Decreased physical energy, unusual reduced involvement with family and friends, and prolonged sadness are just some of the symptoms which may indicate depression. For many people it is not uncommon to feel depressed in reaction to a somber event such as a death in the family, etc. However, marked symptoms usually diminish with the passing of time. When sadness and feelings of depression linger for no apparent reason a more serious affliction may be present. Medical and mental health professionals often treat this condition with a combination of therapy and medications such as Celexa or Effexor.

Celexa is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor which affects certain chemicals in the brain that may be linked to depression. One concern that many people taking mental health drugs have is potential side effects. People who take Celexa may experience mild to moderate side effects which usually subside after the first few weeks of treatment.

Serotonin and norepinephrine are two chemicals in the brain which another drug, Effexor, affect. It is thought that a chemical imbalance in the brain is one of the leading causes of chronic depression. This drug may act to balance the chemicals, and reduce the symptoms of depression. Effexor may also be prescribed for the treatment of Generalized Anxiety Disorder, and Social Anxiety Disorder which sometimes accompany depression.

Another medication that is sometimes prescribed to treat depression is called Trazodone, this drug may be particularly effective in treating forms of depression that are accompanied by insomnia. It is difficult to perform day to day tasks while suffering from the common symptoms of depression. But this difficulty can be magnified when a depressed person also has difficulty getting to sleep. Trazodone has been found to work within two weeks of the medication being started, and has some of the typical side effects which can be expected from similar medications. While Trazodone is the generic name of this drug, it may be found under the brand name Desyrel.

These are just some of the drugs which may be prescribes in combination with therapy to treat various forms of depression, and anxiety. To determine the most beneficial treatments it is advisable for a person to seek the opinion of a trained medical professional.