Medications for Depression

Numerous antidepressant medications are available for the effective treatment of depression. Earlier, tricyclic antidepressants or TCAs were the main medications used in the treatment for depressive illness. These were among the first developed antidepressant drugs. Although highly effective in more patients, TCAs are notorious for their high side effects. Serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and several new medications have fewer side effects than tricyclics.

Like tricyclics, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are also among the first developed antidepressant drugs. The intake of MAOIs can trigger a crisis of high blood pressure. In order to avoid this, the therapist will ask to follow a particular dietary pattern, which is devoid of high levels of tyramine. The foodstuffs to be avoided include different types of pickles, wines and cheeses. Certain medications such as decongestants also should be avoided while taking MAOIs. The prohibited food ordered by the therapist should not be taken at any cost as there is a high chance of increase in blood pressure which might ultimately lead to stroke. Marplan, Nardil and Parnate are the important brand names in MAOIs.

The fewer side effects has made Serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) the most popular antidepressant medication. Patients who have been taking other drugs should opt for SSRIs only after consulting with a therapist. Usually, enough time should be given to clear out the effects of a medication from the system before another medication can be introduced into the system. MAOIs and SSRIs should not be taken together as it can lead to the build up of serotonin, a neurotransmitter involved in sleep, depression and memory. SSRIs are found to have sexual side effects. Celexa, Prozac, Luvox, Paxil, Zoloft are the most popular brand names of SSRIs.

There are several new antidepressant drugs available which do not come under the category of tricyclics, SSRIs and MAOIs. These include Serzone, Wellbutrin, Effexor, Remeron and Desyrel. Most of them are devoid of the side effects commonly associated with older antidepressant drugs.

Several new antidepressant drugs are under clinical trial. Majority of the new drugs tries to alleviate the harsh side effects associated with antidepressant drugs.