Types of Antidepressants - Finding the Right Medication for Depression
The Importance of Using the Right Medications for Depression
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors
SSRIs are antidepressants that are commonly used to treat major depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, and other psychological illnesses. They are commonly used to treat anxiety disorders such as social anxiety disorder, chronic pain, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), eating disorders, and, in certain circumstances, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). They're also commonly used to treat depersonalization disorders and other mental illnesses.
Psychiatric Providers frequently begin treatment for depression by prescribing an SSRI. These antidepressants have fewer negative side effects and are less likely to create issues at higher therapeutic levels than other antidepressants. Fluoxetine, sertraline, paroxetine, and citalopram are all common SSRIs. Prozac, Paxil, Pexeva, and Zoloft are examples of SSRI prescription names that may be prescribed.
Contact us for more information on SSRIs.
Tricyclic Antidepressants
Antidepressants that are tricyclic and tetracyclic, often known as cyclic antidepressants, were among the first to be created. Cyclic antidepressants work by changing the chemical messengers (neurotransmitters) that help brain cells interact. To relieve depression, cyclic antidepressants function by causing changes in brain chemistry and communication in brain nerve cell circuits known to influence mood.
Imitriptyline, nortriptyline, amitriptyline, doxepin, and desipramine, are tricyclic antidepressants that produce more adverse effects than newer antidepressants. As a result, tricyclic antidepressants are rarely prescribed unless other antidepressants have failed to help. The common names of tricyclic antidepressants are Norpramin, Pamelor, and Tofranil.
Reach out to us to explore options with tricyclic antidepressants.
Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
Antidepressant SNRIs are used to treat depression symptoms including irritability and unhappiness, but they can also be used to treat anxiety and nerve pain. SNRIs work by changing the neurotransmitters that help brain cells interact.
To assist with treating depression, SNRIs, like most antidepressants, act by causing changes in brain chemistry by introducing more serotonin into your system. Examples of SNRI medications include duloxetine (Cymbalta), venlafaxine (Effexor XR), desvenlafaxine (Pristiq) and levomilnacipran (Fetzima).
Speak to our psychiatric providers for more information on SNRIs.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
Because MAOIs can have substantial adverse effects, they are generally recommended when other depression medications have failed. Examples include tranylcypromine, phenelzine, and isocarboxazid, which are commonly referred to as Parnate, Nardil, and Marplan.
MAOIs can produce dangerously high blood pressure when combined with certain foods or drugs, they usually necessitate dietary restrictions and the avoidance of certain other medications. Due to severe or even fatal interactions with some foods, such as pickles, cheeses, and wines, using an MAOI necessitates a rigorous diet. Some medications can't be used along with SSRIs such as pain relievers, decongestants, and herbal supplements. Be sure to talk with a doctor about the risks of taking MAOIs with other medications.
Despite their negative side effects, these drugs are nevertheless a viable alternative for some patients. They can help people who are depressed when other therapies have failed.
Learn more about MAOIs and other medication for depression from us!
Our team at Wellsource Group can help with your medication management by conducting a thorough analysis of your medical history and depression to find the best solutions for you moving forward. Please contact us at any time, or view more of our services to learn more about what we can do for you!