorder can involve talk therapy to help overcome those lengthy periods of sadness. It can also include prescribed medications designed to help elevate a natural mood or regulate physical symptoms of depression. The type of antidepressant medications prescribed will often depend on the specific symptoms and chemical balance in the brain of the patient.

  1. Major Depressive Disorder

    • The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders (DSM IV-TR) states that major depressive disorder diagnosis consists of a person meeting five of nine key symptoms. These symptoms include lack of concentration, fatigue, thoughts of death and suicide, disinterest in normally pleasurable activities, insomnia, inexplicable weight loss, and excessive feelings of guilt and worthlessness. These symptoms would have a significant impact in a person's normal daily activities.

    Tricyclics

    • The brain is made up of neurons and neurotransmitters that help exchange information between different areas like the hippocampus or prefrontal cortex. Many antidepressants such as tricyclics try to regulate the levels of neurotransmitters that may contribute to depression symptoms. Tricyclics prevent the reabsorption of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that promotes positive feelings. It also does the same for norepinephrine, which activates attention and response in the mind. They also affect the reabsorption of dopamine, another mood regulating neurotransmitter. Some examples of Tricyclics include Norpramin, Surmontil and Vivactil.

    MAOI

    • Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) prevent the enzyme monoamine oxidase from overacting in the body. Monoamine oxidase is supposed to help process the exit of excess neurotransmitters. When they are out of balance, they will sometimes metabolize dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine, reducing them to below-normal levels. MAOIs prevent that from happening. Typically prescribed MAOIs include Marplan, Emsam, and Parnate.

    SSRI

    • Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI) work just as they are named: they prevent the brain from reabsorbing serotonin in certain nerve cells. With more serotonin in the brain, the nerves can improve their transmission processes, resulting in more efficient brain function and positive mood. Lexapro, Celexa and Prozac are examples of SSRIs.

    Atypical Antidepressants

    • Atypical Antidepressants are prescribed usually when the other types of antidepressants don't work on their own. These include medications like Wellbutrin, Cymbalta, and Remeron. They target neurotransmitter balance in various ways, some by treating specific symptoms. For example, Wellbutrin can help inhibit nicotine, which could be helpful if a patient is also battling nicotine addiction. It also does not cause sexual dysfunction, which can be a side effect of other antidepressants.

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