Most depressions are caused by an event, although some are due to naturally occurring chemical imbalances in the brain. These reactive depressions are usually self limiting and respond well to psychotherapy. Depression drugs are not prescribed for every depression patient and are typically needed for those who have severe types of depression that is not improved by psychotherapy. When depression drugs are administered, it is usually under careful supervision and intended to be a short term solution to the problem of depression. They are often given in intervals of four to six weeks depending on the level of depression and the dosage.
When dealing with depressive illnesses that are not necessarily caused by an event, but are instead a result of predisposition to depression, depression drugs are usually very effective as a first line of defense. Psychotherapy is used to supplement the benefits of depression drugs. Recovery usually begins far sooner when medications are used along with psychotherapy. For the initial period, the dosage is variable to get the best results and the period for medication can be as short as six weeks and up to six months, sometimes longer.
Drug Management
Depression drugs given to any person with a depressive illness usually begin with tricyclic antidepressants (which tend to have annoying side effects) or serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs, which are more expensive but also more effective and have fewer side effects). The drugs are given at low dosages and increased when necessary. If the patient is not finding symptom relief at the highest dosage, a stronger drug will be given until one that works well is found. If none of the drugs on the first line of defense appears to have an effect, a different type of drug will be used. These are known as MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors). These are older depression drugs which tend to have moderate to severe side effects but are very effective at treating depression that is very drug resistant.
Various Depression Drug Therapies
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) these depression drugs are used to treat milder forms of depression. These drugs are well tolerated with a low incidence of troublesome side effects. The most reported side effects include headache, nervousness, agitation, insomnia and tremors. One side effect that can be particularly problematic is sexual dysfunction in the form of inhibited orgasm and impaired ability to ejaculate. It should be noted that SSRIs cannot be taken in conjunction with MAOIs because the combination can be fatal.
Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs) these depression drugs are used to treat severe depression and in patients who may need to be sedated. TCAs are useful in depressive illnesses and can be used in severe reactive depression. These types of drugs have moderate to severe side effects, especially in the form of drowsiness and fatigue. It is usually recommended that they be taken at bedtime to avoid daytime drowsiness once the correct dosage has been proven effective. It can take anywhere from two to five weeks to determine effectiveness so adjusting the dosage can be a lengthy process. It is of utmost importance that you avoid the use of alcoholic beverages while taking TCAs because it can prove fatal. Even driving requires extreme caution while taking these depression drugs. Side effects include restlessness, headache, anxiety, insomnia, muscle aches and nausea. When withdrawing from TCAs, it should be done over a two week period gradually to avoid adverse effects.
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) these depression drugs are effective in treating non-reactive depression and types of depression that do not respond to other drug treatments. They are especially effective in treating anxiety, phobias, hypochondriasis, and depressive disorders that involve excess eating and sleeping. There are a number of things that must be avoided when taking MAOIs and there are even foods and beverages that you cannot have while on these drugs. A special diet is required to avoid adverse effects and problems with absorption. It is necessary to have any other depression drugs ‘wash out’ of your system before taking MAOIs to avoid any chemical reactions that can potentially cause harm or result in death. As with all other depression drugs it may take two to five weeks to see true results and a cessation of major side effects. Also, it is important to wean off of MAOIs because abrupt cessation can result in rebound depression.
