--- title: Should I Take Medication for my Depression? date: 2026-09-18T13:00:08Z modified: 2026-10-13T16:57:29Z permalink: "https://lightheartassociates.com/psychology-blog/should-i-take-medication-for-my-depression/" type: post status: publish excerpt: "" wpid: 1922 categories: - Depression - Medication - Mental Health Therapy tags: - Depression - Medication - Mental Health Therapy - depression medications - medication for depression - medication options for depression featured_image: "https://lightheartassociates.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Should-I-Take-Medication-for-my-Depression.png" featured_image_alt: Woman stares out window and ponders if she should take medication for depression timestamp: 2026-10-13T16:57:29Z --- If you’re dealing with depression, you may be wondering if taking medication could be the right choice for you, especially if you’ve been in therapy for a while but still need more support. While there can be some stigma and misinformation around it, medication can be incredibly helpful in treating symptoms of depression, including sleep disturbances, low energy, difficulty concentrating, and feelings of sadness or hopelessness. ## What Is Depression? [Depression](https://lightheartassociates.com/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/post/what-is-major-depressive-disorder.md) causes low mood, sleeping and eating changes, and often a loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed. It can lead to various emotional and physical problems and can decrease your ability to function at work and at home. Certain risk factors make certain people more susceptible to depression, including a family history of mental health disorders, chronic illness, substance use, and traumatic or stressful events. ## When Medication for Depression Is Appropriate Medication for depression may be appropriate if support beyond therapy is necessary. If you’re considering whether [medication](https://lightheartassociates.com/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/psychiatry-medication-management.md) could make a difference for you or a loved one, it’s important to speak with a mental health professional to learn more. A psychiatric prescriber can assess whether medication is appropriate for your situation. Here are just a few signs that medication could be an important part of your [depression treatment plan](https://lightheartassociates.com/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/depression-treatment-program.md): - Persistent depression and sadness that do not go away, even with therapy - Feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness - Difficulty sleeping, eating, and functioning in everyday life - Feeling suicidal thoughts or urges to self-harm - Extreme mood swings _If you are feeling suicidal or experiencing a mental health crisis, please reach out for immediate support by contacting your local emergency services, visiting your local emergency room, or calling/texting the National Crisis Hotline at [988](tel:988)._ ## Medication Options for Depression There are several depression medications that can help reduce depression symptoms and improve quality of life. Each of these medications works differently, so your provider will talk you through your options and ensure you understand the benefits and potential risks of each one. Additionally, they each have different dosing schedules that you will need to follow to ensure effectiveness. Your prescriber will work with you to find the best medication option based on your symptoms. ### Common classes of depression medication Common classes of medication used to treat depression include: #### Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) These medications are used to increase the amount of serotonin in the brain, which can help regulate mood. They are often the starting point, as they typically have few side effects and work well for many people. Common examples include Prozac, Zoloft, and Lexapro.¹ #### Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) SNRIs help to block the reabsorption of both serotonin and norepinephrine, leaving more available in the brain to improve mood and energy. Examples include Cymbalta, Effexor, and Pristiq.² #### Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs) These medications are typically used when other medications have not been successful, as they block more receptors in the brain, leading to more risk of side effects. Examples include Elavil and Tofranil.³ #### Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) These medications work by blocking certain enzymes that break down chemicals in the brain. They have an extensive list of interactions with other medications and foods, so they’re often used when other medications have failed. Examples include Nardil and Marplan.⁴ #### Atypical Antidepressants Many other medications act on several different neurotransmitters in the brain to help regulate mood. While not originally developed for treating depression, several alternative medications can ameliorate symptoms, boost energy, and promote calm and wellbeing. Common examples include Wellbutrin, Trazodone, Trintellix, and Auvelity. ## Medication Should Be Part of a Holistic Depression Treatment Plan Medication can be extremely effective for treating depression, but it typically works best as part of a larger plan. Studies show that combining medication with therapy for depression offers the best chance of long-term recovery, as it targets both brain chemistry and long-held thought and behavior patterns.⁵ ## What If I Don’t Find Relief After Using Depression Medication? Antidepressants work well for many people, easing depression symptoms and helping them get back to their meaningful lives. However, some people don’t find the relief they expect, even after trying multiple medications, a phenomenon we refer to as difficult-to-treat depression. In these cases, you’re not out of options. Many of our clinics offer alternative treatments such as [Spravato®](https://lightheartassociates.com/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/spravato-treatment-program.md), an esketamine-based nasal spray that’s specifically approved for hard-to-treat depression. It often works faster than traditional medications, with many finding relief within hours or days of starting. The FDA has also approved transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) for difficult-to-treat depression. This non-invasive procedure uses magnetic fields instead of medication to stimulate underactive brain regions. It is incredibly safe and is associated with very few side effects. _While it can be a beneficial option for difficult-to-treat depression, our clinics don’t currently offer TMS. Learn more about [how our clinics treat depression](https://lightheartassociates.com/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/depression-treatment-program.md)._ ## Call LightHeart Mental Health Today for Depression Treatment in Seattle If you or someone you know is struggling with depression, it is important to seek help from a mental health professional. LightHeart Mental Health offers [comprehensive services](https://lightheartassociates.com/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/mental-health-treatment-programs-seattle.md) to those struggling with depression and other mental health conditions across the greater Seattle area. Contact our compassionate intake professionals by calling \[Direct\] or [schedule your first appointment now](https://lightheartassociates.com/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/schedule-an-appointment.md). **Sources:** 1. Edinoff, A. N., Akuly, H. A., Hanna, T. A., Ochoa, C. O., Patti, S. J., Ghaffar, Y. A., Kaye, A. D., Viswanath, O., Urits, I., Boyer, A. G., Cornett, E. M., & Kaye, A. M. (2021). _Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors and Adverse Effects: A Narrative Review. Neurology international, 13_(3), 387–401. [https://doi.org/10.3390/neurolint13030038](https://doi.org/10.3390/neurolint13030038) 2. Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). (2025). Mayo Clinic. [https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/in-depth/snris/art-20044970](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/in-depth/snris/art-20044970) 3. Tricyclic Antidepressants. (2023). Cleveland Clinic. [https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/25146-tricyclic-antidepressants](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/25146-tricyclic-antidepressants) 4. Patel P, Saadabadi A. Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) \[Updated 2025 Dec 13\]. In: StatPearls \[Internet\]. _Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2026 Jan-_. Available from: [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539848/](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539848/) 5. Cuijpers, P., Sijbrandij, M., Koole, S. L., Andersson, G., Beekman, A. T., & Reynolds, C. F., 3rd (2014). Adding psychotherapy to antidepressant medication in depression and anxiety disorders: a meta-analysis. _World psychiatry : official journal of the World Psychiatric Association (WPA), 13_(1), 56–67. [https://doi.org/10.1002/wps.20089](https://doi.org/10.1002/wps.20089)