Conventional medicines can be prescribed by doctors to treat depression. These medicines may cause depletion of certain nutrients. Following is a list of common conventional medicines that may be used for depression:

Serotonin Selective Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) – The most commonly prescribed antidepressants. These include:

• Citalopram – Brand name, Celexa^®
• Fluoxetine – Brand name, Prozac^®
• Paroxetine – Brand name, Paxil^®
• Sertraline – Brand name, Zoloft^®

Tricyclic Antidepressants – The second most common class of medications prescribed. These include:

• Amitriptyline – Brand name, Elavil^®
• Clomipramine – Brand name, Anafranil^®
• Doxepin – Brand name, Sinequan^®
• Imipramine – Brand name, Tofranil^®

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) – These are rarely prescribed. They include: 

• Phenelzine – Brand name, Nardil^®
• Tranylcypromine – Brand name, Parnate^®

Miscellaneous:

• Bupropion – Brand name, Wellbutrin^®. A multiple reuptake inhibitor with some stimulating effects.
• Mirtazapine – Brand name, Remeron^®. A presynaptic alpha-2 antagonist that has dual action by increasing noradrenergic and serotonergic neurotransmission.
• Venlafaxine – Brand name, Effexor^®. A serotonin/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor.

A host of potential side-effects (or symptoms of withdrawal) accompany the use of many if not all of these drugs. Some of the most serious of these are:

• Anxiety
• Asthenia – loss of bodily strength
• Blurred vision
• Constipation
• Decreased ability to think clearly
• Development of drug dependency
• Development or worsening of suicidal tendencies
• Dizziness
• Dry mouth
• Insomnia
• Loss of libido and other sexual side effects
• Nausea
• Nervousness
• Rash
• Somnolence – sleepiness or a lack of energy and activity
• Sustained increase in blood pressure (hypertension)

Additional Information about Depression

1. Depression Overview
2. Common symptoms of depression
3. Common causes of depression
4. Help me choose a natural and alternative treatment for depression
5. Dietary and lifestyle recommendations that may help in the treatment of depression
6. Cited Sources and Additional Reading for depression

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Article ID: 352