Depression is a serious illness that affects thoughts, feelings and behavior of a person. It is characterized by intensive and prolonged feeling of sadness and despair as well as aversion to normal, everyday activities. Depression can affect anyone regardless of his age. Symptoms of depression may vary from person to person and in some individuals symptoms can be unrecognized while in others the symptoms can be quite severe and obvious. However, with the help of several tests a health care professional can diagnose presence and level of depression in a patient. Fortunately, there are many treatment options that can help the patients to control their illness.
Medications for DepressionAcute depression is commonly treated with medications. There are numerous types of antidepressants that can effectively relieve the symptoms of depression. But, one must not take depression medications without consulting a doctor. A doctor is the only one who can choose specific type and right dosage of antidepressants for each patient. Following are commonly prescribed medications for treating depression.
Citalopram
Citalopram is selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that is the most frequently prescribed medication for manic depression symptoms. Citalopram is the brand name for Celexa. This medication is usually given in a dose ranging from 20 to 40 mg but in severe cases it can be increased to 60mg per day.
Escitalopram
Escitalopram is also a SSRI that is approved for the treatment of major depression and generalized anxiety disorder. Escitalopram is generic name for Lexapro. It is usually prescribed in dose of 10mg a day.
Paroxetine
Paroxetine is generic name for Paxil (USA) and Seroxat (UK). Paroxetine also belongs to a class of SSRI and it is mainly used for the treatment of major depression, panic attacks, social anxiety, generalized anxiety disorder, post traumatic stress disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder.
Fluoxetine
This antidepressant is known by its brand name Prozac. It is used to treat depression, bulimia nervosa, anorexia nervosa, panic disorder and premenstrual dysphoric disorder.
Fluvoxamine
This medication is primarily used in treatment of obsessive compulsive disorder but can be used as an antidepressant as well.
Sertraline HydrochlorideIts trade name is Zoloft. This SSRI helps in treatment of major depression, social anxiety and obsessive compulsive disorder. It can be prescribed for children and adults.
Duloxetine
Duloxetine (Cymbalta) is prescribed for treatment of major depression and generalized anxiety disorder.
Milnacipran
Milnacipran, known by its generic name Ixel is an antidepressant prescribed in cases of clinical depression and chronic pain.
Amitriptyline
Amtriptyline (Elavil, Endep) is a tricyclic antidepressant used to treat symptoms of depression. Small dose of 25 mg is used to induce sleep.
Clomipramine
Clomipramine (Anafranil) is another tricyclic antidepressant prescribed for treating symptoms in people with major depression, obsessive compulsive disorder and panic disorder.
Impramine
It is an antidepressant used for relieving symptoms of major depression, panic attacks and enuresis.
Nortriptyline
Nortriptyline is a generic name for Ensoval, Aventyl, Pamelor, Norpress and Allegron. It is used for treatment of conditions such as clinical depression, nocturnal enuresis, chronic pain, fatigue, migraines and bed wetting in children.
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