Medications used to treat depression.

Depression in children and adults is similar to the clinical course in adults. It can be reliably diagnosed by a trained mental health professional through clinical interviews with the child or adolescent and outside observers (parents, teachers). Depression causes significant impairment in school, in the family, and in peer relationships. It is associated with other psychiatric disorders, suicidal thoughts, and suicide attempts. Both psychotherapy and medication can be effective treatments for depression, either alone or in combination.

The two most common types of antidepressants are tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Examples of TCAs include nortriptyline (also known by the brand name Pamelor), imipramine (Tofranil), and desipramine (Norpramin). Examples of SSRIs include fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), and paroxetine (Paxil). Clinical studies have shown that some children and adolescents benefit from these medications.

Tricyclic Antidepressants (Tcas)

Before using TCAs, it is...