Despite our best guesses, no one is exactly sure what causes depression. There are also various ways in which depression can manifest. It is hard to tell whether or not someone will develop this condition, and the best way of figuring out whether or not a medication will work for a given individual is to try it out. However, do not let these facts discourage you because for some people, depression medicine can help. So, you must be wondering to yourself, depression medicine - is this the best cure for depression?

Without external help, your depression could go on for weeks, or it could even stretch over several years. Medications can help, but finding the right one can also be tricky, especially since effects vary by person. When you have decided that you wish to use a particular depression treatment, it will be a good idea to learn everything about it. Here are some of the options that you can consider:

Over the Counter Medications

There are a number of treatments you can obtain without a prescription. They may work for mild cases of depression, but do remember to consult your doctor for advice as a precautionary step as well. Also, just because a supplement or medication is sold over the counter, it does not necessarily mean that it will not have any side effects. This is especially so when combined with other medications, so you need to be wary of the ingredients present in them.

Examples of common herbal depression medicine include St. John's Wort and SAMe (S-Adenosylmethionine). Both of these can increase the levels of serotonin and other neurotransmitters in the brain, which are necessary for producing “happy” hormones to overcome depression. However, you need to watch out for side effects, especially when consuming St. John's Wort. It can make your skin sensitive to sunlight and your body may also react negatively to it if you are allergic to its content. 5-HTP (5-hydroxytyptophan) is another popular supplement that can help the body create more serotonin and improve sleep patterns.

Fish oil supplements may help people suffering from a lack of Omega-3 fatty acids. In addition, homeopathic remedies can also help one overcome depression naturally. However, bear in mind that it is risky to self-prescribe medication without consulting a doctor or therapist first.

Prescription Medications

Those who suffer from more severe forms of depression may be prescribed depression medication by a doctor or psychiatrist. Remember that taking these medications should be voluntary. So, if you are uncomfortable about consuming them, then you should definitely discuss with a medical professional for better alternatives. There are various types of depression medication available today, including Tricyclics (TCAs), Serotonin and Noradrenaline Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs), Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), and Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs).

These are not the only types of prescription drugs that can help you with depression, but they are the most commonly used ones today. Each medicine improves the way the brain works by producing chemical effects that can alleviate the symptoms of depression. However, the effect will be different on each person, so do not be surprised if you have to try out several different options before finding the cure.

The depression medication prescribed initially should be one of a very low dose. Then, your doctor should increase its dosage gradually after positive effects are observed. Medicine will usually be given to you on top of the regular therapy sessions conducted if your case is severe.

Do not be discouraged if your doctor or psychiatrist does not appear to have a solution that works immediately. Be patient and wait for long term results to appear as doing so can change your life significantly. As such, whether or not depression medicine is the best cure for depression depends on the individual- his life style, the type of medicine consumed and his body's response to them.