Depression Medications Explained

Depression is more than a gloomy and terrifying disorder; it can be lethal. Therefore, anyone with moderate to severe depression requires vigorous treatment immediately. There are many different depression medications. These same antidepressants can also help treat panic disorder, other anxiety disorders, eating disorders, and attention deficit disorder.

Depression has been linked to a shortage of any one of four different neurotransmitters: serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine or epinephrine. Depression medications are designed to correct neurotransmitter shortages by increasing the bodys supply of one or more of these important brain chemicals.

There are three main classes of depression medications:

-Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs) increase brain norepinephrine levels. From the 1960s through the 1980s, TCAs were the first line treatment for major depression in the U.S. Today however, TCAs are generally used as the second or third line therapies. Side effects from this depression medication include dry mouth, sleepiness, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (scarring or thickening of deep lung tissue), weight gain, blurred vision, constipation, fast or irregular heartbeat, bladder weakness, tremors, and dizziness. Brand name drugs in this class are Tofranil, Desipramine, Doxepin, and Elavil.

- Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAO) Is an enzyme that breaks down three important neurotransmitters. Norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin. MAOIs have been largely replaced by SSRIs, although many patients with major depression who do not respond to TCAs improve with MAOIs. Depressed patients with specific symptoms like sleeping too much, over-eating for long periods of time, rejection sensitivity, and panic attacks, may get the best results with MAOIs. MAOIs are also effective treatments for panic disorder and bipolar depression. Side effects from this depression medication includes tremors, edema, dizziness, constipation, sleepiness, dry mouth, blurred vision, weight gain, sexual dysfunction, increased blood pressure, and fast or irregular heartbeat. Brand name drugs in this class are, Parnate, Nardil, and Marphan.

- Selective Serotonin Re-uptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) are the newest of the three main classes of depression medications. They prevent the reabsorption of serotonin from the synapse where neighboring brain cells communicate. SSRIs are the current depression medication of choice because of their limited side effects, although they may cause insomnia, agitation, headache, nausea, and diarrhea. Brand name drugs in this class are, Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil, Celexa, and Lexapro.

It is easy to fall into the trap of thinking that taking a pill is the easy way out. While a medication may take away symptoms of a disease it does not cure the problem, and often creates a completely new array of side effects. It is important to discover the root of the problem and treat it in a way that can bring lasting relief. In attacking depression, lifestyle measures should be your first line of defense. Herbs or depression medications should be a last line of defense.

Jason Hunter is a natural health advocate. He is webmaster of a natural health web site called Home Health and Natural Remedies. He gives advise and alternative treatment options for treating depression naturally. You can visit his website at: Natural Remedies For Depression\r and\r Herbal Remedies for Depression

What Anti Depression Steps Do You Need To Take
A person who is beginning to have problems with depression will typically begin to exhibit certain symptoms that will show they are having problems. A...

Various Options Of Treating Depression
There are good amounts of anti-depressants and depression medications which can help ease depressive symptoms. Some drugs are to be taken with water a...

Depression Herbs - The Benefits Of Depression Herbs Treatment
Depression is a prolonged feeling of sadness, a feeling of being slow motion, and - or a loss of interest in once enjoyed activities. Treatments for d...

Herbs, Depression, & Treatments
Herbs and Depression have a beneficial connection. Herbs are safe and all natural. There are herbs that are known to positively affect mood and we wi...

Overcoming Depression with Welatonin
Depression can effect anybody at anytime in their life but often the exact period that it begins cannot be pinpointed. This is because depression usu...

Suffering from Depression? There is Hope and Help Available for You
It may surprising to learn that as many as 20 out of 100 people experience clinical depression every year. These aren't the normal blues most people e...

Natural Ways to Treat Depression
Depression is a common condition that lots of people are suffering. But most sufferers refer it as a minor condition that not needs to be treated and ...

Medicines As Depression Treatments- The Benefits and Dangers of Medicines as Depression Treatments
Depression is an illness that can range in seriousness from mild to severe. Treatment is available in various forms and they are effective each in the...

The Use of Herbs for Depression - Herbs for Depression are Effective Options
In this time when medications for just about every health condition that exists are seen in commercial advertisements, many people are concerned about...

Depression And Vitamins Could Be A Winning Combination
Even if you're not a fan of natural and folk remedies, but if you're interest is gaining relief from depression without the use of the strong medicati...

How To Overcome Depression
If you are suffering from depression then it is a good thing that you are looking for information on how to overcome depression as it is not a good id...

Nutritional Supplements - Depression
Treatments for Depression have ranged from anti-depressants to shock treatments and magnetic healing. Holistic treatments, Acupuncture, and Acupressu...

Major Depression - What Drug Treatment is Available?
When you have depression - especially major depression - you will need to be under the treatment of a physician. Once you have started a treatment pr...

Treatments Depression Info - Facts About Treatments Depression Info
Treatments (for) Depression information are available from a wide variety of sources. Medication, Holistic, and Herbal Treatments will be the focus he...

The Anxiety Depression Treatment Center - What It Can Do for You
As they say, home is where the heart is. Every person sees home as a place that they can relax, unwind and share an entire day on the couch, just watc...