Emotional and Mental Health

Depression

Medications for Depression

The most widely used medications for both major depression and dysthymia are called SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) or SNRIs (seratonin/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors). These drugs affect neurotransmitters in the brain known as serotonin and norepenephrine, which are believed to play a role in causing depression.

 

SSRIs (drugs that affect serotonin) available in the United States include:

SNRIs (drugs that affect both serotonin and norepenephrine) include:

Another widely used drug for treating both major depression and dysthymia is Wellbutrin (bupropion). Wellbutrin directly affects chemicals in the brain other than serotonin, mainly noradrenaline and dopamine.

Some people respond well to one drug and do not respond well to other drugs in the same class. Side effects for each drug also vary from person to person. Therefore, if a particular drug does not help you feel better or gives you unacceptable side effects, you may respond well to a different antidepressant. Occasionally people respond best to a combination of medications.

 

How fast do these drugs work?

Antidepressants are usually started at low dosage and then increased. Some people feel better within a few days, but do not expect it to work immediately. Antidepressant medications are usually taken for four to six months. If depression recurs when the medication is stopped, these antidepressants may be taken on an indefinite basis.