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Often
individuals can be susceptible to depression
due to physiological causes. From research
we know that chemicals in the brain (neurotransmitters)
can play a large role in the symptoms
of depression. Psychiatric medicines can
significantly help depressed people as
the neurotransmitters of the brain are
shifted through the use of antidepressant
medications. Be willing to consult with
an appropriate medical doctor if your
depression has been ongoing for more than
a few weeks or months..
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SSRI antidepressants.
This very popular category of medicine
includes Celexa, Paxil, Luvox, Zoloft,
and Prozac. These agents specifically
target the neurotransmitter seretonin,
and they typically work with a low
occurrence of side effects. In addition
to stabilizing depressive moods, the
SSRI’s can also diminish problems
associated with anger outbursts, worry,
PMS, and panic attacks. |
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Wellbutrin
works on the norepinephrine and dopamine
in the brain. This medicine can be
effective in restoring concentration,
increasing energy, and restoring libido |
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Effexor works on
both the seretonin levels and the
norepinephrine levels in the brain,
and at higher doses it increases the
effectiveness of dopamine. It can
be particularly useful in cases of
stubborn or resistant depression. |
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Remeron, Desyrel,
and Serzone, while each working somewhat
differently from the other, can be
effective in the treatment of depression
accompanied by insomnia and anxiety. |
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Depakote, Lithium,
and Tegretol are used in the treatment
of bipolar disorder which can involve
mood swings, gross irritability, grandiosity,
rapid speech, and racing thoughts.. |
It
is not at all uncommon for some doctors
to use medicines in combination with each
other. Also, doses may vary from person
to person. If your depression is acutely
severe, or if it has hung on for weeks
and months, or if it has prompted you
to contemplate suicide, it would be wise
to consult a psychiatrist or a medical
doctor familiar with the use of these
and other medicines.
At times I will hear
of people saying that the use of antidepressants
is merely a crutch and represents a lack
of faith or a lack of real effort. We
would certainly not assert the same thoughts
with a person taking medicines targeting
heart disease or diabetes, and it is insensitive
to suggest anything different with the
disease of depression. Yes, there are
emotional and relational issues to adjust,
but not independent of the physical.
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