Medications

 
 

Antidepressant Medications

Depression is a treatable condition. In many cases, treatment plans combine therapy and medication. The kind of depression that will most likely benefit from treatment with antidepressant medications is more than just "the blues," rather it is a depressed condition that's prolonged, lasting 2 weeks or more, and interferes with a person's ability to carry on daily tasks and to enjoy activities that previously brought pleasure. Depression can range in intensity from mild to severe.

In some cases, treatment plans for depression combine therapy and medication. Antidepressants are used most widely for serious depressions, but they can also be helpful for some milder depressions. Although antidepressants are not "uppers" or stimulants, they work by taking away or reducing the symptoms of depression and help the depressed person feel the way he or she did before becoming depressed.

While some people have one episode of depression and never have another (or remain symptom-free for years), others have more frequent episodes or very long-lasting depressions that may go on for years. Some people find their depressions become more frequent and severe as they get older. For these people, ongoing antidepressant treatment (maintenance treatment) can be an effective way of reducing the frequency and severity of depressions.

Antidepressants are also used for disorders characterized principally by anxiety. These medications can block the symptoms of panic, including rapid heartbeat, terror, dizziness, chest pains, nausea, and breathing problems. Antidepressants can also be prescribed to treat some phobias.

Dosage of antidepressants varies, depending on the type of drug, the person s body chemistry, age, and, sometimes, body weight. Dosages are generally started low and raised gradually over time until the desired effect is reached without the appearance of troublesome side-effects.

Antidepressant medications include: