Unipolar depression and antidepressants

Antidepressants can be very useful in treatment of unipolar depression. Selective Serotonin Re-uptake Inhibitors are widely used in the treatment of this kind of depression. Other antidepressant medications like monoamine oxidase inhibitors and tricyclic antidepressants can also be used to treat this condition. SSRIs like sertraline, escitalopram, fluoxetine, paroxetine, and citalopram are commonly used in the treatment of unipolar depression.

These medications are highly effective and have very mild if any side effects and toxicity. If the patient does not respond to these medications, others like bupropion or venlafaxine may be recommended. These medications are not used in adolescents who suffer from depression. This is because the risks associated with them seem to outweigh the benefits in some cases. As a matter of fact some antidepressant medications have been known to trigger suicidal tendencies in teenagers. The best medications for adolescent depression are escitalopram and fluoxetine. Medications may have to be taken for 2 to 8 weeks before they show signs of being effective.

The patient may have to continue taking the medications for three to six months after the symptoms have receded. Never discontinue the medication unless advised by the doctor since premature discontinuation of medication can increase risk of recurrence of depression. Antidepressants may be combined with counseling to get the best results.