Medication for depression

Depression is one of the most common mental health conditions in Australia and can affect anyone of almost any age.

The best treatment methods will depend on many factors. Your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes such as increasing exercise, reducing alcohol, psychotherapy and other forms of treatment. This can sometimes include medication for depression.

Learn more about the kinds of medication being used to treat depressive symptoms and the differences between them.

The most effective treatment for depression will depend on many different factors including the type of symptoms you’re experiencing, how long you’ve felt unwell and any other health concerns you might have.

Often your GP or doctor will recommend a combination of different treatments such as therapy and medication.

“For mild symptoms your doctor may recommend psychotherapy only, but with more moderate or severe symptoms medication can also play a role,” says Bupa GP, Dr Janice Tan.

There is no “one-size-fits-all” solution for depression. Your needs will be assessed by your GP to ensure you get the most appropriate approach for you.

No, medication may not always be prescribed for symptoms of depression.

Exercise has been shown to be an effective treatment method for mild to moderate depression, and for severe depression when combined with other forms of treatment.¹

Psychotherapy such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy or supportive psychotherapy (counselling) has also been shown to be effective in the reduction of depressive symptoms.²

However, when required, medication has been shown to be very effective for the treatment of depression. Speak to your GP about what type of treatment is right for you.

Your GP might recommend taking medication for depression if your symptoms are persisting and having an impact on your life, such as making it hard to go to work, care for yourself or your family or function in a healthy way.

Medication might also be recommended if other forms of treatment, such as changes in lifestyle or psychotherapy, have been ineffective.

There are some different types of medication used to treat depression, and while they all work slightly differently, they all aim to decrease symptoms.

“The type of medication that is right or you will depend on your symptoms and if you are having any other symptoms as well, such as anxiety or insomnia,” says Dr Tan.

“Some anti-depressant medications also have an anti-anxiety response, while others can help ease sleep issues. Others have side effects or might be used when other medications haven’t been effective.”

“The choice of medication will always be based on what is right for the individual.”

The most common type of medication for the treatment of depression are SSRIs. They are shown to be as effective as other types of medication with fewer side-effects.

Serotonin is produced in the brain and is sometimes known as the feel-good or happy hormone. It plays an important role in emotion regulation, appetite and sleep. Some types of depression have been linked to an imbalance of serotonin.

While there are studies that suggest a serotonin imbalance is an over-simplification for the cause of depression, there is still convincing data that SSRIs, such as sertraline, can help reduce depression, especially in moderate and severe cases.³

SNRIs, like SSRIs, block the reabsorption or reuptake of serotonin in the brain, but they also do the same for norepinephrine, a hormone that affects how we respond to stress. SNRIs may be prescribed if SSRIs have been ineffective.

TCAs work in the same ways as SSRIs and SNRIs but are not as commonly prescribed due to side effects they can cause, including drowsiness, blurred vision, tremors and a drop in blood pressure causing dizziness.⁴

TCAs might be prescribed when SSRIs have been ineffective or because they are also helpful at treating other symptoms such as chronic pain and insomnia which may be linked to the depression.⁶

While medications for depression work by changing the chemical balances in the brain, atypical antidepressants, such as mirtazapine and esketamine, are a group of medications that each function slightly differently to make those changes occur.⁵

If symptoms of depression, such as low mood, a lack of motivation, feelings of helplessness worthlessness or ongoing fatigue persist for more than 2 weeks, it is important to seek medical help.

Medication for depression can only be prescribed by a GP or a psychiatrist in Australia.

Speak to your doctor about your symptoms and report any side effects immediately if you do start a new medication.