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Depression Medication
Treatment for depression includes:
Psychotherapy /
Medication
Antidepressant medications
have been in use for many years. Three main classes of drugs
have been traditionally used to control depression. The
first group is known as the monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).
These drugs were developed early in the search for
antidepressant medications and have fallen out of favor as the
treatment of choice in recent years, except for small groups of
patients who may still benefit from their use. The MAOIs work by
inhibiting an enzyme involved in the breakdown of the monoamines
serotonin and norepinephrine. Persons taking these drugs may
experience unpleasant side effects and must follow certain
dietary guidelines and restrictions to avoid foods containing
the substance tyramine (found in cheeses, wines, and pickles and
in some medications). Tyramine-containing foods can bring on a
severe episode of
hypertension when combined with MAOI use. Except in the more severe depressions, and bipolar
depression, medication is usually an option, rather than a
necessity. Antidepressant medication does not cure depression,
it only helps you to feel better by controlling certain
symptoms. If you are depressed because of life problems, such as
relationship conflicts, divorce, loss of a loved one, job
pressures, financial crises, serious medical problems in
yourself or a family member, legal problems, or problems with
your children, taking a pill will not make those problems go
away.
The tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) were developed
after the MAOIs and inhibit the uptake of norepinephrine and
serotonin, increasing the availability (and activity) of both
these chemicals in the brain. Because these drugs have a
nonspecific action and also prolong the action of other
chemicals in the brain known as histamine and acetylcholine,
certain side effects are commonly observed with TCAs. These
include dry mouth, a sedative effect, dizziness, constipation,
changes in sexual function, rapid heartbeat, weight gain, or
blurred vision.
More recently developed antidepressants are the so-called
SSRIs, or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.
Because these drugs work specifically on the chemical serotonin
(and only indirectly on norepinephrine levels), many of the side
effects of the TCAs are reduced. The popular drugs Prozac
(fluoxetine), Paxil (paroxetine), and Zoloft (sertraline) belong
to this category. Side effects including changes in sexual
function, nervousness, nausea, and agitation may still occur,
but these effects are often temporary. Other newer
antidepressants have been developed, such as Wellbutrin
(buproprion), which may lack the sexual side effects of SSRIs.
Keep in mind that, some symptoms of depression, such as sleep and
appetite disturbances, significant concentration problems, and
chronic fatigue, interfere with your ability to make the life
changes necessary to eliminate the depression. In more serious
depression, suicidal thoughts and urges, and preoccupation with
death, may require medication in addition to psychotherapy.
Antidepressant medication can help relieve those symptoms, and
allow you to make needed life changes. The decision to take
medication, in addition to participating in psychological
treatment, should be discussed with your treating psychologist
and your primary care physician. Your thoughts and feelings
regarding medication, after considering information about both
the benefits and risks involved, are an important part of a
collaborative treatment approach between psychologist and
client. If medication is part of your treatment, either your
primary care physician or a psychiatrist will supervise the
medical part of your treatment, while you continue psychotherapy
with a psychologist. If you have a chronic medical condition or
a serious illness, and you are taking medication for that
condition, then the medical specialist treating that problem
should be involved in your treatment. The medical specialist may
supervise all of your medications, or coordinate the medical
treatment with the physician providing the antidepressant
medications.
| Latest Information on Depression
Medication |
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