Depression is the extreme feeling of sadness that interferes with daily activities, physical functions and social interactions. Depression is a common illness, with more than 14.8 million Americans affected in any given year, according to information provided by the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance. However, most cases of depression can be treated with a combination of psychotherapy, electroconvulsive therapy, self-help techniques and medications called antidepressants. There are several different types of antidepressants available to treat depression, and switching medications may be necessary to find the one that works for you.
Selective Serotonin-Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
Serotonin is a chemical found in the brain and the gastrointestinal system that helps to regulate mood, digestion, sleep and mental alertness. Because depression is often caused by an imbalance of chemicals such as serotonin, helping to regulate this chemical can relieve depression.
Common SSRI medications prescribed include fluoxetine, citalopram and sertraline. An SSRI is often the first type of medication doctors prescribe, according to doctors at the Mayo Clinic, because it is effective and causes fewer side effects than other types of antidepressants. The most common side effects are sexual dysfunction, drowsiness, trouble sleeping and nausea.
Tricyclic Antidepressants
Tricyclic antidepressants, named for their chemical structure, include imipramine, desipramine, nortriptyline and amoxapine. These medications were among the first used to treat depression but are not as commonly used today because of the frequency of side effects, including constipation, dry mouth, difficulty urinating, drowsiness and weight gain, and because an overdose can be deadly. Low doses of tricyclic antidepressants are sometimes prescribed along with SSRIs to help boost their antidepressant effects.
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)
The doctors at the Mayo Clinic report that MAOI medications are usually prescribed to treat depression only after other medications have failed to work. MAOI medications, including isocarboxazid, selegiline, phenelzine and tranylcypromine, can be effective in relieving symptoms of depression; however, they also cause a number of side effects. Side effects include dizziness, dry mouth, upset stomach, muscle twitching and sexual dysfunction. MAOI medications can also cause blood pressure to increase dangerously high levels, especially if taken with certain foods or other medications.
Atypical Medications
There are several antidepressant medications that do not fit into any other group so they are grouped together as the atypical medications. Medications including buproprion, trazodone, mirtazapine and nefazodone are all considered atypical antidepressants. These medications may cause nausea, fatigue, nervousness, dry mouth and weight gain, but they usually cause fewer sexual side effects. Atypical antidepressants are often sedating, meaning they cause sleepiness, so they may be prescribed as sleep aids.
