These categories are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), tricyclics, and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Depending on the doctor and the situation, one drug from these three categories will be chosen in order to help a person deal with depression.



One type of depression medication that doctors use is selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors otherwise known as SSRIs. SSRIs are different than tricyclics and MAOIs because they work only on the neurotransmitter serotonin.

These types of antidepressants also have fewer lingering effects than the other types of drugs used for treatment for this mental illness. Some well known SSRI's that are used regularly include Lexapro, Celexa, Prozac, Paxil, and Zoloft.

Many times when a woman is dealing with postpartum depression, these are the types of drugs that are prescribed. Side effects of SSRIs may include nausea, insomnia, headache, and dry mouth.

There is one thing to keep in mind when using depression medications within the SSRI category. It can take up to eight weeks for the full effects of the medication to be felt. They do not work overnight, but they do work if given the chance and are taken regularly.

Another kind of depression medication that is used frequently is the tricyclic group of antidepressants. Tricyclics have been around for a long time and have been known to help many a person who is dealing with depression.

Tricyclics work with various body chemicals that include the serotonin that the SSRIs interact with. Examples of well known tricyclics include Norpramin and Aventyl.

The last category that it can fall under is monoamine oxidase inhibitors or MAOIs. MAOIs are like tricyclics by the way they affect the body. MAOIs interact with various body chemicals along with serotonin.

MAOIs are less commonly used out of the three categories of depression medication. One reason that MAOIs are not used as frequently is because of the side effects.

For example, MAOIs such as Nardil and Parnate can cause weakness, dizziness, and tremors. MAOIs are also likely to interact in a negative way with over the counter medication such as Aleve.

Several different over the counter drugs have warnings on their labels advising people to not mix their MAOIs with the over the counter medication.

Various types of depression medication are used quite often to help alleviate the symptoms of anxiety and depression. Because the rate of depression is rising, doctors are prescribing more and more antidepressants.

A person should be well aware of the various side effects and warnings about mixing medications that accompany these antidepressants. It can greatly help a person to get better if taken as prescribed.