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Depression medication is collectively termed as antidepressants. Antidepressants basically maintain a healthy balance of chemicals in the brain. They retard the erosion of certain chemicals (which help maintain mental health) in the brain. The medication has been found especially effective for older people with severe depression symptoms.
While most antidepressants can help treat depression effectively there are many that come with unpleasant side effects. Antidepressants should only be taken under a doctor’s advice. Depression medication should not be considered taboo, or a sign of personal weakness. It is an option to help improve a person’s mental health, vigor, and condition.
The following aspects go into the decision for prescribing antidepressants
- The age of the recipient (adolescents and younger people can be counseled effectively without prescription drugs)
- The severity of the problem
- The personal preference of the patient in certain cases
- An allergic reaction of the patient towards a particular medication
- Are there more effective treatment options for a specific problem
- Efficacy of medication combined with psychiatric counseling
A balanced diet and proper care is the best medication suggested by 90% of doctors. There are different types of antidepressants.
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI)
Brand names Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil, and Lexapro are SSRI antidepressants that are made up of chemicals like fluoxetine, sertraline, paroxetine, escitalopram, and so on. They act exclusively on the neurotransmitters of the brain (serotonin).
Tricyclic antidepressants (TCA)
The tricyclic antidepressants first came into use in the 1950s. Though the SSRIs which came later are believed to have greater efficacy in treating depression, some TCA medications are known to be equally effective as SSRIs. Some of the chemical sources of TAC are Amitriptyline, Dibenzepin, Doxepin, Nitroxazepine, Lofepramine, and so on. Well-known brand names of TCA medication are Elavil, Noveril, Sinequan, Sintamil, Lomont, and so on. TCAs act on both serotonin and norepinephrine, another neurotransmitter. TCAs also tend to react with other chemicals that are found in the body.
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAO)
These antidepressants are known to be effective and powerful. The drug has been found to be especially effective in smoking cessation treatments. These antidepressants help retard the breakdown of the monoamine neurotransmitters. MAOs usually contain the chemical selegiline and are sold under the brand name “Emsam”.
Depression medication is best effective when
- You exercise regularly
- Seek professional counseling
- Diet intake is optimum and includes required nutrients
Side effects of antidepressants
- Nausea
- Heightened nervous symptoms like constant fidgeting or inability to remain still even for a short period of time
- Dry mouth
- Sex-related problems
- Headache
- Digestion problems
- Diarrhea
- Inability to sleep normally
In general, it is seen that antidepressants help a lot in reducing the sadness, feeling of hopelessness, and lack of motivation that accompanies a condition of depression. When positive reinforcement (besides prescribed depression medication) in the form of apt counseling, regular exercise, adequate sleep, and a nutritionally balanced diet is also available for a person who is depressed, then the road to recovery is well defined and smooth.
Depression is treated with depression medication called antidepressants that help maintain a healthy balance of chemicals in the brain. There are several types of antidepressants like SSRIs, MAOs, and TCAs. Depression medication works best when combined with regular exercise, effective counseling, and nutritious, balanced diets.
