Dysthymia (cont.)
How Do Antidepressants Help Ease Dysthymia?
There are different classes of antidepressants available to treat dysthymia.
Your doctor will assess your physical and mental health, including any other
medical condition, and then find the antidepressant that is most effective with
the least side effects.
Antidepressants may take several weeks to work optimally. They should be
taken for at least six to nine months after an episode of chronic depression.
In addition, it takes several weeks to go off an antidepressant, so let your
doctor guide you if you choose to stop the drug.
Some commonly used antidepressants include:
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) -- Celexa, Lexapro, Prozac,
Luvox, Paxil, Zoloft
- Serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors -- Effexor, Cymbalta
- Tricyclic antidepressants -- Elavil, Asendin, Anafranil, Norpramin, Adapin,
Sinequan, Tofranil
- Monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors -- Marplan, Nardil, Parnate, EMSAM
- Trazodone -- Desyrel
- Other antidepressants -- Mirtazapine, Bupropion
Sometimes antidepressants have uncomfortable side effects. As an example,
the SSRIs may cause mild insomnia and reduced sex drive. That's why you have to
work closely with your doctor to find the antidepressant that gives you the
most benefit with the least side effects.
Next: Are there other treatments available for dysthymia? »
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