More than a happiness boost: How mood medications help when you’re depressed
Antidepressants help treat more than just the emotional and psychological issues of depression. The medications can also improve other aspects of health, since depression often has physical complications such as appetite loss, insomnia, and fatigue. There are four classes of antidepressants: SSRIs, SNRIs, tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants, and monoamine oxidase inhibitors. There are also “atypical” antidepressants that have unique properties. Side effects vary depending on the drug. But all antidepressants take time to work, from two weeks to a month.
To continue reading this article, you must log in.
Source matters. Subscribe to HarvardHealthOnline+ FREE for 30 days for unlimited access to the site – where all content is reviewed by an HMS physician or faculty expert.
With HHO+ you get these exclusive benefits:
- Unlimited access to all Harvard Health Online content
- 4 expertly curated newsletters delivered monthly
- Customized website experience aligned to your health goals
- In-depth health guides on topics like sleep, exercise, and more
- Interactive features like videos and quizzes
- Members-only access to exclusive articles and resources
SPECIAL OFFER! UNLOCK EXPERT ACCESS for 30 days FREE!
Already a member? Login ».
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
