Drug Treatment for Depression

by Brooke Nichols

Overview

There are many types of medication used to treat the different types of depression. Types of depression may include major depression, bipolar depression or minor depression. Meeting with a doctor can help patients understand the differences between the drugs that are available on the market. Psychiatrists are physicians that specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of depression.
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors

Using selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors to stabilize chemicals in the brain that are associated with depression is the most common choice for physicians and patients. Well known medications such as Prozac, Paxil and Zoloft are in this drug class.

Other Antidepressants

Using other antidepressant medication is usually a second tier choice for the treatment of depression. Medications such as Cymbalta and Effexor are unique in that these drugs activate both serotonin and norepinephrine neurotransmitters in the brain.
First Generation Antidepressants

Using some of the older antidepressants is less common due to uncomfortable side effects and dietary restrictions. Tricyclic antidepressants or monoamine oxidase inhibitors may be tried if depressive symptoms are not relieved with the newer drugs.
Mood Stabilizers

Using mood stabilizers such as Depakote, Trileptal or lithium is a common choice for depressive symptoms that are part of a bipolar condition. Consideration of these medications can follow adverse reactions to antidepressants. An adverse reaction to antidepressants might include symptoms of mania that can actually put patients at risk for destructive behavior.
Antipsychotics

Using antipsychotic medication in adjunct to drugs for depression is sometimes done to enhance effects of antidepressants or mood stabilizers. The newer forms of antipsychotic medication include brand names such as Abilify, Zyprexa or Risperdal.

Overview