By Michael Russell
Once it has been established that a person is suffering from clinical depression, help for the condition is fairly easy to get. Even "regular" physicians are so informed about depression that they can prescribe treatment for it. It's no longer necessary (in most cases) to see a specialist to get a diagnosis or medication for it.
If the patient chooses treatment in the form of medication, there are many options available. Each medication has some side effects, so it's just a question of trying different medications until the right one has been established. With most of the medications, results can be seen within three to six weeks, given that the patient takes them on a regular basis and that the dosage is adequate for the patient.
Treatment in the form of medication is usually divided into the following categories:
- SSRIs (Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) are medications such as Zoloft, Luvox, Paxil and Prozac. These are the most prescribed drugs for the treatment of depression They only have a few and tolerable side effects, such as mild headaches, insomnia, feeling very sedated, nausea and a decrease in interest in sex. The later can be helped with a small dosage of special medication and the other side effects usually wear of within a few days. They are safe in overdose.
- SNRIs (Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors) such as Effexor and Serzone also have good results. The side effects are about the same as the SSRIs, except for the sexual side effects. They are also safe in overdose.
- Bupropion (Wellbutrin) has restlessness, anxiety and insomnia as side effects. It is not safe in overdose, since higher amounts of this medication can cause seizures. It is therefore also not recommended in treatment of depressive patients with epilepsy. - Mirtazapine (Remeron) is fairly new on the market. The known side effects are weight gain and a sense of sedation. Due to the later, it is only used at night. It is safe in overdose.
- TCAs (Tricyclic Antidepressants) such as Elavil, Pamelor and Norpramin are one of the first types of medication used in treatment of depression. It has quite a lot of side effects and has to be monitored closely by the physician. Despite of this, it is an effective treatment and many patients turn to it when all other treatment forms have failed. The most common side effects are blurred vision, dizziness or feeling lightheaded that can lead to a fall, constipation, urinary problems, dry mouth, a feeling of sedation, heart palpitations and weight gain. It can be fatal in an overdose.
- MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors) such as Parnate and Nardil are also older forms of medication that are especially used in the treatment of atypical depression, where the patient complains of unexplained body aches, excessive sleeping and overeating. When all else fails, this form of medication is often prescribed. It does come with a lot of side effects though, the same as TCAs. During usage of this medication the patient has to follow a very strict diet. He must avoid all food high in the amino acid tyramine, which are contained in liver, aged wines and cheeses, broad beans and other foods. The patient also must avoid taking any sort of cold medications that contain pseudoephedrine. Mixing the medication with the mentioned foods or a decongestant can be fatal.
No matter which medication form the patient and doctor decide to go with, results are even better if the medication is taken while the patient undergoes psychotherapy.
Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Depression
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