Grief and loss can have devastating effects on an individual's physical and psychological health. When the symptoms of grief last longer than two months, MedlinePlus suggests contacting a licensed mental health practitioner about evaluation and medication for major depressive disorder, or MDD.
Antidepressant Medications
Certainly not all grief would require the use of medications. In situations in which the need is great, however, the preferred antidepressant class of drugs are called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs. The National Institute of Mental Health lists the brands Prozac, Celexa, Zoloft, Paxil and Lexapro as effective means of keeping side effects manageable while treating the symptoms impairing an individual's quality of life.
Benefits
A benefit to using antidepressants is improved quality of life. In terms of grief that progresses to MDD, controlling symptoms can be a considerable factor impairing progress. The National Cancer Institute suggests the best results are experienced by those with normal grief, rather than complications of MDD. Improvements of symptoms, however, can be the catalyst to coping and managing the debilitative components of MDD. Grief counseling is also beneficial.
Side Effects
SSRIs have been linked to suicidal ideation. This risk is prevalent in those 18- to 24-years of age, and generally decreases in those older than 65. RxList suggests that when using these drugs, caregivers should observe and report changes in behaviors, overall mood and socialization to the prescribing physician immediately. Other side effects commonly reported include premature ejaculation, dry mouth, gastrointestinal upset and sleep disturbance.
