Types Of Depression Medicine

There are a lot of different types of depression medicines which are now available for the treatment of depression. Newer depression medicines have become obtainable that are safer and more effective than the older depression medications and have a fewer side effects. It is important to take note though, that all types of depression medicines, even the newest and most famous, present certain risks and can still cause uncomfortable side effects. It is sensible to educate oneself in order to find suitable alternatives.

The three main types of depression medicine are: selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), tricyclics (TCAs), and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs):

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI)
These types of depression medicines are the newest and most popular, and works by increasing the levels of a mood-related neurotransmitter called serotonin, in the brain. These medications generally present a lower risk of side effects than other types of depression medicines but it does not mean that they are totally safe or free of side effects. The most taxing side effects caused by SSRI depression medicines are sexual dysfunction and weight gain. It is not unusual for men using this medication to become nearly impotent, and women to gain thirty pounds. A lot of people look natural options to prescription depression medicines in order to do away with these nasty side effects. The first SSRI medication introduced in the United States in 1988 was Prozac (fluoxetine), since then several SSRI medicines have been released including Paxil (paroxetine), Lexapro (escitalopram), Luvox (fluvoxamine), Celexa (citalopram), and Zoloft (sertraline).

Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCA)
These types of depression medicines are the older class, and because they can cause side effects such as constipation, dry mouth, bladder problems, blurred vision, bladder problems, sexual dysfunction, drowsiness, and dizziness, they are no longer commonly prescribed and have fallen favor. Some TCAs include Tofranil (imipramine), Anafranil (clomipramine), and Elavil (amitriptyline).

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOI)
These depression medications are presently the rarest types of depression medicines because they pose serious safety risks, can cause severe side effects, and require a restricted diet.

Because of the expensive cost and side effects of depression medicines, people in the United States are more and more turning to natural depression medications. However, many natural supplements are of low quality and do not work as good as prescription drugs. Some high-quality natural depression supplements do exist though, and the best natural depression supplements include ingredients that have been proven to work as good as depression medicines but with fewer side effects.

In a natural antidepressant medicine called Amoryn, the main ingredient is hyperforin, which is an effective treatment for anxiety and depression. Clinical research shows that it relieves depression as successfully as a lot of prescription drugs but the good thing is it has fewer side effects.