A variety of antidepressants exist. Some are newer, while some have been available for decades. Each medication has its own set of advantages and disadvantages, some have more severe side effects than others. Finding the right medication for you can take time, and in some instances, you may need a combination of medications for treatment to be effective.
Paroxetine (Paxil)
Paroxetine is the generic name for Paxil, and belongs to the class of drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). The Mayo Clinic states that doctors begin treating depression with these medications because they are safer and typically cause less severe side effects than other antidepressants.
Arthur Schoenstadt, M.D. of eMedTV explains that SSRIs, such as paroxetine, work by balancing the brain chemical serotonin. When out of balance, it can cause conditions such as depression.
The most common side effects of SSRIs include delayed orgasm and a decrease in sexual desire. Other side effects that typically go away as your body adjusts to the medication include feeling jittery, digestive problems such as nausea, insomnia and headaches.
Duloxetine (Cymbalta)
Duloxetine is a family member of serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), and works similarly to SSRIs. The difference is these medications balance serotonin and norepinephrine, which is another chemical responsible for depression when out of balance.
The Mayo Clinic states the side effects of duloxetine are similar to those that SSRIs cause with the addition of sweating, dizziness and drowsiness.
Amoxapine (Asendin)
A tricyclic antidepressant, amoxapine is an older medication that has been used for a number of years to treat depression. The Mayo Clinic states that this medication is as effective as the newer medications such as paroxetine and duloxetine, however it is not prescribed as often due to the severity of its side effects. It is generally not given to patients unless an SSRI has been given first and is unsuccessful in treating the condition.
As Schoenstadt states, it is not exactly clear how tricyclics work, however they may affect several chemicals in the brain including serotonin and norepinephrine, allowing them to remain in the brain longer, thus relieving the depression symptoms.
Side effects include dry mouth, constipation, rapid heartbeat, blurry vision and confusion. Older adults may experience memory problems, hallucinations and confusion.
Phenelzine (Nardil)
A last resort medication, according to the Mayo Clinic, phenelzine is a monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI). This drug is given to patients only when no other medication has been effective due to the potential for serious side effects.
The brain contains a special chemical known as monoamines. When levels of these chemicals are low, it reduces communication between the brain cells, thus causing depression. To improve communication, MAOIs block an enzyme known as monoamine oxidase. Doing this increase levels of monoamine in the brain and improves depression.
Those taking MAOIs must follow a strict diet, according to the Mayo Clinic, due to the serious--sometimes life-threatening--food interactions this medication can cause. For instance, those taking this medication are unable to eat certain cheese, pickles or drink wine. In some cases, it may interact with decongestants
