Many of the changes that take place in the lives of the elderly cause sadness and concern. Those with few coping skills may fall into a depression when loved ones die or their health deteriorates. While depression is not a normal part of the aging process, many without strong support systems may face depression for the first time in their lives. Medication to treat depression is an important part of treatment. Varying degrees of side effects can be harmful to seniors taking depression meds.
Combinations
Because many seniors take medications on a regular basis for a variety of reasons, they should pay extra attention to possible dangerous interactions when prescribed depression medication. Additionally, some meds prescribed for other conditions actually may cause depression in the elderly. According to Helpguide.org, a nonprofit online medical resource, common medications that can induce depression in older adults include painkillers, arthritis medicine and tranquilizers. Treatments for heart disease, cancer and high blood pressure also can cause depression, especially when mixed with additional medications to treat depression.
Antidepressants
Antidepressants can successfully be used to treat depression in the elderly when they do not produce negative side effects from interactions with other drugs. The elderly must be monitored, however, because the effects of depression meds can be stronger in seniors. Depressed seniors often don't pay attention to medication and may forget to take their daily dose, necessary to successfully treat depression. Researchers at the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) report that close to 70 percent of elderly patients forget to take 25 to 50 percent of their depression medication, greatly inhibiting the effectiveness of the drugs. Health care providers and family members should not rely on medication alone to treat depression when it's the result of loneliness or poor health. Depression medication works best when combined with talk therapy. Additionally, antidepressants can cause bone loss, leading to a greater risk of fractures from falls.
Electroconvulsive Therapy
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) has been found to be particularly useful for treating severe depression in elderly patients who have not responded to other treatments, report doctors at the National Institutes of Health. ECT involves invoking a small seizure through use of electric current that is aimed at the brain. A current that lasts about 40 seconds is given every 2 to 5 days for up to 12 weeks. Doctors at NAMI agree that ECT may be one of the best treatments for seniors who then won't have to rely on taking pills. It can be especially helpful for those with heart problems and those who do cannot take antidepressants. Possible side effects of ECT include a drop in blood pressure, headache, temporary confusion and memory lapses.
