Depression Medication

Medication is always an option for sufferers of depression and can in fact many people that have chronic depression. If you feel hopeless, or have feelings of worthlessness and experience a loss of interest in every-day activities such as work, hobbies or physical intimacy you should talk with your physician about the medication that is available. If you are diagnosed with depression you will find that there are a variety of medications that can help with the imbalance of the serotonin which can cause depression.

Find some common FAQS on Medication for depression

How long will I need to use depression medication?

Sometimes people have unrealistic fears or expectations about them. Some hope to feel better overnight; others worry that medications will change their personalities in ways they won't like. Both extremes are unlikely. The first step towards getting better and staying better is to take your medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor.

To give a medication time to be effective and to prevent a relapse of the depression once the patient is responding to an antidepressant, the medication should be continued for 6 to 12 months, or in some cases longer, carefully following the doctor's instructions.

While some people have one episode of depression and then never have another, or remain symptom-free for years, others have more frequent episodes or very long-lasting depressions that may go on for years. Some people find that their depressions become more frequent and severe as they get older. For these people, continuing (maintenance) treatment with antidepressants can be an effective way of reducing the frequency and severity of depressions.

Are antianxiety drugs or antidepressant medication are the same?

Antianxiety drugs or sedatives are not antidepressants. They are sometimes prescribed along with antidepressants; however, they are not effective when taken alone for a depressive disorder. Stimulants, such as amphetamines, are not effective antidepressants, but they are used occasionally under close supervision in medically ill depressed patients.

How to prevent a recurrence of the depression through antidepressant medication?

Patients often are tempted to stop medication too soon. They may feel better and think they no longer need the medication. Or they may think the medication isn't helping at all. It is important to keep taking medication until it has a chance to work, though side effects may appear before antidepressant activity does. Once the individual is feeling better, it is important to continue the medication for at least 4 to 9 months to prevent a recurrence of the depression. Some medications must be stopped gradually to give the body time to adjust. Never stop taking an antidepressant without consulting the doctor for instructions on how to safely discontinue the medication. For individuals with bipolar disorder or chronic major depression, medication may have to be maintained indefinitely.

What are the types of antidepressant medication?

Antidepressants were first used in the late 1950s. Current medical advice is that antidepressants are not addictive. There are several different types of antidepressant treatment available. Following is a general overview:

Tricyclic drugs (TCAs). (sold as Amitriptyline, Imipramine)

First available in the 1950s, TCAs are still commonly used to treat depression. They take up to about two weeks to work.

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) There are three types of MAOIs, phenelzine,(Nardil) isocarboxazid and tranylcypromine, ( Parnate) and moclobemide. More information on MAOI
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors(SSRIs antidepressant medication)