Medications Used to Treat Depression

Depression is one of the most prevalent ailments in modern society. While medications used to treat depression have improved in recent years leading up to 2009, so has their rate of being prescribed. It is estimated that depression leads to more lost work hours and school hours in the United States than any other ailment. There are a wide range of medications used to treat depression and often it is a matter of finding the right medication for each individual in order to effectively alleviate symptoms.

• Depression medication

SSRIs

• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs, have been one of the innovations in the pharmaceutical treatment of depression in the past two decades, according to Omudhome Ogbru, PharmD. These medications include the popular Paxil, Prozac and Zoloft as well as a host of other medications. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that is known to control mood and is often suppressed in individuals experiencing depression. Side effects of SSRIs include increased jumpiness or jittery feelings, dry mouth and decreased sexual interest.

SNRIs

• One of the newest innovations in depression medications are selective norepinephrin reuptake inhibitors, or SNRIs. Dr. Ogbru indicates that these medications target norephinephrin, which is another neurotransmitter that affects mood. These medications include Cymbalta, Effextor and Pristiq. In addition to addressing mood, SNRIs affect the physical symptoms of depression, including muscle pain and weakness. These medications are also used occasionally to treat the muscle pain associated with fibromyalgia.

Tricyclics

• According to Dr. Ogbru, there are cases in which newer medications do not resolve the symptoms of depression, or there are financial considerations. In either of these instances, older tricyclic drugs remain an effective option. Pamolar and Elavil are two examples of effective tricyclic medications. Many of these medications were developed from the 1950s to the 1970s and are extremely inexpensive as a result. Some of the side effects of these medications include increased blood pressure, dry mouth and anxiety or jumpiness.

Atypical Antidepressants

• According to Dr. Mary Windle of eMedicineHealth, atypical antidepressants are another more recent addition to the antidepressant market. These medications include Abilify and Seroquil and often they are used as supplemental medications to other antidepressants. These medications work by targeting several neurotransmitters at the same time. Side effects of these medications often include increased potential for high blood sugar and weight gain.

Medications vs. Counseling

• While medications address the physical aspects of depression, they do not address the emotional issues that may provoke the illness. According to both Dr. Ogbru and Dr. Windle, antidepressant medications help with cognitive functions and the physical symptoms of depression, but they do not cure or end the condition. Instead, the best treatment for depression includes both medication and counseling, which will alleviate the physical symptoms and help a person process the information and new coping skills that are learned through counseling.