Depression may be caused by a multitude of factors like social and psychological problems, biological factors, nutritional problems, relationship problems and problems on the professional front among others. In cases where depression is severe depression drugs can prove to be helpful. Treatment including medication and therapy can be helpful where the depression interferes with the patient’s normal functioning.

Those suffering from depression tend to experience extreme sadness along with feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness. These feelings of discouragement and despair may last for weeks, months or even years. Individuals suffering from depression do not find any interest in activities that they previously found pleasurable. These feelings of depression may severely affect all areas of their life including the personal and professional aspects. Through depression drugs the symptoms associated with this condition can be controlled.

The depression drugs frequently used to in treatment include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, tricyclic antidepressants, atypical antidepressants and monoamine oxidase inhibitors. Many of these antidepressants result in side effects and the side effects may include nausea, anxiety, insomnia and weight gain or loss. Other side effects include tremors, sweating, fatigue, dry mouth, constipation and headaches.

The selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors include fluoxetine, sertraline, paroxetine, fluvoxamine, citalopram and escitalopram. These depression drugs act on the chemical serotonin within the brain. This chemical is responsible for regulating moods and plays an important in mental clarity, sleep, pain and other body functions. The side effects associated with these drugs include sleep problems, nausea, drowsiness and sexual problems.

Atypical antidepressants are some depression drugs that tend to target the other neurotransmitters either in isolation or along with serotonin. These drugs affect brain chemicals like dopamine and norepinephrine. These atypical antidepressants include bupropion, mirtazapine, trazodone, nefazodone, duloxetine and venlafaxine. The side effects caused by these drugs include weight gain, nervousness, dry mouth, sleepiness, nausea and fatigue.

Some of the older depression drugs include monoamine oxidase inhibitors and tricyclic antidepressants. The side effects caused by these drugs are more severe as compared to those caused by the newer class of antidepressants. So these medications are normally prescribed only as a last resort if the other medications and treatments fail.

The depression drugs should not be stopped suddenly so as to avoid any withdrawal symptoms caused by the antidepressants. Instead it is advisable to gradually reduce the dose. It is also advisable to allow for a period of around 1 to 2 weeks between the dosage reductions. The tapering process can take several months and doctor’s supervision is needed.

Those taking depression drugs should be closely observed for suicidal behavior and thoughts. Signs like anxiety, hostility, extreme agitation and insomnia may be indicative of the fact that the medication may be making things worse. It is advisable to be patient while taking antidepressant medication as the medicines take around 4 to 6 weeks before the benefits and effects can be seen. The side effects should be monitored on a consistent basis. It is advisable for those suffering from depression to follow therapy religiously as medication in combination with therapy is seen to be rather effective.