New Medications For Depression: Old Methods Give Way To The New

There is a wide array of antidepressants sold inthat, side effects are less as compared to older forms
pharmacies today. Every year, new forms ofof antidepressants (such as tricyclic antidepressants).
antidepressants are introduced that their makers claim2. Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
to be more effective and safer than others. However,this is newer than SSRI. It works like SSRI in many
these new medications for depression do not yetways except for the fact that it targets production of
have the track record to back up their makers' claim.both serotonin and norepinephrine. Also, you can
Are they truly safe and effective?expect the side effects of SSRI to appear with use of
Old Treatment Methods, at a GlanceSNRIs.
Over the past century, the methods and approaches3. Noradrenergic and specific serotonergic
in treating all types of mental disorders and illnessesantidepressants (NASSAs). This new form of anti
have advanced and changed dramatically. Previously,anxiety and antidepressant works like SNRI, yet in a
the standard approach of treating major depressiondifferent way. Although it aims for the production of
and mental disorders that include hallucination as onemore serotonin and norepinephrine, it blocks some
of the symptoms - such as in the case of paranoia,serotonin receptors that are said to be the root cause
delusions and schizophrenia - was throughof side effects in SSRIs.
electroconvulsive therapy or ECT. Now, non-invasiveAre They Safe To Use?
medication therapy is introduced to depressed andThese new medications for depression aim to target
mentally ill patients.production of chemicals or hormones in the body that
ECT has been and is still very controversial. Manyare found to be lacking in depressed persons. Just like
regard the procedure of emitting short bursts ofany other medicines, they have been tested for
electrical shocks into a human brain as primitive, if noteffectiveness and safety for use before they get a
downright brutal. However, this mode of treatment hasstamp of approval from FDA for sale to public.
been proven effective in treating major depressionHowever, does this mean that new medications for
and more severe cases of mental disorders.depression are safe for use?
With the controversy surrounding ECT, researchersYour psychiatrist or physician would know if these
have resorted to pills to treat depression and othernew medications for depression are safe for use. Of
mood disorders. Although it takes more than a monthcourse, your doctor should only recommend and
before new medications for depression take effect,prescribe medication that he knows have enough
they do their job satisfactorily. Moreover, the method istesting under its belt and has proven itself to be
non-invasive, as compared to ECT.effective and safe. Which is why most doctors will
Do You Need Medications?probably recommend SSRIs to you since this
It is not easy to have depression. Even if you have theantidepressant, although new, have cured many
will and the courage to fight it, sometimes, your bodypatients with less side effects.
can not resist the urge to stay in a gloomy state andThese new medications for depression come in tablet
get depressed for long. This is when medications areforms and are taken orally. How to administer them? It
needed. The body's internal rhythm needs to bebasically depends on your doctor's advice. Never
normalized before non-medication approach ofattempt to self medicate even if these medicines
treatment is introduced.were found to have less side effects.
New Lines of AntidepressantsIf you are concerned with the possible side effects
Below are the best-known new medications forthat any of these new medications for depression can
depression:cause you, discuss the matter with your doctor. Tell
1. SSRI. Serotonin selective reuptake inhibitor or SSRI ishim also of your current medical conditions, other
the most prescribed new medication for depression.medications that you are taking, and allergies to
The reason is that a large percentage of patients whomedicine. The reason is that these antidepressants
use this medicine have responded well. Aside frommay work adversely with other medicines.