Depression is considered by most physicians to be a chronic illness that needs to be treated over the course of a patient's life. Although psychotherapy is effective at treating mild depression, many patients also benefit from the use of certain medications. These drugs work on the levels of chemicals in the patient's brain to alleviate the symptoms of mild depression.
Reuptake Inhibitors
As the National Institute of Mental Health explains, some medications for depression are called SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) or SNRIs (serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors). Serotonin and norepinephrine are both neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters are chemicals that are used in the nervous system to control the activity of brain cells. Patients with depression often have low levels of serotonin and norepinephrine. Reuptake inhibitors work to increase how long serotonin and norepinephrine are present in the brain to govern the brain's activity. SSRIs (which only affect serotonin) include fluoxetine (also known as Prozac) as well as escitalopram (Lexapro) and sertraline (Zoloft). SSRIs commonly lower patient's sex drive and delay orgasm. SNRIs include venlafaxine (also known as Effexor) and duloxetine (Cymbalta). These medications can cause nervousness and increased sweating as side effects.
Tricyclic Antidepressants
Tricyclic antidepressants also work to slow the reuptake of neurotransmitters. Tricyclic antidepressants (such as amitryptiline) are unique in that the affect dopamine levels in the brain as well as serotonin and norepinephrine. As the Mayo Clinic notes, these medications are typically as effective as other reuptake inhibitors but, because they affect dopamine levels, they can also cause more side effects, such as hypotension, blurred vision, dry mouth, confusion and a rapid heart rate.
MAO Inhibitors
Phenelzine and tranylcypromine are two examples of medications which are known as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAO inhibitors or MAOIs). These medications block the effects of an enzyme (monoamine oxidase) that breaks down norepineprhine and dopamine in the brain. This kind of medication is very effective for treating depression, mild or otherwise, but it requires certain dietary restrictions because consumption of red wine and certain kinds of cheese can cause serious side effects. This kind of treatment can also interfere with certain medications, including some decongestants and should be used with care.
