Antidepressants: SSRIs, MAOIs, Tricyclics, Atypical Antidepressants and SNRIs

One in five women are diagnosed with depression in the U.S. Fortunately, depression can be treated with medicine or counseling, or both. Speak to your health care provider or pharmacist to find out what your best treatment options are.

Antidepressants are medicines that can help treat depression. There are four different classes of medicines used for depression treatment; (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs), Tricyclic Antidepressants, and Atypical Antidepressants.

Here are some signs of depression: feeling sad, feeling tired all the time, sleeping too little or all the time, crying a lot, losing interest in eating or eating too much, having trouble paying attention, feeling nervous or cranky, thinking about death or trying to kill yourself, and not enjoying activities that used to make you happy. Talk to your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms for at least 2 weeks.

When speaking with your doctor you should ask questions about prescriptions regarding any side effects, other drugs to avoid, foods, herbs, or other over-the-counter medicines to avoid, dosing instructions, and whether you can take the medicines if you are pregnant or nursing.

SSRIs include Celexa, Lexapro, Paxil, Pexeva, Prozac, and Zoloft. These should not be taken with MAOS, Thioridazine, or Orap. Side effects include nausea, tremors, nervousness, problems sleeping, and sexual problems.

MAOIs include Ensam (Skin patch), Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate. MAOIs should not be taken with other medicines for depression or central nervous system stimulants or depressants. Also, foods such as cheese, wine, or any food containing tyramine should not be eaten while taking MAOIs. Do not take cold pills or decongestants. Common side effects include nausea, dizziness, restlessness, problems sleeping, and drowsiness.

Tricyclic Antidepressants include Amitriptyline, Amoxapine, Norpramin, Sinequan, Tofranil, Pamelor, Vivactil, and Surmontil. Tricyclics should not be taken if you are also taking MAOIs or if you have narrow-angle glaucoma. Common side effects include dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision, drowsiness, and low blood pressure.

Atypical Antidepressants include Maprotiline, Trazodone, Nefazodone, Remeron, Wellbutrin, and Effexor.

Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor, or (SNRI), include Pristiq. Pristiq should not be taken if you have taken an MAOI medicine within the last 14 days. You should tell your doctor if you have seizures, mania, bipolar disorder, and heart, liver, or kidney problems. Common side effects include nausea, headache, dry mouth, sweating, dizziness, feeling sleepy or tired, trouble sleeping, constipation and diarrhea, vomiting, sexual problems, and no appetite.

Sources:

http://www.fda.gov/womens/medicinecharts/depression.html

www.thaindian.com/newsportal/health/1-in-5-young-women-suffer-from-depression-down-under_100132042.html