Depression Medication

When discussing anti-depression medication, it is important to keep in mind that depression drugs do not cure depression. They make the symptoms more manageable. These drugs may give a person the impetus he or she needs to begin other treatments, such as therapy, counseling or cognitive behavior therapy, to name a few. To be prescribed medication, a person must be suffering from more than the blues. A responsible physician will thoroughly examine the patient to be sure that medication is needed, as well as to determine what type.

There are numerous types of depression medications on the market. The majority of these are antidepressants. Antidepressants do not serve as stimulants. Their purpose is to take away or reduce a person’s symptoms so that he or she can once again return to daily activities.

Antidepressants are also used for anxiety disorders. They minimize feelings associated with panic. These include sensations of dizziness, terror, chest pains and sweaty palms.

With most antidepressants, it will take between one and three weeks before there are any noticeable changes. If after five or six weeks no change is detected, a new medication should be considered. Often, a person will respond better to one medication than to another. Duration of treatment varies from person to person. Some may only need treatment for a few months while others may need it for several years, indefinitely or intermittently.

There are various types of antidepressants on the market today. Originally, tricyclic antidepressants were more common, however the side effects are greater than those of newer depression medications. Tricyclic medications include Elavil, Norpramin, and Tofranil. Side effects include inability to urinate, constipation, worsening of glaucoma and impaired thinking.

Currently, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most popular. These SSRIs affect only the neurotransmitter serotonin and generally have fewer side effects than the tricyclic medications. These medications include Prozac, Zoloft, Celexa and Paxil. SSRIs may cause dry mouth, nausea, insomnia, headache and sexual dysfunction.

Combining antidepressants with other drugs, recreational or otherwise, may have serious consequences. Among these risks is serotonin syndrome. Serotonin syndrome occurs when the serotonin receptors are over stimulated, causing hyperactivity, confusion, shivering, sweating, fever, lack of coordination, diarrhea, and seizures.

Many patients may be tempted to stop medication without first consulting a physician. This may because they do not yet note a difference. Medication must be taken long enough to give it a chance to work. If the patient feels better and doesn’t think that it’s necessary to continue medication, it must be kept in mind that treatment should be continued for four to nine months to prevent a reoccurrence. Often, a medication must be stopped gradually. Doing otherwise may have adverse and often serious affects on the individual.

There are many medications available to treat depression. After a proper diagnosis, a licensed, practicing physician can prescribe the medication that she or he believes will be most beneficial. Careful observation in the following weeks and months will help ensure that the correct medication is administered.