Medicines for Depression

Depression is a condition that can cause serious effects, if left untreated. The mental health professionals usually prescribe certain medicines for depression. Around 70 to 80% of people diagnosed with a major depressive disorder get relief from the symptoms by taking depression medicines and foods for concentration as well. They work by regulating certain chemicals called neurotransmitters in the brain, which are important for normal brain function and controlling mood.

Types of Depression Medications

There are many types of medicines for depression and menopause mood swings. Tricyclic Antidepressants, Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors, Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors are the major types of medicines for depression recommended by doctors

Tricyclic Antidepressants

These depression medicines work by affecting serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. Though they are effective in relieving the symptoms, they cause more side effects.

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors

This is relatively a new type of depression medication that works by changing the amount of serotonin, which is an important chemical in the brain.

Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors

These medicines reduce depression symptoms by increasing the availability of norepinephrine and serotonin.

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors

This is one of the effective medicines for depression, which work by blocking monoamine Oxidase, which is an enzyme. While taking this medicine, you should avoid taking some foods like chocolates, aged cheese, chicken liver, soy sauce, packaged soups, wines and bananas, as they can react with the medicine negatively and cause serious effects.

Depending on the type of depressive disorder you are experiencing, the number and severity of symptoms, your age and medical condition, if any, the doctor recommends depressant drugs that work best for you.   If patients suffering from some other medical condition like heart disease, kidney or liver problem, the medications they take for keeping their condition under control may interact with depression medicine, causing serious complications. Hence, it is important to tell your doctor about the medications, supplements and herbal products you are currently taking.

How to Take Depression Medicines

If your doctor prescribes medicines for depression, you should take it as per his/her directions. Taking right dose of medicines at the right time is important. You should avoid taking overdose, as it can cause dizziness, fainting or difficulty in breathing. If you miss a dose, take the given dose of medicine, once you remember. However, if it is time for the next dosage, you can avoid taking the missed dose and take only the normal dose.

Sometimes, more than one types of medicines for depression may be prescribed to alleviate the symptoms faster. Generally, the medicines are prescribed for a period of three to four weeks. If you suffer from severe depression for a long time, you may need to take the medicines for a long period of time. It is important to remember that stopping taking depression medications without consulting your doctor may cause serious withdrawal effects. The doctor will help you to reduce the dose slowly and safely.

Depression medications offer effective results, when they are combined with psychotherapy. Your doctor may advice you to undergo psychotherapy sessions to get the most out of medications and get relief from depression symptoms quickly.