Depression medication is a psychiatric medication used to treat mild to major depression. It is taken over the course of weeks or months to alleviate symptoms. Experts are not certain what causes depression, but medications are used to increase serotonin levels in the brain to combat depressive disorders. Depression medication can have positive results if taken correctly and combined with other treatments.

Opiates were often used as depression medication until the 1950s when they were discontinued due to side effects and patient addiction. In 1951, Irving Selikoff and Edward Robitzek from the Seaview Hospital on Staten Island began working with isoniazid, a new anti-tuberculosis agent. The doctors noticed a stimulating effect on their patients. In 1952, learning of these side effects, psychiatrist Max Lurie began using the drug on his depressed patients. He soon reported that the drug improved two thirds of his patients' conditions. He coined the term "antidepressant" to describe the new depression medication. Word of the drug's success quickly spread throughout the medical community and it soon became a prescription-only medication for the treatment of depression. Since these early days, numerous other medications have been discovered and created for all types of depression.

Depression medication is used to stabilize the mood and treat symptoms of all types of depression. They increase the levels of serotonin in the brain to effectively improve the mood. They are commonly combined with psychotherapy, especially in severe cases of depression. These medications are available by prescription only and can be combined with other drugs and treatments for optimal success.

The major types of depression medications include SSRIs and tricyclics. SSRIs (Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) act only on serotonin and include drugs, such as Prozac, Paxil, Celexa, Zoloft and Lexapro. Tricyclics act on serotonin and norepinephrine. They include drugs, such as Elavil, Norprmain and Aventyl. Less commonly used depression medications include MAO Inhibitors and augmenters, such as tryptophan, that work in conjunction with other drugs.

The most common misconception about depression medication is that it affects everyone the same way. Some people will experience severe side effects. Still others won't respond to the medication or will have no side effects. There is no way to determine the effect of the medication until it is tested. For this reason, many people may try several different medications before they find one that works for them. Most importantly, depression medication is not an overnight fix. It takes several weeks for the effects to be felt and the regimen must be continued for lasting results.

Depression medication can cause serious problems if not taken properly and under a doctor's supervision. They can interact with other medication, causing severe health risks, such as serotonin syndrome. It is imperative that the prescribing doctor be informed if any other medication is being taken, even herbal supplements, such as St. John's Wort. Withdrawal symptoms may be experienced if a patient tries to stop taking depression medication. The dosage must be gradually reduced and monitored by a doctor to avoid these effects. Side effects of depression medication are common. SSRIs can cause diarrhea, headaches, nausea and sexual side effects. Tricyclics can cause dry mouth, blurred vision, weight gain or loss, tremors, sexual problems and skin rashes. Depression medication must be used cautiously and any side effects should be discussed with a qualified medical professional.