Types

• According to Medical News Today, doctors prescribe three kinds of anti-depressants, although Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI's) are prescribed the most. Common SSRI's like Prozac or Zoloft work by eliminating any extra serotonin after it is released from a brain cell, and since during the reuptake process serotonin is blocked, serotonin is in effect increased to work better in the brain. Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCA's) like Elavil work in a similar fashion by enlarging the amounts of serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine by utilizing the reuptake process and removing unneeded transmitters. Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOI's) like Nardil use an enzyme called monoamine oxidase, which tears down transmitters and increases serotonin. These drugs tend to cause more side effects and are prescribed only when other medication has failed.
  
  

Side Effects

• According to the Royal College of Psychiatrists, if you are taking SSRI's, you may feel more anxious and depressed in the beginning. If you have any thoughts of suicide, contact your doctor immediately. SSRI's may also cause sexual difficulties; Paxil in particular carries a higher risk for sexual problems. When taking TCA's, you may experience side effects, such as dry mouth, drowsiness, weight changes and a rapid heartbeat. Avoid this kind of anti-depressant if you suffer from heart problems as it also causes tremors and dizziness. Doctors rarely prescribe MAO's because they can cause your blood pressure to spike if you consume food with Tyramine in it.
  
  

Cost

• According to Consumer Reports, if your antidepressant comes in a generic form, you save several hundred dollars buying it in that form. To order a month's supply of a 75 mg Wellbutrin, taking it three times a day, costs $302 a month, while the generic form Buproprion 75 mg costs only $58 for a month supply. Another shocker to your wallet would be if you ordered the 40 mg of Prozac, taking it once or twice a day, costing you $435 to $870 a month, instead of the generic Fluoxetine 40 mg at $44 to $88 a month.
  
  

Usage

• As you begin your antidepressants, remember it takes six to eight weeks for them to become effective. Take your medication each day, and stay in contact with your doctor, to note any changes you may feel as you begin a higher dose, or any side effects you may be concerned about. Track your side effects, remembering some may pass as you get used to the drug.
  
  

Effectiveness

• The Royal College of Psychiatrists states that 50 percent to 65 percent of patients who take antidepressants experience some improvement within three months. Consumer Reports adds that around 60 percent will experience a 50 percent increase or decrease in their severity of their symptoms. Some drugs like Remeron work faster than other medications. Other times, patients may get frustrated and stop taking their medication, hindering its effectiveness.