Medicines to Treat Depression

• Depression often results from an imbalance in brain chemicals like serotonin (the "feel good" hormone), norepinephrine, dopamine, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), and others. While there are alternative treatments besides medication, using medicine can facilitate quicker recovery. 

Here are some commonly used medications for treating depression:-

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs):

• They function by boosting serotonin levels in the brain, thereby enhancing mood.
• Common brand names: Celexa, Lexapro, Zoloft, Prozac
• Side-effects: Dry mouth, insomnia, drowsiness, restlessness, erectile dysfunction.

Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs):

• These medications elevate both serotonin and norepinephrine levels, helping to balance brain chemicals and improve mood.
• Common brand names: Pristiq, Fetzima, Effexor
• Side-effects: Increased sweating, increased blood pressure, dry mouth, decreased libido, insomnia.

Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs):

• Among the oldest antidepressants, developed in the 1950s, TCAs function by increasing noradrenaline and serotonin levels in the brain, thereby improving mood.
• Common brand names: Norpramin, Tofranil, Triptyder
• Side-effects: Weight gain, dry mouth, blurred vision, confusion, irregular heartbeat.

Bupropion:

• It is the only FDA-approved NDRI (Norepinephrine and Dopamine Reuptake Inhibitor).
• Common brand names: Bupron
• Side-effects: Seizures, anxiety, irritability, shaky hands, restlessness.

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs):

• These medications prevent the breakdown of brain chemicals, thereby increasing their levels and improving mood. They are prescribed when other antidepressants have failed.
• Common brand names: Nardil, Parnate, Selgin
• Side-effects: Orthostatic hypotension (sudden drop in blood pressure upon standing), dizziness, drowsiness, insomnia.

Source 1:-Karrouri, R., Hammani, Z., Benjelloun, R., & Otheman, Y. (2021). Major depressive disorder: Validated treatments and future challenges. World journal of clinical cases, 9(31), 9350–9367. https://doi.org/10.12998/wjcc.v9.i31.9350 

Source 2 :-Chand SP, Marwaha R. Anxiety. [Updated 2023 Apr 24]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470361/ 

Disclaimer:-This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider before making any changes to your treatment. Do not ignore or delay professional medical advice based on anything you have seen or read on Medwiki. 

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