Depression Help

The major classes of antidepressant medication are the selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs), the tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), the monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), and the atypical antidepressants. SSRI medications affect levels of serotonin in the brain. For many people, these medications are the first choice. Examples of these medications are listed here. The generic name is first, with the brand name in parentheses. These drugs are best known by their brand names.

* Fluoxetine (Prozac)
* Sertraline (Zoloft)
* Paroxetine (Paxil)
* Fluvoxamine (Luvox)
* Citalopram (Celexa)
* Escitalopram (Lexapro)

TCAs are often prescribed in severe cases of depression or when SSRI medications don't work. Like the SSRIs, most of these are better known by their brand names.

* Amitriptyline (Elavil)
* Clomipramine (Anafranil)
* Desipramine (Norpramin)
* Doxepin (Adapin)
* Imipramine (Tofranil)
* Nortriptyline (Pamelor)
* Protriptyline (Vivactil)
* Trimipramine (Surmontil)

The MAOIs are not used as often since the introduction of the SSRIs. Because of interactions, the MAOIs may not be taken with many other types of medicines, and some types of foods that are high in tyramine (like aged cheeses, wines, and cured meats) must be avoided as well.

* Phenelzine (Nardil)
* Tranylcypromine (Parnate)

* Bupropion (Wellbutrin)
* Mirtazapine (Remeron)
* Nefazodone (Serzone)
* Trazodone (Desyrel)
* Venlafaxine (Effexor)

One-half to two-thirds of people who take antidepressant medications get better. It may take anywhere from one to six weeks to start feeling better. Don't give up taking the medication if you don't feel better right away.Your health-care provider will see you again during this period to see if your body is tolerating the medication and if your symptoms are better. If they are not, he or she may adjust your dose or prescribe a different medication.Even after you feel better, you should continue to take the medication for six to nine months.

 

source: http://www.emedicinehealth.com