Depression is a common mental illness that affects millions of people worldwide. One of the most common treatments for depression is medication. Antidepressants have been shown to be effective in managing depression.

However, choosing the right antidepressant can be a difficult task. Here is a practical guide to help you choose the best antidepressant for your needs.

What are antidepressants?

Antidepressants are medications that are used to treat various forms of depression. They work by altering the levels of certain chemicals in the brain. Antidepressants are classified into different types based on their mechanism of action. They include:.

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)

Factors to consider when choosing an antidepressant

When choosing an antidepressant, several factors need to be taken into consideration. They include:.

1. Type of depression

The type of depression you have will determine the type of antidepressant that will work best for you. Major depression, for instance, can be effectively treated with SSRIs, SNRIs, and TCAs.

Atypical depression, on the other hand, requires treatment with MAOIs.

2. Severity of depression

The severity of your depression also plays a significant role in determining the type of antidepressant that will suit your needs. If you have mild depression, your doctor may recommend psychotherapy or a low dose of SSRIs.

For moderate to severe depression, your doctor may recommend a higher dose of antidepressants or a combination of psychotherapy and medication.

3. Potential side effects

Antidepressants may cause various side effects such as dizziness, insomnia, dry mouth, and sexual dysfunction. It’s essential to choose an antidepressant with fewer side effects that you can tolerate.

The side effects also vary among the different types of antidepressants. For instance, TCAs are associated with more side effects than SSRIs or SNRIs.

4. Age and gender

The age and gender of a patient may also affect the choice of antidepressant medication. For instance, older patients are more prone to drug interactions and side effects. Therefore, they may require a lower dose of medication than younger patients.

Women are more likely to experience sexual dysfunction than men when taking antidepressants.

5. Medical history

The medical history of a patient is also crucial when choosing antidepressants. Patients with a history of heart disease or hypertension may need to avoid certain types of antidepressants.

Patients with a history of seizures should avoid TCAs and bupropion.

Commonly prescribed antidepressants

Here are some of the commonly prescribed antidepressants:.

1. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

SSRIs are the most commonly prescribed antidepressants. They work by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain. Examples of SSRIs include fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), and citalopram (Celexa).

2. Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)

SNRIs work by increasing the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. Examples of SNRIs include venlafaxine (Effexor) and duloxetine (Cymbalta).

3. Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)

TCAs work by increasing the levels of norepinephrine and serotonin in the brain. Examples of TCAs include amitriptyline (Elavil), imipramine (Tofranil), and nortriptyline (Pamelor).

4. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)

MAOIs work by blocking the action of the enzyme monoamine oxidase, which breaks down serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. Examples of MAOIs include phenelzine (Nardil) and tranylcypromine (Parnate).

Conclusion

Choosing the right antidepressant is essential in managing depression. Several factors need to be considered, such as the type and severity of depression, potential side effects, age and gender, and medical history.

Consult with your doctor before making a decision on which antidepressant works best for you.