When Depression Medications Are Considered For Treatment

Situations Depression Medications Are Prescribed

Many people who suffer from depression and psychological disorders are against taking depression medications, and with just cause. The side effects are not that pleasant. However, although I love natural remedies for depression, I do realize there are certain situations where depression medications are the only thing that will help.

Following are some of the signs indicating that depression medications are a necessary part of treatment:

• 1. Suicidal tendencies and frequent thoughts about death.
• 2. Difficulty in identifying what is real and what is imaginary.
• 3. Inability to function properly due to deep depression.
• 4. Failure to get positive results from other depression remedies.

Oftentimes, both patients and medical professionals prefer to see whether natural remedies or alternative therapies for depression will work before trying any form of depression medications. These medications are usually considered as a last resort and are only used when other remedies don’t work.

For most cases, psychotherapy is tried first, which is a completely non-invasive but potentially very effective treatment against depression and many other psychological issues. But for the more severe cases where the patient or the people around them are placed at risk, medications can definitely be considered as a first depression treatment.

Most depression medications today work by restoring the balance of chemicals in the brain, allowing the person to think more clearly and have a more logical view of the things that are happening around them. As a positive side effect, these medications can also reduce the risks of suffering from stress, anxiety and other common mental issues that are associated with depression.

Types of Depression Medications

Depression medications, or anti-depressants, come in many different forms, but among the most prescribed are the following:

• Tricyclics

Tricyclic antidepressants such as Imipramine, Desipramine, and Nortriptyline are prescribed by doctors to treat depression, but they have many side effects that could do more harm than good.

• Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors or SSRIs

Some of the SSRi’s prescribed are: Celexa, Lexapro, Cipralex, Prozac and Zoloft.

• Benzodiazepine Tranquilizers or BZ

Benzodiazepines (commonly known as Xanax) have been given to patients with anxiety and depression, but many people do say it makes their condition worse. So, work with your doctor always and let them know!

• Monoamine oxidase or MAO inhibitors

Examples are: Azilect, Eldepryl, Nardil and Parnate.

• Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors

Technically, these drugs fall into different categories but they are all also considered as antidepressants. People might react to these medications differently but most of them are quite effective in fighting depression and its many symptoms. However, these depression medications can also come with certain side effects, which you should know about before starting on any treatment.

Mood Stabilizers

Besides antidepressants, mood stabilizers can also be used to combat depression symptoms. Instead of targeting the serotonin levels in the brain like what most antidepressants do, these mood stabilizers regulate the gamma-aminobutyric acid and glutamate levels in one’s body.

As mentioned, there are certain situations where medications are considered to be the best remedies for depression. But there are also cases where depression medications should not be taken at all costs, such as for pregnant women or for individuals who are under medication for other health problems.

In order to get the most out of your depression treatment, as well as to avoid medical complications, you should work closely with your doctor before taking any of these medications.

The choice is ultimately up to you, but it’s important to know what your options are – including the fact that depression medications are just one option.

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