Depression is a common and serious medical illness that negatively affects how you feel, the way you think and how you act. It can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems and can decrease your ability to function at work and at home.
Medication for depression is one of the most effective treatments available. It can help improve your mood, sleep, energy level, and overall quality of life.
Types of Depression Medication
There are many different types of depression medication, and each type works in a different way. The most common types of depression medication include:
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs): SSRIs work by increasing the amount of serotonin in your brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood. SSRIs are the most commonly prescribed type of antidepressant. Examples of SSRIs include fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil), sertraline (Zoloft), citalopram (Celexa), and escitalopram (Lexapro).
- Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs): SNRIs work by increasing the amount of serotonin and norepinephrine in your brain. Norepinephrine is another neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood. SNRIs may be effective for people who do not respond well to SSRIs. Examples of SNRIs include venlafaxine (Effexor), duloxetine (Cymbalta), and milnacipran (Savella).
- Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs): TCAs work by increasing the amount of serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine in your brain. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays a role in reward and motivation. TCAs are less commonly prescribed than SSRIs and SNRIs because they can cause more side effects. However, they may be effective for people who do not respond to other types of antidepressants. Examples of TCAs include amitriptyline (Elavil), imipramine (Tofranil), and nortriptyline (Pamelor).
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs): MAOIs work by blocking the breakdown of serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine in your brain. MAOIs are a less commonly prescribed type of antidepressant because they can interact with other medications and cause serious side effects. However, they may be effective for people who do not respond to other types of antidepressants. Examples of MAOIs include tranylcypromine (Parnate) and phenelzine (Nardil).
- Other types of medication: Other types of medication that may be used to treat depression include atypical antidepressants, such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) and mirtazapine (Remeron), and antipsychotic medications, such as quetiapine (Seroquel) and olanzapine (Zyprexa).
How Medication for Depression Works
Depression medication works by changing the chemistry of your brain. They increase the amount of certain neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine, in your brain. These neurotransmitters play a role in regulating mood, sleep, and energy levels.
It can take several weeks for medication for depression to start working. And it may take even longer to find the right medication and dosage for you. It is important to be patient and work with your doctor to find the best depression treatment for you.
What to Expect When Taking Medication for Depression
Most people who take medication for depression experience some improvement in their symptoms. However, it is important to remember that medication is not a cure for depression. It is a tool that can help you manage your symptoms and live a more fulfilling life.
When you first start taking medication for depression, you may experience some side effects. These side effects are usually mild and go away on their own within a few weeks. However, if you experience any serious side effects, be sure to tell your doctor.
It is important to take your medication as directed by your doctor. Do not stop taking your medication even if you start to feel better. Stopping your medication suddenly can cause your symptoms to come back.
Other Treatments for Depression
In addition to medication, there are a number of other treatments that can be effective for depression, such as:
- Therapy: Therapy, also known as psychotherapy, can help you learn how to cope with your depression and manage your symptoms. There are many different types of therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy (IPT).
- Lifestyle changes: Making lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and getting enough sleep, can also help improve your mood and reduce your symptoms of depression.
- Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS): TMS is a type of treatment that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain. TMS may be an option for people who do not respond to medication or therapy.