A Review of Pharmacological Options for Treating Depression

This report provides a comparative analysis of various pharmacological options available for reducing depression, focusing on their mechanisms of action, effectiveness, and potential side effects. Drugs like Citalopram, Mirtazepine, Sertraline, Fluoxetine, Paroxetine, and Escitalopram are discussed in terms of their impact on neurotransmitters, mood, energy levels, and potential adverse reactions. The report emphasizes the importance of a well-defined protocol for selecting the most appropriate pharmacological option, involving symptom observation, allergy testing, and consideration of potential side effects to ensure optimal patient outcomes. The document concludes by highlighting the necessity of understanding each drug's function and adverse effects before prescription.

Running head: DEPRESSION
DEPRESSION
Name of the student:
Name of the University:
Author note:

1DEPRESSION
Comparison of effectiveness of various pharmacological options in reducing
depression:
There are many pharmacological options that can be used in order to reduce the
symptoms of depression in individual. However, there are some different in their mode of action
(Godlewska et al., 2012). For example, Celexa or Citalopram is an antidepressant that affects the
neurotransmitters. Research has shown that imbalance between the neurotransmitter is one of the
common causes of depression. Citalopram prevents the uptake of specific neurotransmitter by
the nerve cells. There are some side effects of the drug like headache, nausea, sweating and
vomiting that could make the patient uncomfortable. Beside such side effects the drug is also
useful in treating alcoholism and panic disorder as well. On the other hand Remeron or
Mirtazepine is another useful drug. The drug has a sedating effect that is useful for the patient
that are facing sleeplessness or insomnia due to depression. However the drug is not
recommendable for some people that have hypersomulence or decreased activity as the symptom
of their depression. In case depression, it affects the mood and energy level of the patient. In this
case Sertraline or Zoloft is used to improve the mood and energy level of the patient. The drug
helps to restore balance of serotonin in brain. In addition, Fluoxetine is another useful
antidepressant that helps to reduce the suicidal thoughts of the patients due to severe depression.
Paroxetine is also helpful in order to reduce the symptoms of depression. It is a type of drug
known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRI. However, the drug is not applicable for
the patients with constipation and high blood pressure. In some cases due to depression patients
become nervous. In this case Escitalopram helps to reduce the nervousness and improve the
feelings and energy level of the patient. Severe allergic reaction is uncommon for this drug,

2DEPRESSION
however other side effects such as blurred vision, vomiting, changes in the sexual ability is
related to the drug (M Stahl et al., 2013). Furthermore, there are other useful drugs that could be
used in order to reduce depression but it is important to understand their function, effectiveness
and adverse effects before prescribing them to the patients (Godlewska et al., 2012).
Protocol for selecting a plan from various pharmacological options:
Various pharmacological options are present in order to treat depression but they have
different mode of action, side effects and adverse reactions. Thus, it is important to understand
the needs of the patient and then prescribe proper medication in order to meet their needs. In this
regards, Proper observation or diagnosis of the symptoms is required. A proper scientific
experiment with rigid methodology is important to ensure the positive outcome of the treatment.
After identification of the central need of the patients it is important to conduct an allergy test to
identify the allergic reaction to any drugs or chemical compound. In order to prescribe proper
medication it is important to gather information about the side effects and adverse reaction of the
particular drug. Such process would help to understand the efficacy of the drugs thus would help
to prescribe the best pharmacological option for treatment (Montori, Brito & Murad, 2013).
Hence the protocol of selecting proper pharmacological option include-

3DEPRESSION
Identifythepatient'sproblem.Specifyaccuratepharmacologicaloption.Verifywhetherthepharmacologicaloptionsissuitableforthepatientornot

4DEPRESSION
References:
Godlewska, B. R., Norbury, R., Selvaraj, S., Cowen, P. J., & Harmer, C. J. (2012). Short-term
SSRI treatment normalises amygdala hyperactivity in depressed patients. Psychological
medicine, 42(12), 2609-2617.
M Stahl, S., Lee-Zimmerman, C., Cartwright, S., & Ann Morrissette, D. (2013). Serotonergic
drugs for depression and beyond. Current drug targets, 14(5), 578-585.
Montori, V. M., Brito, J. P., & Murad, M. H. (2013). The optimal practice of evidence-based
medicine: incorporating patient preferences in practice guidelines. Jama, 310(23), 2503-
2504.