Symptoms of depression can be just as painful as any other ailment. Sufferers have unexplained migraines and body aches. The rest of the world continues everyday life, but these sufferers are left stagnate. Over 9 million Americans will suffer from depression over a six month period. And over 90 percent of those affected will improve or recover, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. There are countless ways to win the battle against depression, and taking anti-depression medication is one way to fight back.

Anti-depression medication is usually done in conjunction with therapy. The combination of medication and therapy tends to be more successful for people who are depressed. Medication is usually reserved for severe cases of depression. However, mild to moderate cases of depression can benefit from a short-term use of anti-depression medication in some cases. Keep in mind, however, that some of the side effects can be listed as the very behavior it is advertised to prevent. Read all warnings and possible side effects carefully on all medications so that you can make an informed, personal decision. Anti-depression medication will create a balance between the chemicals in the brain. That lets sufferers can get back to life. Serotonin and norepinephrine are chemicals called neurotransmitters. These chemicals are located in the brain, and they control our mood. They also control they way we eat, sleep, and the way we think. The anti-depression medication works by slowing the removal of certain neurotransmitters from the brain. The medication provides the chemicals better access to the brain to balance them out.

Anti-depression, or anti-depressants, can also treat premenstrual syndrome, obsessive-compulsive disorder, eating disorders, and migraines. That being said, taking an anti-depressant is not the same as taking headache medicine, it does not work immediately. The medication can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks to feel results. One should never be used as a substitute for another, and you should talk to a therapist and primary physician before changing or altering any medications you are taking.

There are many different types of anti-depression medication, but two of the most commonly used are described below. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors or Heterocyclic Tricyclics. SSRI's (Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) includes, but not limited to: Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft, and Lexapro. The drugs included in this group only work on the serotonin neurotransmitter. These drugs would be prescribed to depressed people who have had a heart disease or stroke because they are easier on the cardiovascular system. Heterocyclic Tricyclics includes, but it is not limited to: Elavil, Tofranil, and Pamelor. The drug works on the serotonin and norepinephrine neurotransmitter.

The side effects associated with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are: insomnia, nervousness, dry mouth, nausea, and sexual problems. Some users have complained of suicidal thoughts after beginning this medication and violent outburst. The side effects associated with Heterocyclic (Tricyclics) are: blurred vision, dry mouth, confusion, constipation, tiredness, and urine retention.

Anti-depression medications can adversely affect other medications being taken. Before treating depression with an anti-depressant, tell your doctor all of the medication being taken. Tell him of any over-the-counter medicines and any herbal remedies. A pharmacist or your doctor will be able to tell you if there will be any problems or complications if certain drugs interact. In addition, there are a few different types of food and alcohol that cannot be taken while taken an anti-depressant.