Depression Medications
& Antidepressant Side Effects
Depression medications are prescribed for clinical depression not for the normal "feel the blues" or being "down in the dumps" that are the expected result of some type of sad or upsetting life event. In addition to using depression medications to control the disorder there are also steps one can take to help either a family member, friend or yourself to improve one's quality of life. It is hard not to be affected in some way when a loved one is depressed. Here's how you can help: - Try to learn as much about clinical depression as you can, educate yourself so that you have a better idea of what your loved one is going through
- Be encouraging, patient and understanding; talk freely and openly with and to your loved one and be sure to also be a very good listener, offering emotional support when it is needed
- Sometimes they might have an incorrect or skewed perception of things, try not to be disparaging of their feeling but do also try to point out what is reality and realistic and what isn't while simultaneously instilling hope and encouragement; always take any comments made about suicide very seriously and be sure to report this to your loved one's healthcare provider
If you are the one struggling with depression, here are some things you can do, in addition to using any prescribed depression medications, to help improve your condition: - Realize that antidepressant medications take some time to reach their full effectiveness, once you start treatment, you're not likely to bounce back to life right away, it will be a more gradual process so be patient with yourself
- Set realistic goals for yourself; pace yourself when performing major tasks by breaking them up into smaller more manageable and more easily achievable tasks
- Start participating in activities you used to enjoy - sports, going to the movies, exercising, etc.; don't isolate yourself, try to spend some time with other people, hanging out, doing things or just talking, find safe and trusted friends or family members you can confide in
In you or a loved one is experiencing a crisis due to depression be sure to call the doctor and report whatever is going on and never leave such a person alone. Here are some other helpful numbers to keep handy: - 911 for emergencies
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (within the US) - 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) and for the hearing impaired call 1-800-799-4TTY (1-800-799-4889) - the call is free to US residents and there is always a trained counselor there available to 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Depression medications fall into different classes each with their own unique set of benefits and side effects. They are as follows: - Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
- Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs)
- Serotonin & Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)
- Norepinephrine & Dopamine Reuptake Inhibitors (NDRIs)
- Combined Reuptake Inhibitors & Receptor Blockers
- Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs)
- Amitriptyline (Elavil)
- Desipramine (Norpramin)
- Imipramine (Tofranil)
- Nortriptyline (Aventyl, Pamelor)
Serotonin & Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)
- Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq)
- Duloxetine (Cymbalta)
- Venlafaxine (Effexor)
Norepinephrine & Dopamine Reuptake Inhibitors (NDRIs)
Combined Reuptake Inhibitors & Receptor Blockers
- Amoxapine (Asendin)
- Trazodone (Desyrel)
- Nefazodone (Serzone)
- Maprotiline (Ludiomil)
- Mirtazapine (Remeron)
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)
- Isocarboxazid (Marplan)
- Phenelzine (Nardil)
- Tranylcypromine (Parnate)
The young physician starts life with 20 drugs for each disease,
and the old physician ends life with one drug for 20 diseases.
- William Osler
I update this website quite frequently (as things change so rapidly in the world of pharmaceuticals), so please subscribe to my monthly newsletter, The Armchair Pharmacist. It tells you each month about the new information that I have added to the site as well additional news on the latest goings-on in the world of medications and all things pharma.
Return from Depression Medications to Home Page
May 1, 2009
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