Recognizing the Symptoms of Depression
Treatments for Depression
The good news about depression is that you have a number of excellent treatments to choose from. Here's a rundown of some of the most common approaches. Many people use a mix. For instance, you might try medicine and therapy at the same time. Some studies show that using both together is better than using either one alone.
Talk Therapy for Depression
Talking with a trained therapist is one of the best treatments for depression. Many studies show that it helps. Some people choose to be in therapy for several months to work on a few key issues. Other people prefer to stay in therapy for years, gradually working through larger problems. The choice is up to you. Here are some common types of therapy.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy helps you see how behaviors -- and the way you think about things -- play a role in your depression. Your therapist will help you change some of these unhealthy patterns.
- Interpersonal therapy focuses on your relationships with other people and how they affect you. Your therapist will also help you identify and change unhealthy behaviors.
- Problem solving therapy focuses on the specific problems you currently face, and on helping you find solutions to those problems.
Medicines for Depression
Medicines are the other key treatment for depression. If one antidepressant doesn't work well, you might try another drug of the same class or a different class of depression medicines. Your doctor might also try changing the dose. In some cases, your doctor might recommend taking more than one medication for your depression. There are now dozens of antidepressants that your health care provider can choose from. They include:
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). These common medicines include Celexa (citalopram), Lexapro (escitalopram), Paxil (paroxetine), Prozac (fluoxetine), and Zoloft (sertraline). Side effects are generally mild. They include stomach upset, sexual problems, insomnia, dizziness, weight change, and headaches.
- Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) This class includes Cymbalta (duloxetine), Effexor (venlafaxine), and Pristiq (desvenlafaxine). Side effects include upset stomach, insomnia, sexual problems, anxiety, dizziness, and fatigue.
- Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) were some of the first medicines used to treat depression. TCAs include amitriptyline (Elavil), desipramine (Norpramin, Pertofrane), doxepin (Adapin, Sinequan), imipramine (Tofranil), nortriptyline (Aventyl, Pamelor), and protriptyline (Vivactil). Side effects of include stomach upset, dizziness, dry mouth, changes in blood pressure, changes in blood sugar levels, and nausea. MAOIs can cause serious interactions with other medications and certain foods. While they work well, these drugs aren't typically used for initial treatment. MAOIs include isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), selegiline (Emsam), and tranylcypromine (Parnate).
- Other antidepressant medications: Bupropion (Wellbutrin, Aplenzin) is different antidepressant option with side effects that are usually mild, including upset stomach, headache, insomnia, and anxiety. Bupropion may be less likely to cause sexual side effects than other antidepressants. Mirtazapine (Remeron) is usually taken at bedtime. Side effects are usually mild and include sleepiness, weight gain, elevated triglycerides, and dizziness. Trazodone (Desyrel) is usually taken with food to reduce chance for stomach upset. Other side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, constipation, dry mouth, and blurry vision.
WebMD Medical Reference
Important Safety Information About Cymbalta
The most important information you should know about Cymbalta:
Antidepressants can increase suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children, teens, and young adults. Suicide is a known risk of depression and some other psychiatric disorders. Call your doctor right away if you have new or worsening depression symptoms, unusual changes in behavior, or thoughts of suicide. Be especially observant within the first few months of treatment or after a change in dose. Approved only for adults 18 and over.
Cymbalta® (duloxetine HCl) is not for everyone. Do not take Cymbalta if you:
- have recently taken a type of antidepressant called a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) or Mellaril® (thioridazine)
- have uncontrolled narrow-angle glaucoma (increased eye pressure)
Before taking Cymbalta, talk with your healthcare provider:
- about all your medical conditions, including kidney or liver problems, glaucoma, diabetes, seizures, or if you have bipolar disorder. Cymbalta may worsen a type of glaucoma or diabetes
- about all your prescription and nonprescription medicines. A potentially life-threatening condition has been reported when Cymbalta was taken with certain drugs for migraine, mood, or psychotic disorders
- if you are taking NSAID pain relievers, aspirin, or blood thinners. Use with Cymbalta may increase bleeding risk
- about your alcohol use
- about your blood pressure. Cymbalta can increase your blood pressure. Your healthcare provider should check your blood pressure prior to and while taking Cymbalta
- if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during therapy, or are breast-feeding
While taking Cymbalta, talk to your healthcare provider right away:
- if you have itching, right upper-belly pain, dark urine, yellow skin/eyes, or unexplained flu-like symptoms, which may be signs of liver problems. Severe liver problems, sometimes fatal, have been reported
- if you have high fever, confusion and stiff muscles, which may be symptoms of a potentially life-threatening condition
- if you have skin blisters, serious or peeling rash, hives, mouth sores, or any other allergic reaction. These may be serious, possibly life-threatening, skin reactions
- if you experience dizziness or fainting upon standing. This tends to occur in the first week or when increasing the dose, but may occur at any time during treatment
- before you stop Cymbalta or change your dose
- if you experience headache, weakness, confusion, problems concentrating, memory problems, or feel unsteady, which may be signs of low sodium levels
- if you develop problems with urine flow
Most common side effects of Cymbalta (this is not a complete list):
- nausea, dry mouth, sleepiness, fatigue, constipation, dizziness, decreased appetite, and increased sweating
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of Prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Other safety information about Cymbalta:
- Cymbalta may cause sleepiness and dizziness. Until you know how Cymbalta affects you, you should not drive a car or operate hazardous machinery.
- People age 65 and older who took Cymbalta reported more falls, some resulting in serious injuries.
How to take Cymbalta:
Take Cymbalta exactly as directed by your healthcare provider. Cymbalta should be taken by mouth. Do not open, break or chew capsule; it must be swallowed whole. Cymbalta can be taken with or without food.
Cymbalta is available by prescription only.
See Prescribing Information, including Boxed Warning about antidepressants and risk of suicide, and Medication Guide.
DD CON ISI 28NOV2011
©Lilly USA, LLC 2012. All rights reserved.
Cymbalta is a registered trademark of Eli Lilly and Company.
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Depression Glossary
- Antidepressant: Drugs to be used to treat depression...
- Dysphoria: An emotional state marked by anxiety, depression, and restlessness ...
- Dysthymia: Chronic depression that is less severe than major depression ...
- Major Depression: Depression that lasts for at least two weeks and interferes with daily life ...
- Psychotherapy: Treatment by talking about emotional problems ...
- View All Terms

