Depression and the Drugs Used to Treat It

Depression and the Drugs Used to Treat It

Depression is a chronic disease much like other chronic diseases such as asthma is. Individual who suffer from depression have symptoms that are not always have the physical kind but are symptoms that need treating just the same.

Depression can be triggered by factors such as losing a job, dealing with a serious illness, or a divorce, loss of a loved one, or having a great deal of difficulty at school.

Depression can also be caused by prescription drugs and illegal drugs.

Depression is a treatable illness in which medications are just a part of effective treatment.

There are many studies that show that individuals do better when treatment includes a combination of counseling and antidepressant prescription.

Individuals who are prescribed antidepressants should be carefully monitored while on the medication and should never take themselves off the medications without the advice of a doctor.

There is a strong warning against using antidepressant in children and adolescents without using therapy and without close supervision.

Neurotransmitters "serotonin" and "norepinephrine" are like little communicators in everyone's brain that control a person's mood.

Antidepressants have been shown to help improve the mood of those taking it especially when they are combined with psychological therapy.

The brain chemicals (serotonin and norepinephrine) are elevated when given antidepressants.

Overdose Drugs Never use medication that is prescribed for someone else. Only crush or break pills when you doctor has approved doing so. Never use medication that is past the expiration date on the container. Pay attention to storage instructions to keep your medication safe and potent. Drugs and Medicine

 

There are two different groups of antidepressants used to treat depression they are: selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI's) and Tricyclic antidepressants.

SSRI's increase the brain's level of serotonin, and improve mood. SSRI's are also used to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder and some forms of shyness.

SSRI's can have some adverse side effects as shown by data that suggests that children taking them can engage in self-destructive thoughts. You have to weight the benefits against the risks when your child is prescribed SSRI's.

Prednisone Medicine You should also inform any medical professional about your allergy so that they can make a wise choice regarding your prescriptions. When you have a medication allergy it is also a good idea to wear a MedicAlert bracelet and also carry a card that identifies your medication allergy, just in case you are unable to speak. Having this information about your medication allergy available in case of an emergency may safe your life. Anyone can develop a medication allergy even to drugs that they have taken previously. Drugs and Medicine

In most cases SSRI's are well tolerated and have shown to be effective. There are some side effects that have been noted by those using them that include heartburn, drowsiness and loss of appetite.

There have also been some drug interactions noted so those prescribed SSRI's that are taking other prescription or over-the-counter drugs should always check with a pharmacist or a doctor before taking other drugs along with SSRI's.

Celexa is a popular SSRI, so is Lexapro, and also Luvox and Prozac.

Tricyclic antidepressants were first used in the 1950's and are effective in combating depression but also have side effects including drowsiness, constipation and also dry mouth.

Some individuals also experience weight gain when taking them. It is also dangerous to overdose on these medications. There are also drug interactions with tricyclic antidepressants so individuals should be careful when taking other medications while on them.

Tricyclics that you may be familiar with are Amitriptyline, Desipramine, and also Nortriptyline.