Medications for Depression

Depression can be treated effectively when you seek professional help and enter the right program. Some of the depression medications (antidepressants) are listed below:

Prozac- heading the list of depression medications, Prozac is the one antidepressant that is widely prescribed. Some people have sensitivities to the drug however, so care should be used when taking Prozac. Talk to your doctor about the side-effects and do not abuse this drug.

Zoloft- manufactured for one reason, to compete with Prozac’s popularit, Zoloft is in a classification of drugs known as SSRI’s (selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors). The drug, much like Prozac raises the serotonin of the brain to ease anxiety.

Paxil- is another SSRI competing for the top spot that Prozac now holds. Each drug mentioned thus far,  contains its own special chemical identity and no one drug is really better than the other. Each works in its own distinct way.

Trazadone and Serzone- These two drugs are not classified as SSRI’s. Their leading side effect is drowsiness. Trazadone and Serzone are often prescribed to patients caught up in insomnia or disruptive sleep patterns.

Wellbutrin- used incorrectly, Wellbutrin can cause seizures. Talk to your doctor about all the side effects before you take this pill.

Effexor-this drug raises both serotonin and noepinephrine in the brain creating body energy. There are side effects so do your research before taking this drug.

Trycyclics- introduced before Prozac, this drug was one drug widely used to treat depression. The drawbacks to Trycyclics are the numerous side effects and the amount of people sensitive to its chemical make-up.

MAO Inhibitors- the oldest class of antidepressants, use was discontinued after people started having massive reactions to the drug; hypertension, blood clots and death.

The most important thing to remember with any prescription drug is to talk to your doctor extensively before taking it.

Know the risks, understand how the drug reacts to other drugs and never abuse any prescribed drug for treatment of depression.