Depression refers to a mental condition in which people display signs of sadness, hopelessness and restlessness. MedlinePlus indicates that other depression symptoms include agitation, trouble sleeping, worthlessness and guilt. Fortunately, common depression medications exist to manage this medical problem.
Sertraline
Sertraline, sold as under the brand Zoloft, is a medication commonly prescribed for depression. Drugs.com says this medication also manages premenstrual dysphoric disorder, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder and anxiety disorder. Sertraline acts as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor to balance chemicals in the brain.
Sertraline's milder side effects include dizziness, fatigue, trouble sleeping, weight or appetite changes, nausea, and a decreased sex drive. Nausea, constipation and stomach problems are sertraline's other less serious effects. Call a doctor when sertraline's less serious effects remain for greater than five days.
Sertraline's serious effects include sweating, stiff muscles, tremors, a fast or irregular heartbeat, and a headache. In some instances, sertraline causes difficulty breathing, memory problems and confusion. Talk to a physician immediately when sertraline leads to these effects.
Suffering from seizures, epilepsy, kidney or liver disease, bipolar disorder, and suicidal thoughts may require a change in sertraline's dose.
Sertraline is a tablet taken daily or as prescribed.
Duloxetine
Duloxetine, commonly sold as Cymbalta, also treats depression. Drugs.com says that it is a selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor that balances brain chemicals so that depression symptoms decrease.
Duloxetine's less serious side effects include blurry vision, dry mouth, joint or muscle pain, weight changes, and a decreased sex drive. This medication may also lead to trouble sleeping, nausea and confusion. In some instances, a lack of coordination, difficulty breathing, a fast or uneven heartbeat, and hallucinations result from duloxetine use. Phone a doctor immediately when duloxetine leads to these effects.
Combining duloxetine with narcotic medications, muscle relaxants, and cold or allergy medications may result in excessive drowsiness.
Duloxetine is a delayed-release capsule taken daily or as indicated.
Paroxetine
Paroxetine, commonly sold as Paxil, is another common depression medication. MedlinePlus says that paroxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor that leads to an increase in serotonin, a brain chemical. This results in decreased depression.
Paroxetine's less serious effects include dry mouth, flushing, muscle tightness, heartburn, sweating, weight loss or gain, vomiting, and nausea. Stomach pain, irregular menstrual cycles, light sensitivity and a cough are paroxetine's other less serious effects.
Paroxetine's serious effects include fainting, blurry vision, itching, black or bloody stools, chest pain, and seizures. Additional side effects include difficult or painful urination, a sore throat, and abnormal bleeding or bruising. In some instances, a skin rash, hallucinations and unsteadiness are paroxetine's other effects.
Taking medications such as clomipramine, bupropion, naratriptan, lithium or mexilitine with paroxetine can lead to drug interactions.
Paroxetine is a tablet or liquid taken each day.
