There are many different types of medications for depression available.   These are known as antidepressants and are prescribed to millions of Americans who suffer from depression.  No one is quite sure what causes depression.  The popular theory today is that it is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain.  Medications for depression are developed to “correct” this imbalance by altering the brain’s chemical functions.  Since it is not known what causes depression, medications for depression will help mask the symptoms at best.  Scientists are still experimenting to discover what causes depression, until then people will have to sift through the many antidepressants hitting the market every year.

                The most common medications for depression are Zoloft, Prozac, Xanax and many others.  Many of these come with serious side effects and these should be considered.  These side effects include dry mouth, dizziness, fatigue, insomnia, constipation and diarrhea.  These are only a few of the side effects that are common in medications for depression.  One of the most discouraging side effects is the increase in thoughts of suicide.  There are many cases where people have committed suicide because of the antidepressant they were taking.  That is why it is now listed as a side effect for many medications for depression.   

                Depression affects millions of Americans, however it is still unclear what causes it.  Drug companies believe that it is a chemical imbalance in the brain that is causing the depression, that is why they develop drugs that are geared toward correcting the chemical imbalances in the brain, whether or not it is actually the cause of depression.  Scientists are trying to discover what the true cause of depression is, until then people will not have a cure for this condition.  With advances in medical technology, a cure may be developed in the next couple years.  Until that point, companies will continue to put out drugs that are based on “correcting” the brain’s chemical imbalance.

                Attempting to alter the brain’s chemical functions may be the cause of the various side effects that accompany taking medications for depression.  Currently, the mind is largely unknown and drug companies are attempting to adjust it’s already mysterious functions.  This  could lead to the considerable amount of side effects that a person experiences when taking medications for depression.  Many of these medications are not subjected to long term clinical research before they are put out onto the market, resulting in a large recall only years after it has been introduced to the public.  Many of these were widely prescribed by doctors who have an already limited ability when it comes to treating people with depression.

                Anyone who is considering taking regimens of medication for depression should consult their doctor.  Widely prescribed drugs are not necessarily safe, even the most popular medications for depression have a considerable list of side effects.  Knowledge about what is being taken is important, as well as a thorough  understanding as to what depression is.  Although depression affects millions of Americans, nothing is really known about it.