Seasonal affective disorder refers to a type of depression that occurs at the same time annually. The Mayo Clinic says that most people with affective disorder display symptoms from the fall to the winter months. In the fall to winter months, sufferers typically display such symptoms as depression, anxiety, a loss of energy and weight gain. Irritability, a poor appetite and an increased sex drive are symptoms typically displayed during the summer months. Drugs for seasonal depression exist to treat these symptoms.
Bupropion
Bupropion, commonly sold as Wellbutrin, Zyban and Budeprion, is an oral antidepressant medication that balances brain chemicals to reduce seasonal depression symptoms. Drugs.com says that some of its less serious side effects include trouble sleeping, a headache, dizziness, tremors and tremors. In some instances, bupropion leads to increased sweating and a loss of interest in sex. Some of its serious side effects include hallucinations, seizures, difficulty concentrating and confusion. Notify a physician if these side effects develop.
Venlafaxine
Venlafaxine, commonly sold as Effexor, is an oral medication that acts as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor increasing levels of the brain chemicals serotonin and norepinephrine. MedlinePlus, a website of the National Institutes of Health, indicates that venlafaxine is also used to treat generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder. It states that some of its less serious side effects include constipation, stomach pain, yawning, sweating and frequent urination. Ringing in the ears, heartburn and burping are just some other less serious side effects. Some of Venlafaxine's serious side effects include a fever, seizures, easy bleeding or bruising and chest pain. Talk to a doctor if these effects develop.
Sertraline
Sertraline, commonly known as Zoloft, is an oral selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor that also balances the chemicals in the brain to decrease symptoms of seasonal depression. According to Drugs.com, sertraline also treats panic, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive and premenstrual dysphoric disorders. Its less serious side effects include nausea, stomach pain, trouble sleeping and changes in weight or appetite. Other sertraline side effects include a dry mouth and dizziness. Sertraline's serious side effects include a high fever, a lack of coordination, fainting and difficulty breathing. Notify a physician when sertraline's side effects develop.
