In the U.S., antidepressants are among the most frequently prescribed medications.
Perhaps the most recognizable among them is Prozac (fluoxetine).
What Is Depression Medication?
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Depression medications, also referred to as antidepressants, are prescription medications that help manage depressive symptoms.
How Do Antidepressants Work?
There arefive major classes of antidepressants:
Each of these work in different ways.
Monoamine neurotransmitterssuch as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine help regulate mood, emotions, and behavior.
In people with depression, the availability of these monoamine neurotransmitters in the brain is characteristically low.
Antidepressants work bypreventing the reuptakeof one or more of these neurotransmitters, thereby increasing their availability.
SSRIs
Prozac belongs to a class of antidepressants calledselective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
In other words, SSRIs relieve depression by boosting low levels of serotonin in the brain.
It takes a while for SSRIs to build up in the body enough to have an effect on symptoms.
These depression medications inhibit the reuptake of two neurotransmitters: serotonin and norepinephrine.
One of the most commonly prescribed SNRIs is Effexor (venlafaxine).
The same is true if you drink a lot of alcohol.
TCAs
Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)were among the first antidepressants.
Types of tricyclics that are available include:
Tricyclics work by blocking the absorption of serotonin and norepinephrine.
No TCA medication made the top 10 list of the most commonly prescribed psychiatric drugs.
This results in higher levels of these chemicals in the brain which helpsimprove moodandreduce anxiety.
Atypical Antidepressants
Atypical antidepressants are those that don’t fit into any of the other classes.
Physicians often prescribe them if other antidepressants either don’t work or cause unbearable side effects.
Common atypical antidepressants include:
Each of these atypical antidepressants influences different neurotransmitters in different ways.
Some target dopamine, for example, while others serotonin or norepinephrine.
Still others target a combination of the three.
As a result, they have different side effects compared to other antidepressants.
For example, Desyrel is less likely to cause symptoms such as sexual dysfunction, insomnia, or anxiety.
Of the atypical antidepressants, Wellbutrin is one of the most commonly prescribed.
In fact, some doctors prescribe it along with another SSRI to help counter low libido.
The medications taken in this study included citalopram, venlafaxine, paroxetine, fluoxetine, loxamine, and nortriptyline.
Uses for Depression Medication
Depression medications are used to help reducedepression symptoms.
If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
Taking Depression Medication
There is no one-size-fits-all depression medication.
Your healthcare provider can help find the best medication for you, along with finding the proper dosage.
While many people take antidepressants for six to 12 months, your length of use may be longer.
When taking antidepressants, avoiding drugs and alcohol is important.
Your provider may also suggest that youengage in psychotherapyalong with taking medications to provide a greater treatment effect.
Also, talk with your provider if you’re having trouble with your medicine’s side effects.
Lowering the dosage or switching medicines may help ease these effects.
The frequency and severity of these side effects vary depending on the class of medication you’re taking.
Teens and young adults are especially at risk and should be monitored closely.
Side effects tend to be mild and go away as your body adjusts to the medication.
Natural Depression Treatment Options
Prescription medications aren’t the only options for treating depression.
Some research also suggests that there are a few natural products that may be helpful for reducing depressive symptoms.
Some substances may lead to dangerous drug interactions when combined with antidepressants.
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a personal choice whether to take medication for your depression.
Speak to a healthcare provider first.
For mild to moderate cases of depression, they may recommend therapy and lifestyle changes before prescribing antidepressants.
If you have suicidal thoughts, contact a medical professional right away.
As a result, a provider may recommend tapering your dose when discontinuing use rather than stopping cold turkey.
It depends on how effective the medication is.
Talk to your provider before you stop taking antidepressants.
Your depression symptoms may return if you stop taking them too quickly.
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