What You Need to Know About Depression Medication

Major depressive disorder is the most common type of depression in the country. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, more than 21 million adults in the U.S. experience a major depressive episode each year. There are other types, with symptoms ranging from mild to severe. Regardless of the type, however, depression is a serious condition that warrants appropriate treatment.

Treatment for depression typically involves a combination of lifestyle changes, therapy and depression medication.

If you are considering taking medication to treat your depression, you may wonder, “what is the best medication for depression?” Read on to learn more about depression medication and the factors doctors consider when prescribing antidepressants.

What Is the Best Medication for Depression?

All types of depression medication are very effective at reducing depression symptoms. However, there is no definitive research yet as to which works the best. Also, because the response to a specific antidepressant varies from person to person, it is difficult to claim that a particular drug is the “best” medication for depression in all cases.

Generally, doctors prescribe depression medication based on factors such as:

• The patient’s symptoms
• Other medical conditions the patient may have
• Other medication and supplements the patient is taking
• Potential side-effects of the treatment
• Cost

Types of Depression Medication

The following are five types of depression medication that a doctor may prescribe to a person diagnosed with depression.

1. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
2. Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
3. Atypical antidepressants
4. Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)
5. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)

To understand how SSRIs work, it is necessary to know more about serotonin.

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter, a chemical messenger that relays signals between the nerve cells in the brain and the body. It has many other functions, such as aiding in sleep-wake cycles, memory and digestion, as well as regulating moods. Many experts agree that if a person’s serotonin levels are too low, they are more likely to develop depression and anxiety.

SSRIs are thought to work by increasing serotonin levels. They do so by preventing some of the serotonin in the body from being reabsorbed into the blood. This leaves more serotonin in the body, thus helping boost mood and reduce depression symptoms.

There are several generic and name-brand SSRIs that may be prescribed for depression. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the following SSRIs for the treatment of depression.

Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)

SNRIs are similar to SNRIs in that they both help treat depression by restoring the balance of certain neurotransmitters in the brain. SNRIs boost both serotonin and norepinephrine.

Also called "noradrenaline," norepinephrine is a neurotransmitter and hormone that is thought to help with regulating emotions and thought processes. It also plays a role in memory, focus, sleep and mood regulation.

Some commonly prescribed, FDA-approved SNRIs are:

Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs)

TCAs are an older type of antidepressant, first developed in the 1950s. They are thought to decrease depression symptoms by increasing serotonin and norepinephrine levels and suppressing the action of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh). Past studies have suggested that ACh levels are high in people who have depression.

The following are some TCAs that may be prescribed for depression:

*No corresponding brand name/generic only

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)

MAOIs were the first ever antidepressants to be invented. While they are effective at treating depression, they are now rarely prescribed because newer antidepressants with fewer side effects are widely available.

As previously discussed, dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine all play key roles in improving mood, regulating emotions and aiding in thought processes. An enzyme called monoamine oxidase removes these neurotransmitters from the brain.

MAOIs are thought to work by inhibiting monoamine oxidase. More dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine remain in the brain, helping improve mood and address depression symptoms.

The following are some MAOIs that are approved by the FDA for the treatment of depression:

Atypical Antidepressants

These prescription drugs are so-named because they do not fall under the four main categories of depression medication (SSRIs, SNRIs, MAOIs and TCAs). Each one works on different chemicals to treat depression symptoms. Like tricyclic antidepressants, atypical antidepressants are sometimes described to patients who have not responded well or at all to other types of antidepressants.

Some examples of atypical depressants are:

*No corresponding brand name/generic only

Taking Your Depression Medication

Note that you should only take depression medication that you have been prescribed by your physician. Take it as directed, and if you believe you are not receiving any benefit from it or if you experience worrisome side effects, make an appointment with your doctor immediately.

Your physician is best qualified to advise you on your next steps. This may involve adjusting your dosage, adding to your prescription or switching you to a different medication for depression.

Inside Rx Can Help You Save

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Sources:

• https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/in-depth/antidepressants/ART-20044970?p=1
• https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/in-depth/antidepressants/ART-20044970?p=1
• https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/in-depth/maois/art-20043992
• https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/in-depth/atypical-antidepressants/ART-20048208?p=1
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK493643/table/appa.t3/
• https://www.mqmentalhealth.org/the-facts-about-ssris/
• https://screening.mhanational.org/content/atypical-antidepressants/