The Best 5 Depression Treatment Medications
Depression is not merely persistent sadness over a long period; it can affect every aspect of a person's daily life. One might find themselves lacking passion and enjoyment for things they once loved. Feelings of guilt and hopelessness become constant companions, and depression may even affect sleep and appetite. So, is it possible to treat depression without medication? And what is the best treatment for depression?
Depression vs Sadness
Depression differs from sadness; it is not simply deep sorrow but a mental disorder that affects all areas of personal life. A person may lose interest and passion in everything they do, unlike before. Common symptoms of depression include:
- Sadness
- Feelings of guilt, hopelessness, and worthlessness
- Frustration
- Trouble sleeping and concentrating
- Changes in appetite and weight, whether gain or loss
- Fatigue
- Loss of interest in previously enjoyable hobbies
Sadness, on the other hand, is not a mental disorder. It's a natural emotion everyone experiences from time to time, usually in response to difficult events such as:
- Loss of a loved one
- Job loss or financial troubles
- Divorce
- Failing an exam
However, a sad person often feels relief through crying or talking about their feelings. Sadness usually fades over time. But if someone is unable to return to their usual daily activities, this may be a sign of depression.
Depression Diagnosis
Depression is diagnosed based on persistent symptoms. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), depression is diagnosed if the following symptoms are present:
- Ongoing feelings of sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness
- Loss of interest or pleasure in most daily activities
- Appetite and weight changes
- Sleeping much more or less than usual
- Noticeable physical restlessness or slowed movements
- Fatigue or low energy
- Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide, with or without a plan
To be diagnosed with depression, the symptoms must last for at least two weeks and include at least five of the above symptoms, with sadness and loss of interest being key indicators.
Can Depression Be Treated Without Medication?
Medication isn't the only way to treat depression and anxiety. In some cases, depression can be managed without drugs through non-pharmacological methods, such as:
1. Exercise
Regular physical activity helps treat depression by boosting serotonin and endorphins, while also promoting new brain cell growth. Aim for 30–60 minutes of aerobic exercise most days of the week.
2. Healthy Nutrition
Eating well supports mental health just like physical health. Balanced small meals throughout the day help maintain energy and stabilize mood.
3. Good Sleep Habits
Sleep heavily influences mood. Lack of sleep worsens depression symptoms and increases fatigue and mood swings. Aim for 7–9 hours of sleep nightly.
4. Stress Reduction
High stress levels can contribute to or worsen depression. Identify your stress triggers—like work overload or toxic relationships—and find ways to reduce their impact.
5.Social Support
Strong social connections reduce isolation, which is a major risk factor for depression. Stay in regular contact with friends and family, or join volunteer work to strengthen your support network.
Psychotherapy for Depression
The methods above might not be enough for severe depression. In such cases, a doctor may recommend psychotherapy—possibly alongside medications—to help reduce and manage symptoms.
Psychotherapy helps individuals understand their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, and make changes to negative patterns when necessary. This usually takes place over several sessions.
There are six main types of psychotherapy for depression:
1. Cognitive Therapy
This approach is based on the idea that thoughts influence emotions. Focusing on the positive aspects of situations can improve mood, while negative thinking can worsen it. Cognitive therapy teaches patients how to identify and change negative thought patterns.
2. Behavioral Therapy
While cognitive therapy focuses on thoughts, behavioral therapy targets behaviors that affect emotions. It helps patients engage in activities that promote emotional well-being.
3. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT combines both approaches by addressing both negative thinking and unhelpful behaviors. Patients might be asked to keep a diary to track events and their reactions, which helps identify recurring patterns and work on better responses.
4. Psychodynamic Therapy
Also known as psychoanalytic therapy, it assumes depression stems from unresolved, often unconscious conflicts—usually from childhood. The goal is to help patients become more aware of their full range of emotions, including conflicting or distressing ones, and process them in a healthier way.
How Do Antidepressants Treat Depression?
Medications can be highly effective for treating major depression in both men and women. They are the second wing of depression treatment alongside psychotherapy. Doctors often prescribe antidepressants to ease symptoms.
However, antidepressants don't work instantly. It may take 4 to 8 weeks to notice an improvement in mood, though other symptoms—like appetite changes or low energy—may improve sooner.
Popular types of antidepressants include:
1. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
These are the first-line treatments for depression. They increase levels of serotonin (happiness hormone) in the brain.
2. Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)
These regulate both serotonin and norepinephrine. They're often prescribed if SSRIs don’t yield the desired results and are particularly effective for physical symptoms like pain and fatigue.
3. Norepinephrine-Dopamine Reuptake Inhibitors (NDRIs)
These affect norepinephrine and dopamine levels (also linked to mood). They may be prescribed for depression-related sexual health issues or lack of desire.
Common Antidepressant Medications Available at Pharmacies
There are some medications available that can be used for depression treatment:
1. Entapro
Entapro 10 mg, 30 tablets is an effective medication for treating depression; it contains the active ingredient Citalopram, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), which helps increase serotonin levels in the brain.
Entapro is also used to treat:
- Social anxiety disorder
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Generalized anxiety disorder
2. Pristiq
Pristiq 50 mg for treating major depression, 30 tablets; it contains the active ingredient Desvenlafaxine, a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), known for its extended-release formulation and used to treat major depressive disorder.
3. Mirzagen
Mirzagen 15 mg, 30 tablets is a medication for treating depression. It contains the active ingredient Mirtazapine, which enhances the activity of serotonin and norepinephrine. It may cause fewer side effects compared to other antidepressants, such as sexual dysfunction or digestive issues, and may also benefit depressed patients who suffer from insomnia or difficulty sleeping.
4. Effexor XR
Effexor XR is available in the following strengths for treating depression:
The medication contains the active ingredient Venlafaxine, a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), and is used to treat:
- Major depressive disorder
- Generalized anxiety disorder
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
5. Gomood
Unlike the previous medications, Gomood contains natural extracts that help alleviate transient depression:
- St. John’s Wort extract: helps increase serotonin and dopamine levels in the brain.
- Black cohosh extract: helps relieve depressive symptoms related to hormonal changes in women.
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