Depression medications, or antidepressants, are prescribed to treat the symptoms of depression. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), tricyclic antidepressants and monoamine oxidase inihibitors (MAOIs) are three types of depression medications that work by increasing the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain. Examples of SSRIs are citalopram, escitalopram, paroxetine, sertraline, fluvoxamine and fluoxetine. Examples of tricyclic antidepressants are amoxapine, amitriptyline, imipramine and doxepine. Phenelzine is an example of an MAOI. These medications do have some adverse effects, although they do not occur in every patient.
SSRIs
SSRIs are a popular choice for a depression medication because they have less serious side effects compared to tricyclic antidepressants and MAOIs. Helpguide.org states that many of the side effects go away after the first few weeks of treatment, although some can continue. Some of the adverse effects of SSRIs include nausea, dizziness, tremors, sweating, sleepiness, fatigue, dry mouth, diarrhea, constipation and headaches. Patients may also have difficulty sleeping. Other patients experience anxiety and restlessness as a result of taking an SSRI. Weight gain or loss is also possible, as well as a decreased sex drive.
Tricyclic Antidepressants
eMedTV states that one of the most common adverse effects of tricyclic antidepressants is a dry mouth. Like SSRIs, tricyclic antidepressants can also cause dizziness. Other adverse effects include drowsiness, blurred vision, confusion, constipation and problems urinating.
MAOIs
MAOIs are the oldest form of antidepressant, and are prescribed when the other types of depression medications are not effective. eMedTV notes that MAOIs can cause changes in the patient's blood pressure---either resulting in hypertension (high blood pressure) or hypotension (low blood pressure). Additional adverse effects of MAOIs are nausea, diarrhea, headaches and insomnia.
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