When someone has been diagnosed with depression, they are likely to be prescribed antidepressant medication as part of their treatment. Generally these are very effective and around 70% of people with major depression start to feel better with the first type of antidepressant they are prescribed. Antidepressant medication is often used in association with individual psychological therapy such as counselling and CBT.

These types of medication are able to reduce the symptoms of depresssion including: feeling depressed; loss of interest or pleasure; sleeping too much or too little; feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt, and difficulty in thinking or concentration. Antidepressants now have recognised roles (in combination with psychological therapies) in the treatment of panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, phobic disorders and bulimia.

There is a range of antidepressants available and it is generally though thtat they have a similar effectiveness. However, antidepressant drugs differ in their likely side-effects and their safety in overdose. These are key considerations for a doctor when deciding which drug to prescribe. As there are differences in the way people respond to each antidepressant drug, the doctor may have to change the medication to find one that works best for the person concerned. It may take between two to four weeks after first taking medication before it starts to have an antidepressant effect.

Medical research suggests that on balance the newer antidepressants have fewer side-effects and a wider safety margin than the older tricyclic antidepressants.
These newer medications include (brand name in brackets) - fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Aropax), sertraline (Zoloft), citalopram (Cipramil) and moclobemide (Aurorix).

Some people may experience side-effects with the newer antidepressants for example: nausea, nervousness, diarrhoea, headache, insomnia, and in some cases restlessness and agitation. Not everyone will experience these side-effects but if they do, they should discuss this with their doctor.

In certain cases, where the depression is particularly severe, the newer antidepressants may not be as effective as the older tricyclic antidepressants. Among others, these include (brand name in brackets) - amitriptyline (Endep, Tryptanol and Tryptine) and imipramine (Melipramine, Tofranil). Side-effects such as, dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, urinary retention, sedation, and weight gain have been associated with the tricyclic antidepressants. It is important to discuss any side-effects experienced immediately with the doctor.

When depression is part of bipolar disorder, a mood-stabilising medication may be prescribed to reduce the frequency and severity of episodes. Such medications include (brand name in brackets) - lithium carbonate (Lithicarb), Cabamazepine (Tegratol, Teril) and sodium valporate (Epilim, Valpor). Once again, side-effects and any precautions necessary while taking these medications should be discussed with the doctor.


How do I find out more?
It is important that you ask your doctor about any concerns you have. SANE produces a range of easy-to-read publications and multimedia resources on mental illness. SANE Australia has developed a guide - The SANE Guide to Living with Depression'. Contact (03) 9682 5933 or vist the online bookshop.

SANE Australia . . . Antidepressant Medication

©SANE Factsheet 7b
This Factsheet may be freely downloaded, copied and distributed on condition no change is made to the contents. SANE Australia is not responsible for any actions taken as a result of information or opinions contained in the Factsheet. SANE Australia is a business name of Schizophrenia Australia Foundation.
[Version English, Reviewed March 2004]