Medication Used To Treat Depression

							Medication Used To Treat Depression
Depression is often caused by a low amount of neurotransmitters in the brain. This leads to an
inability of the synapses in the brain to send and receive messages properly. A number of
prescription antidepressant medications are available to correct this problem.




The majority of depressive disorders are the result of a chemical imbalance in the brain. There is a
large selection of medications that have been designed to equalize these chemicals. Most anti-
depression medications work by influencing the way the neurotransmitters nor-epinephrine and
serotonin work. Medications increase the amount of these transmitters available for transmitting
messages within the brain, which leads to less sadness. Some medication work by inhibiting the re-
uptake of neurotransmitter while others inhibit the action of enzymes and slow the breakdown of
neurotransmitters. The result is that more of the neurotransmitter is available in the synapse to
receive messages properly.




Your primary care physician or family doctor can prescribe antidepressants. Depression sufferers
who require therapy can get a prescription from their psychiatrist. Your doctor may need to try several
types of medications before finding the one that works best for you. Be patient and report any side
effects to your doctor.




Most antidepressants are available in a generic form. The expense varies depending on the type of
medication you need. The average price per medication used to treat depression is approximately 40
dollars per month. Your costs could be higher or lower depending on the type and quantity of
medicine you need to take.




You will need to check with your insurance company to find out if your anti-depression medication is
covered. Most insurance companies do cover all or part of the cost of psychiatric care and medication
used to treat depression.




A variety of side effects are possible with the use of any type of medication. Although side effects
vary from one medication to the next, most side effects are relatively mild and temporary. The most
common side effects include dizziness, nausea, dry mouth, sleep disturbances, headache and
drowsiness. You can discuss the possibility of more severe side effects once you know the exact
medication you will be prescribed. Make sure your doctor is aware of any other prescription or over-
the-counter medications you are taking to avoid a dangerous drug interaction.




It is illegal for a company to refuse employment based on any medical condition. You are not required
to disclose your prescription medications and these medicines do not show up in routine drug testing.




The effectiveness of your medication depends on the exact nature of your depression, your
commitment to taking the medication exactly as prescribed and the amount of medicine you need to
balance the chemicals in your brain. Your doctor may need to change your medication or alter the
dosage to find the perfect balance for your condition. Report side effects immediately and let your
doctor know how your medication is affecting you.




Most people who suffer from depression must take medication to balance the chemicals in their
brains. Luckily, the stigma that was once attached to depression and people who took anti-
depressants is much less prevalent now.

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