Is Depression Medication Right for You?

Depression medication will probably be one of the first things your doctor recommends once you are diagnosed with depression. For many, taking a prescription drug for disorders such as depression or anxiety can lead to feelings of inadequacy. A person may wonder why they cannot pick themselves up and move in a more positive direction without depression medication. The answer is simple.

Depression is a Neurological Disorder

Despite claims from some people who still believe depression is a personality weakness one must overcome, depression is indeed a disease. Studies show that a lack of neurotransmitters in the brain is to blame for many mood disorders, including depression. Depression medication is simply a way to help your body create more of those transmitters, called neurotransmitters. These include serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine, among others. These neurotransmitters, or brain chemicals, are responsible for managing certain bodily functions, such as sleeping, eating, and pain. For this reason, antidepressants are often prescribed for conditions such as bed-wetting, chronic pain, and eating disorders.

The Different Types of Depression Medication

Since there are several different types of brain chemicals that are involved with mood disorders, there is a need to have different medications to deal with them. Some medications deal only with serotonin. These are called SSRIs, or serotonin selective reuptake inhibiters. They work only to increase levels of serotonin in the brain. Tricyclics work with both serotonin and norpinephrine, and may also interact with other chemicals in the body. Other depression medication includes MAOIs, or monoamine oxidase inhibiters. This class of drugs works on an additional neurotransmitter, dopamine. MAOIs can be dangerous to take, and have some restrictions attached to them.

Which Depression Medication Do I Take?

Unfortunately, there is no definitive way to know which brain chemicals you are lacking. Your doctor will be able to pick a medication for you based on your symptoms. Certain criteria will suggest use of an SSRI, which others will call for use of a tricyclic medication. It is important to remember that depression medication can take up to four weeks for the full effects to be noticeable. Your doctor will monitor you closely, and adjust the dose or medication if needed. Most treatment options have few side effects, though your doctor may pick a specific medication for you if have special needs. A history of seizures, high blood pressure, or other diseases may interact with some medications. Be sure to let your doctor know if you have any specific conditions.

Is Depression Medication My Only Option?

No, medication is not your only option, but it may be your best. Only you and your doctor can say for sure, as it will depend on the severity of your symptoms. Many sufferers of mood disorders claim that daily supplements of DHA, Omega 3-6-9, or Flax Seed Oil, have helped tremendously. They are available from your local health food store, and are the building blocks of the amino acids and proteins your body needs to maintain healthy brain function. They are a healthy alternative, and in recommended doses, may improve more than your mood. Some alternatives to depression medication have effects that are yet to be proven effective. Some say St. John’s Wort works well, but it can react badly to prescription medications, so be sure to speak with your doctor about taking it. Another supplement that claims to help serotonin production is 5-HTP, which is also available at health food stores everywhere.

Other than medicating yourself, you may consider therapy. Talk therapy is very effective for depression, but is often used in conjunction with medication. Only you and your doctor can decide what is best for you. With depression, there are many options available, and taking a depression medication sure beats the symptoms of depression.