Types of Depression Medication

      There are different types of depression medication that the depressed population can take advantage of to neutralize this condition. Although antidepressants are the ones most commonly used, the alternatives give fairly the same effect. This inclination for the popular choice deprives depressed patients the knowledge of alternatives that may give a better remedy. As you already know, what works for one doesn’t mean it will work for everyone. Each type of medication act on varying levels & produce distinct results on every individual. These types of medication can be categorized into 5: Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), Tricyclics Antidepressants (TCAs), Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs), and Serotonin/Norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) and atypical depressants.

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)

     SSRIs are the most common type of depression medication. It produces milder side effects than the other types and is safer to use. It specifically targets the reuptake of serotonin in the brain which causes changes in mood. By regulating this particular chemical in the brain, more of it is made available to be used by the brain.

Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs)

     Tricyclic antidepressants are considered one of the oldest types around although its use has declined in the recent years due to its more prominent side effects. Its usage has been reserved in situations when all other antidepressants prove to be ineffective. This type inhibits the reuptake of one or both of the neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain so that its mood-lightening effects work efficiently.

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)

     Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors are recognized to be the first type of antidepressants to be developed but are used only when all the other ones have failed due to its side effects and dietary restrictions. So how does it work? Our brain contains a neurotransmitter called monoamines which control and regulate bodily functions. An enzyme called monoamine oxidase breaks down these monoamines which lessens its amount in the brain. MAOIs, as the name suggests inhibits the enzyme monoamine oxidase from breaking down these monoamines resulting in an abundance of the monoamines like serotonin and norepinephrine which are known to boost mood.

Serotonin/Norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)

     SNRIs are a newer type of depression medication available in the market. It works by increasing the production of serotonin and norepinephrine responsible for regulating the mood as well as decreasing its breakdown.

Atypical Antidepressants

     Atypical Antidepressants are called so because they do not fall in the same category as the ones mentioned above. Like SNRIs Atypical Antidepressants are classed as a newer type of medication and are widely used than older types because they provide milder and fewer side effects. It alleviates depression by balancing chemicals in the brain.

     All types of depression medication will not take effect immediately and may take several days to weeks. Also, it needs to be consistently taken over the course of treatment. There are documents to back the effectivity of antidepressants on regulating neurotransmitter levels but how it actually works to lessen depressive feelings is yet to be definitively known. Some also claim that antidepressants have a long-term effect on the regeneration of neurons. Undoubtedly, antidepressants along with psychotherapy are the preferred method of treatment for most medical practitioners. Although all of these types of medication produce tolerance over time, it can be prevented if the guidance and supervision of a medical professional is employed.