Medication is often one of the first courses of action for physical health issues, and it can provide the same help for mental health conditions, such as major depressive disorder.
Major depressive disorder, or depression, is characterized by overwhelming negative thoughts and emotions. The symptoms can make it challenging to complete your daily responsibilities, maintain quality relationships and establish a strong sense of self. With a treatment option like medication, you can reduce the severity and frequency of symptoms, making it an essential tool for your mental health journey.
Medication, specifically antidepressants, is usually the first line of treatment for major depressive disorder, though it’s usually paired with psychotherapy in a comprehensive treatment plan. More than 11% of adults take prescription medication for depression.
Read on to learn about different major depressive disorder medication options and how to know which may be right for you. Then we’ll discuss how we incorporate medication management into the levels of care at Guidelight Health.
The rundown on medication options for major depressive disorder
Once you start discussing treatment options for your depression with your health care provider, you’ll collaborate to determine which medication option would be the best fit for you.
Here are a few of the most common types of major depressive disorder medications:
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
SSRIs are the most common type of prescription antidepressant. They work to increase the levels of serotonin (a neurotransmitter that boosts positive emotions and improves cognitive functioning) in the brain. SSRIs block serotonin from going back into the cell it was released from, called the reuptake process.
- Types — Citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro), fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil), sertraline (Zoloft)
- Time frame — Can take up to eight weeks to feel significant effects
- Common side effects — Nausea, headaches, insomnia, sexual dysfunction
Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
SNRIs are similar to SSRIs, as they block the reuptake of serotonin in the brain. But they do the same thing for norepinephrine as well. Norepinephrine is a neurotransmitter and hormone that affects stress response and mood regulation. SNRIs may be an option for people who have a primary anxiety disorder diagnosis along with an MDD diagnosis.
- Types — Duloxetine (Cymbalta), levomilnacipran (Fetzima), venlafaxine (Effexor, Effexor XR)
- Time frame — Can take four to six weeks, though for some people they may take nine to 12 weeks
- Common side effects — Gastrointestinal issues, dry mouth, sweating, headaches
Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)
TCAs do the same work as SNRIs by increasing the serotonin and norepinephrine levels in the brain. However, they are first-generation antidepressants, meaning they are older drugs. They were developed in the 1950s. They’re not often recommended unless other medications haven’t worked. TCAs have an increased risk of cardiac arrhythmias and toxicity in overdose, which is why they’re reserved for treatment-resistant depression.
- Types — Amitriptyline (Elavil), amoxapine (Asendin), clomipramine (Anafranil)
- Time frame — Can take up to four weeks
- Common side effects — Constipation, dizziness, dry mouth, blurred vision
How to determine the best major depressive disorder medication for you
What works for one person might not work for another. That’s why it’s important to collaborate with your providers on the decision of which depression medication may be the right fit. A few things to consider include:
- Symptom severity
- Medical history
- Co-occurring conditions
- Side effects
- Cost/insurance coverage
- Dosage
It’s possible to switch from one medication to another if you’re not experiencing an improvement in your depression symptoms after the expected time frame, or if it’s causing side effects that are persistent or worsening.
Guidelight can help manage your major depressive disorder medication
When you’re given a prescription, you might just think that you’re going to take it until further notice and you don’t need to think about it any longer. But when you’re taking medication for depression, proper medication management is essential for your mental health journey.
At Guidelight, we make sure that no matter what level of care you’re in, your medication is taken into account. That may include making changes when needed, such as a dosage adjustment or a change in prescription. Along with individual and group therapy sessions, medication management is part of our comprehensive, evidence-based treatment in our three levels of care:
- Intensive Outpatient Program and Spanish Intensive Outpatient Program
- Virtual Intensive Outpatient Program
- Partial Hospitalization Program
Combining medication with psychotherapy, we’ll help you learn how to manage your depression so you can enjoy life again.
Everyone has a seat at Guidelight. Contact our team online or call us today for more information about major depressive disorder medication. You can also schedule an initial evaluation. We provide treatment across the country — and we’re always expanding. See if we offer care in your state, either online or at one of our local offices.