Antidepressant Medications: There are many types of depression such as clinical depression, major depression, seasonal affective depression, dysthymia, and bipolar disorder. There are a variety of depression medications, and their effectiveness may vary from patient to patient. Examples of the types of depression medications include atypical antidepressants, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), tricyclic antidepressants, and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Side effects, drug interactions, and warnings and precautions should be reviewed prior to taking any medication.
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Disorders That Disrupt Sleep (Parasomnias)
Parasomnias are sleep problems that significantly disrupt the lives of those who suffer them. Parasomnias include speech and movements during sleep, sleep walking, night terrors, sleep paralysis , and abnomalities in the natural stages of sleep, among other problems. These problems are diagnosed through polysomnography (sleep testing), and can be treated with a combination of medications, sleep hygiene depending on the particular disorder. -
Insomnia
Insomnia affects most people at some point in their lifetime. Insomnia is actually a symptom of a condition, disease, or situation. Non-medical treatment of insomnia includes: sleep hygiene, relaxation therapy, stimulus control, and sleep restriction. There are many medications that can be prescribed to a person with insomnia. -
Understanding Insomnia Medications
Insomnia is a common problem for many people. Insomnia can be primary or secondary. Secondary causes of insomnia include medications, diseases, environmental factors, and pregnancy. Non-drug, home remedies, and OTC and prescription drugs that treat insomnia include: Sleeping pills Melatonin Sleep hygiene education Biofeedback Relaxation therapy Common side effects of sleeping pills include: Impaired coordination, balance, or mental alertness Depression Suicidal thoughts -
Panic Attacks
Panic attacks are episodes of extreme anxiety that are usually accompanied by chest pain. Panic attack symptoms and signs include chest pain, nausea, sweating, palpitations and shaking. Panic disorder is typically treated with medication and psychotherapy. -
Postpartum Depression
Postpartum depression occurs in 10%-20% of women after having a baby. Symptoms and signs include frequent crying, sleep disturbance, and weight loss. Treatment may involve psychotherapy and medication. -
Primary Insomnia
Primary insomnia is sleeplessness that cannot be attributed to a medical, psychiatric, or environmental cause (such as drug abuse or medications). Symptoms of primary insomnia include: Difficulty falling asleep Frequently awakening during the night Atypical reactions to sleep medications Tense Treatment may include lifestyle changes, therapy, medication, or a combination of these. -
Seasonal Depression (SAD)
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that is tied to seasons of the year. Symptoms include: depressed mood, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness, and poor concentration. Treatment may incorporate bright-light therapy and antidepressants. -
SSRIs and Depression
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are antidepressants that affect serotonin levels in the brain. Serotonin is a chemical neurotransmitter. Side effects may include rash, low blood sugar, drowsiness, photosensitivity, and kidney or liver impairment. SSRI side effects include withdrawal-like symptoms in newborns, decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, and delayed ejaculation in men, photosensitivity (increased risk of sunburn), rash, low blood sodium levels, low blood sugar levels, drowsiness, and kidney or liver impairment.
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Antidepressant Medications Topic Guide - Visuals
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Antidepressant Medications Topic Guide - Medications and Vitamins
Medications:
DesvenlafaxineDesvenlafaxine is a selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) antidepressant.
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DuloxetineDuloxetine is a selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor antidepressant (SSNRI).
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AripiprazoleAripiprazole is an antipsychotic medicine that is used to treat the symptoms of psychotic conditions such as schizophrenia and bipolar I disorder (manic depr...learn more »
EscitalopramEscitalopram is an antidepressant in a group of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Escitalopram affects chemicals in the brain th...learn more »
ZiprasidoneZiprasidone is an antipsychotic medicine that is used to treat schizophrenia and the manic symptoms of bipolar disorder (manic depression)...learn more »
Citalopram (oral)Citalopram is an antidepressant in a group of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
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QuetiapineQuetiapine is an antipsychotic medicine that is used to treat schizophrenia in adults and children who are at least 13 years old...learn more »
FluvoxamineFluvoxamine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant. Fluvoxamine affects chemicals in the brain that may be unbalanced in people wi...learn more »
VenlafaxineVenlafaxine is a selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRIs) antidepressant. Venlafaxine affects chemicals in the brain that may be un...learn more »
Risperidone (oral)Risperidone is a antipsychotic medicine that works by changing the effects of chemicals in the brain...learn more »
SertralineSertraline is an antidepressant in a group of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Sertraline affects chemicals in the brain that m...learn more »
TrimipramineTrimipramine is a tricyclic antidepressant. Trimipramine affects chemicals in the brain that may be unbalanced in people with depression...learn more »
TrazodoneTrazodone is an antidepressant in a group of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
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ImipramineImipramine is a tricyclic antidepressant. Imipramine affects chemicals in the brain that may be unbalanced in people with depression...learn more »
FluoxetineFluoxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) antidepressant. Fluoxetine affects chemicals in the brain that may be unbalanced in people wi...learn more »
DoxepinThis medication guide provides information about the use of doxepin (Sinequan or other generic names) to treat depression or anxiety. Silenor ...learn more »
AmitriptylineAmitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant. Amitriptyline affects chemicals in the brain that may be unbalanced in people with depression...learn more »
DesipramineDesipramine is a tricyclic antidepressant. Desipramine affects chemicals in the brain that may be unbalanced in people with depression...learn more »
Bupropion (oral)Bupropion is an antidepressant used to treat major depressive disorder and seasonal affective disorder. The Zyban brand of bupropion is used to help ...learn more »
Antidepressant Medications Topic Guide – Related Topics
Related Topics:
Female Sexual Problems
Long considered a taboo subject, women's sexuality is now openly discussed and portrayed on television, in magazines, and on the internet. Symptoms of female se...learn more »
Suicidal Thoughts
Suicidal thoughts may be brought about by a sudden, negative change in life circumstances, substance abuse, or even sleep deprivation. Suicidal thoughts are tro...learn more »
Night Terrors
Night terrors comprise a sleep disorder distinctly different from nightmares, which are normal and happen during REM sleep. Intense fear and/or crying over mult...learn more »
