Medication for Depression – Types, Benefits, and Risks

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) allow you to get extra benefit from a chemical in the brain called serotonin, which helps regulate your mood. SSRIs are usually the first type of antidepressant tried with patients because they often have fewer side effects than other medications.^[2] Some of the more well-known SSRIs include Sertraline and Escitalopram.

Many studies have been carried out into how effective SSRIs are as a treatment for depression, and they have been found to be more effective with a good response from patients.^[3]

Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) work in a way similar to SSRIs, but they also have an effect on the norepinephrine in your brain, which is a chemical and a stress hormone. It has a big impact on your fight-and-flight response and can also affect your moods. SNRIs aim to boost the positive effects of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain.

Studies show the importance of norepinephrine in mood and depression, so it can be beneficial to target both chemicals if you have tried other antidepressants and not had the relief from symptoms that you were hoping for.^[4]

It can also be a treatment choice if you experience anxiety as well as depression, due to its effect on the fight-and-flight response. Some of the most well-known SNRIs are Venlafaxine and Duloxetine.

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) are less frequently used medications as they tend to have more unpleasant side effects than SSRIs or SNRIs. However, they can be useful if you find that those medications aren’t working well for you.^[2] They work by boosting serotonin and norepinephrine in your brain, however, they also affect other chemicals in your body, which can increase the likelihood of unpleasant side effects. Some common TCAs include amitriptyline and clomipramine.

Studies have shown that TCAs are more effective at reducing depression symptoms than a placebo, however, all note the issues of unpleasant side effects.^[5]

Monoamine-oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) work similarly to SNRIs to boost the amount of serotonin and norepinephrine in our brains. They are usually considered if you are having problems with SSRIs, SNRIs, or TCAs because MAOIs can have bad reactions to certain foods and medications.^[6]

If MAOIs are used while eating foods with large amounts of a chemical called tyramine, you can end up with higher blood pressure than before. Some of these foods include matured/aged cheese, salami, broad bean pods, marmite, and soy sauce.

Studies have shown that MAOIs have a greater effect on depressive symptoms than a placebo or TCAs, and are similar to SSRIs in that regard.^[7] Some of the more common MAOIs are tranylcypromine and isocarboxazid.

Atypical antidepressant medications include those which aren’t in the main four groups above. The way they work varies, with some working on serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine, or a combination. Some of the medications in this group are Buproprion and Mirtazapine.

In studies, people using mirtazapine for antidepressant medication showed significant improvements in their symptoms within the first two weeks of treatment, with continued improvements after that. It is better than a placebo, and just as good as TCAs but with fewer side effects.^[8]

Antidepressant medications target different brain chemicals linked to mood. This means you may feel your mood lift and feel more capable of doing things that felt impossible while you were deep in depression.

These medications can help feel clear of the mental fog you may have been feeling, and let you feel more able to engage with other types of support, like therapy or exercise, to help your recovery even more.

Many people start feeling improvements in their mood within as little as a few weeks of starting medication, which can help them feel better faster.

Research has shown that antidepressants are more effective than placebos, and they are generally safe when you use them as prescribed.

Like any medication, antidepressants have the potential to cause side effects, which can range from mild to more severe. Some of the most common depression medication side effects include headaches, nausea, or drowsiness. They might be unpleasant at first, but generally, they will improve over time. Your healthcare provider can talk through the side effects of the medications to help assess if a particular antidepressant is the best fit for you.^[10]

Not every antidepressant will work for everyone, so you may need to try different options to find the one that works best for you.

Studies have shown that some antidepressants can reduce your libido or affect your sexual functioning, although this varies by individual.^[11]

If you stop taking antidepressants suddenly, you can experience withdrawal symptoms. You should always talk with your doctor before you make changes to your medication regimes.^[12]

Physical Activity for Depression

Physical activity, a.k.a exercise has been shown to lessen symptoms of depression and anxiety and is associated with improved feelings of well-being.^[13]

It also compares favorably to antidepressant medications when used to treat mild depression. Exercise causes endorphins to be released in your body, which can have mood-boosting effects.^[14] It can also be a good distraction from worries and negative thoughts.

Therapy for Depression

While medication focuses on relieving the symptoms of depression, therapy can help with any underlying problems that may be triggering and keeping the depression going. It can help you to find coping strategies that work for you and allow you to discover what can trigger these strong feelings inside you, which helps to create long-lasting change.^[15]

Alternative Therapies for Depression

Finally, there are a range of alternative therapies for depression which can be used alongside other therapies already mentioned:

• Meditation– medical imaging has shown that meditation can make positive changes in the brain to help you through depression.^[16] On a practical level, meditation can reduce your stress levels, make you feel more grounded in the present, and improve your focus.
• Massage – massage can also help to lower stress levels and make you feel more relaxed. Some studies have been carried out into the use of massage for depression, and while the current data suggest that it can help with mood problems, there isn’t enough evidence of its effectiveness as a therapy on its own for depression.^[17]
• Arts and Creativity – arts and creative therapies can help you to express feelings that you might have trouble getting out. You can use paint, clay, music, and almost any type of craft or creative thing. It can also help you deal with your symptoms and provide distraction.^[18]