There are different type of treatments which can be easily obtained at different stage of treatments.
For mild depression
- watchful waiting with sleeping, relaxation techniques and exercise usually helps
- talking therapy or treatment like self-help, cognitive behavioral therapy or counseling
For moderate depression
- anti-depressant drugs
- talking treatments especially cognitive behavioral therapy
For severe depression
- both anti-depressant drugs and talking therapy
- anti-psychotic drugs if delusion and hallucination
- electroconvulsive therapy or ECT as emergency option.
Note: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is use to change a person behavior. One may be ask to keep a diary in order to keep track of ones thoughts, feelings and symptoms. A typical CBT is within six to ten weeks.
There are two main types of anti-depressant: tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
Type | Brand Name |
Dose’s timing |
Possible side effects |
Other comment |
TCAs
Doxepin | Sinequan®
Amitriptyline | Triptafen®, Triptafen-M®
Imipramine | Tofranil®
Nortriptyline | Allegron®, Motival®
Clomipramine | Anafranil®, Anafranil SR® |
Only at bedtime |
Sleepiness
Weight gain
Blurry vision
Constipation
Urinating difficulty
Sweating |
Doxepin is also use as sleeping medication while amitriptyline is use for chronic pain. |
SSRI
Citalopram | Cipramil®
Sertraline| Lustral®
Fluoxetine | Prozac®
Paroxetine | Seroxat®
Fluvoxamine | Faverin®
Escitalopram | Cipralex® |
Once a day, either in morning for energizing or bedtime for sedating |
Upset stomach
Sexual disfunction |
Less toxic in overdose, also works for anxiety disorder. |
MAOI
Phenelzine | Nardil®
Isocarboxazid | Isocarboxazid
Moclobemide | Manerix®
Tranylcypromine | Tranylcypromine |
Once a day or can be divided in doses |
With certain type of food may be dangerous if taken together |
Less popular due to side effects but works well for depression with panic attack |
NEXT: What is ECT? | ECT Treatment
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