Kinds of Medication for Different Kinds of Depression

Depression, also called clinical depression and major depressive disorder, is a mental illness typically caused by a low chemical imbalance in the brain involving symptoms that impact the mind and body. They include lack of sleep, sleeping too much, loss of interest, trouble focusing and emotional outbreaks with no cause. Each individual experiences depression differently, and symptoms vary. There are many levels and classifications of depression--from common depression to bipolar disorder. A combination of medication and psychotherapy or counseling is often the best treatment for mental illnesses. Consult your doctor.

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)

• This is the most commonly prescribed medication; the side effects are more tolerable and short term. All anti-depressant medications block selected chemicals in the brain, known as inhibitors, regulating the imbalance. These inhibitors appear to help with the symptoms of "milder" depression and patients diagnosed earlier in the stages of depression. Fluoxetine, sertraline, paroxetine, escitalopram oxalate and citalopram are just some of the different types of base medications.

Tricyclic Antidepressants (TSAs)

• Often after finding SSRIs ineffective, prescribing a tricyclic may follow. The Mayo Clinic suggests that the side effects in this group of older medications are often more severe than that of SSRIs. Tricyclics work by enhancing the production of serotonin and norepinephrine. However, tricyclics affect other neurotransmitters and cell receptors, causing a higher risk and intensity of the possible side effects felt by the patient. The name tricyclic comes from the three-ring antihistaminic structure of chemicals. There is a variation containing four rings referred to as "tetracyclic." Some of the base medications for this group are nortriptyline, maprotiline, protriptyline, clomipramine, and amoxapine, sold under varying brand names.

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)

• Typically reserved as a last resort for the most severe treatment, the medication's side effects call for a regimented diet and possible observation by your doctor, as interaction with some elements can cause serious and even fatal side effects. Monoamine oxidase is a protein in the brain that burns up monoamines, the three chemicals neurotransmitters use to send messages (serotonin, norepinephrine and dopemine). This medication blocks the monoamine oxidase from destroying them. This cause another chemical to increase known as tyramine, which raises blood pressure, also controlled by the monoamine oxidase. Consuming some foods high in tyramine while taking MAOIs can cause extremely high blood pressure, resulting in brain hemorrhaging, stroke or other problems.

Side Effects

• Due to the nature of these medications, side effects are common although they do not typically last long if felt at all. Reactions can include dry mouth, nausea, diarrhea, drowsiness, sexual dysfunction or lack of desire, as well as other more severe side effects such as suicidal thoughts. The side effects and intensity vary upon each medication and person, although they do tend to subside once your body has adjusted to the medication. If the symptoms have not dissipated, notify your physician; dosage or medication change is often helpful. It is often common that a trial of more than one medication is necessary to finding the proper medication and dosage for each person.