Depression Treatments Reviewed

We inspected hundreds of the best selling depression treatments and chose the most effective solutions. We do the research, check the quality, and determine the top products on the market. Our goal is to remove the guesswork from product shopping, because when you’ve got health problems you need a cure fast, not a cabinet full of products that don’t work.

Top Depression Treatments (in order of superiority):

Cymbalta

Depression is a complex problem that often goes undiagnosed, or may even be misdiagnosed. Many mental health experts assert that a combination of psychiatric therapy and medication is necessary to treat depression symptoms effectively.

Older depression drugs came with a host of negative side effects. Tricyclic antidepressants, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, and MAOIs are among the older categories of antidepressants that are going out of vogue. They are still useful when other treatments have failed, but they are more of a last resort.

SSRIs are selective serotonin inhibitors, and they have far fewer side effects. They are among the most popular modern drugs. The two brain chemicals that control mood are serotonin and norepinephrine, and SSRIs only affect serotonin.

SNRIs, however, effect both serotonin and norepinephrine. Cymbalta is a very popular SNRI. It’s among the most highly prescribed, and it has proven very effective in controlling depression for many patients. However, antidepressants are complicated, and in some cases antidepressants (including Cymbalta) can actually cause suicidal tendencies in patients or push them further into depression. It’s absolutely vital that Cymbalta only be taken under the supervision of a doctor, and that the doctor be informed if any unusual side effects or increased depression symptoms occur, especially thoughts of suicide.

Parnate

Depression can be crippling, and its complicated nature means that patients often do not receive appropriate medical treatment. Many psychiatrists suggest a treatment based on therapy in conjunction with medication.

SSRIs and SNRIs are typically used before older medications due to their more mild nature and lessened chance of complications. If these medications are ineffective, however, your psychiatrist may prescribe a monoamine oxidase inhibitor, or MAOI. These limit monoamine oxidase, a chemical in the brain that limits the amount of norepinephrine and serotonin in the brain. Limiting monoamine oxidase, then, increases the amount of norepinephrine and serotonin in the brain, thereby elevating mood.

Parnate is not without its complications. It interacts with a chemical called tyramine that is common in food. Therefore, patients on Parnate will not be able to safely eat a variety of foods. Your doctor will instruct you on any dietary changes you need to make. Furthermore, Parnate can interact with numerous medications and herbal remedies. A complete run-down of all medications (prescription or otherwise) you take will be necessary for a doctor to make an informed decision.

In addition to tyramine interactions, Parnate can cause a variety of side effects, some severe. If you experience anything out of the ordinary, tell your doctor immediately. If you experience a severe headache, neck stiffness, or irregular heartbeat, call a hospital immediately.

Though Parnate is a complicated drug, many people use it without complications and experience relief. Talk with your doctor to determine if Parnate is right for you.

Prozac

Depression is both common and serious, and is highly treatable with the right combination of therapy and medication.

As we’ve seen, a variety of categories of antidepressants exist. Tricyclic antidepressants like Elavil and Pamelor are not usually prescribed anymore due to more extreme side effects. Similarly, MAOIs like Pardil are best avoided when possible due to dietary constraints.

When possible, many psychiatrists will prescribe SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) as a first line of defense. They have a reputation for being highly effective and for having fewer side effects than older medications.

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs, are a newer type of depression medication. These medicines are usually the first type prescribed as they have fewer side effects and are highly effective in many people. Of the SSRIs, Prozac is perhaps the best known. Prozac, or fluoxetine, is usually thought to be safe and useful for the majority of patients. However, like many antidepressants, in some instances it can worsen depression or cause suicidal thoughts, especially in young people. It is absolutely imperative that a doctor monitor your condition while on Prozac.

Prozac remains in the body for several weeks even after you’ve stopped, so before taking other medications it’s important to tell your doctor that you were taking Prozac if you begin taking other medications. While on Prozac, it’s important that your doctor know of any unusual symptoms you experience.