Medications prescribed by doctors or hospitals to specifically treat depression are referred to as antidepressants, and certain kinds of antidepressants have proven to be very successful in fighting symptoms of depression by increasing the availability of natural chemicals, called neurotransmitters, to the depressed person’s brain for better brain functioning.

Antidepressants are generally prescribed for a period of four months up to half a year. After this initial round of treatment, doctors often discuss the continuation of treatment with their patients after the first round of antidepressants, and the decision is made to stop taking the drug or continue with the prescription. Any serious medication has the potential for side effects, and antidepressants may cause side effects to your general health, depending upon the kind of medication that has been prescribed.

Prescription antidepressants range from selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) to tricyclic antidepressants. SSRIs include some well-known brand names to consumers like Celexa, Prozac, Paxil and Zoloft. SSRI medications are particularly popular as they are believed to have lessor amounts of side effects than tricyclic antidepressants, but side effects can still occur including dry mouth, insomnia, nausea and sexual difficulties. Tricyclic antidepressants have been around for some time, with brand names like Elavil, Norpramin, Tofranil, Pamelor and Surmentil. These medications are more commonly known to produce irritating side effects like blurred vision, constipation, impaired thinking and tiredness, or even more serious side effects to your health including affecting blood pressure or heart rate in your body.

There are also antidepressants available that work differently than the medications listed above, including brand name prescriptions like Effexor, Remeron, Desyrel, Serzone and Wellbutrin. Side effects of these types of antidepressants can range from one or more symptoms of nausea or nervousness, dry mouth or tiredness, insomnia, or weight gain, all varying according to the specific brand name.

Although the side effects of antidepressants can seem daunting, it’s still worth investigating the types of drugs available to aid in relieving your clinical depression. So speak to your doctor or a health professional like a pharmacist who can advise you and increase your health knowledge for a better, healthier life!