Depression is a chronic illness that, just like other chronic illnesses like diabetes, often requires medication to treat. When combined with other depression treatments such as psychotherapy, medication is highly effective at treating depression.
If you have depression, there’s no shame in admitting you need help. In fact, getting help is often the only way you’ll be able to regain control over your life. Thankfully, there are a number of effective depression treatment options, including medications. Here’s a closer look at how to treat depression with antidepressants.
Most Commonly Prescribed Antidepressants
The most common medications prescribed for depression are antidepressants, which include SSRIs, SNRIs, NDRIs, MAOIs, atypical antidepressants and tricyclic antidepressants. SSRIs are often the starting point for most doctors when they start treating a patient for depression because they are safer and generally cause fewer side effects than other types of antidepressants; however, all of these antidepressants are great ways to treat depression.
SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) work by blocking the reabsorption (reuptake) of serotonin by certain nerve cells in the brain. Popular SSRIs are Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft, Celexa and Lexapro.
SNRIs (serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors) work by increasing levels of both serotonin and norepinephrine by inhibiting their reabsorption (reuptake). Popular SNRIs are Cymbalta, Effexor and Pristiq.
NDRIs (norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitors) work by increasing levels of both norepinephrine and dopamine by inhibiting their reabsorption (reuptake). A popular SNRI is Wellbutrin.
MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors) work by preventing the enzyme monoamine oxidase from metabolizing norepinephrine, serotonin and dopamine, which boosts mood by keeping their levels high in the brain. MAOIs are usually prescribed as a last resort when other medications have failed because they can serious harmful side effects. Popular MAOIs are Parnate and Nardil.
Atypical antidepressants don’t fit neatly into other antidepressant categories and are often added to other antidepressants to help with sleep since they are sedating. Atypical antidepressants include Maprotiline, Trazodone, Nefazodone, Remeron, Wellbutrin and Effexor.
Tricyclic antidepressants are older-generation antidepressants that are typically only prescribed when SSRIs have failed because they tend to have more numerous and more severe side effects.
Other depression medications like anti-anxiety medications, mood-stabilizing medications, stimulants or antipsychotic medications may be prescribed to help treat depression symptoms. Sometimes these medications are combined with antidepressants or other medications for better effect, which is a strategy known as “augmentation.”
At Casa Palmera, we believe in treating depression and other mood disorders with traditional treatments like therapy and medications, but we also believe in a holistic approach that uses the healing power of natural depression treatments. Call Casa Palmera today and ask how our holistic depression treatment program can return you to a healthy mind, body and emotional state of well-being: 888.481.4481.
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