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Depression Treatments

Need a break? A "mini-vacation" can be as simple as reading a book or tuning out with some relaxing music.

Depression is a disease that can be successfully treated. There are a variety of ways to treat depression, including prescription medication and psychotherapy. Some people may use natural remedies such as herbal therapy. Together, you and your health care professional can determine the appropriate option to treat your depression.

Prescription medications

There are several types of prescription antidepressant medications that are divided into different classes. Each antidepressant class affects the levels of chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters, which are thought to be involved in regulating mood.

The most commonly prescribed prescription antidepressant classes are SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) and SNRIs (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors). SSRIs are believed to treat depression by affecting the levels of a neurotransmitter called serotonin. SNRIs are believed to treat depression by affecting the levels of two neurotransmitters called serotonin and norepinephrine.

It’s important to know that it could take as many as 6 to 8 weeks for the full therapeutic effect to occur. It is important to give the medication a chance to work and to take it exactly as directed by your health care professional.

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy is also known as "talk therapy". Research has shown it can be very helpful for people with some forms of depression. Like all treatment options, psychotherapy can be used alone or in combination with medication.

The two main types of psychotherapy that are typically used to treat depression are:

  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) - helps to reduce depression symptoms by challenging and reversing negative beliefs and attitudes.
    • Interpersonal therapy (IPT) - helps to resolve role disputes and to overcome problems with social skills and other interpersonal factors that may impact the development of depression.

Healthy living

The following are some suggestions for a natural approach to a healthy lifestyle, which may help provide some relief of depression symptoms:

  • Maintain proper sleep habits as advised by your health care professional.
  • Eat a well-balanced diet
  • Manage anxiety as advised by your health care professional
  • Participate in a structured and supervised exercise program as advised by your health care professional
  • Set realistic goals for yourself
  • Create small and manageable tasks
  • Let others you can trust such as family and friends help you

Next: Talking About Depression »

Indication

PRISTIQ® is approved for the treatment of major depressive disorder in adults.

Important Safety Information for PRISTIQ

Suicidality and Antidepressant Drugs

Antidepressants increased the risk compared to placebo of suicidal thinking and behavior (suicidality) in children, teens, and young adults. Depression and certain other psychiatric disorders are themselves associated with increases in the risk of suicide. Patients of all ages who are started on antidepressant therapy should be monitored appropriately and observed closely for clinical worsening, suicidality, or unusual changes in behavior. PRISTIQ is not approved for use in children under 18.

  • People taking MAOIs should not take PRISTIQ.
  • All patients taking antidepressants should be observed closely for signs that their condition is getting worse or that they are becoming suicidal. This is very important when an antidepressant is started or when the dose is changed. Patients should be watched for becoming agitated, irritable, hostile, aggressive, impulsive, or restless. These symptoms should be reported to the patient's health care professional right away.
  • Tell your health care professional about all prescription and over-the-counter medications you are taking or plan to take, including:
    • Medicines to treat migraines or mood disorders, to avoid a potentially life-threatening condition
    • Aspirin, NSAID pain relievers, or blood thinners, because they may increase the risk of bleeding.
  • PRISTIQ may cause or make some conditions worse, so tell your health care professional about all your medical conditions, including if you:
    • Have high blood pressure. Your blood pressure should be controlled before you start taking PRISTIQ and monitored regularly
    • Have heart problems, high cholesterol or triglyceride levels, or a history of stroke
    • Have glaucoma or increased eye pressure
    • Have kidney or liver problems
    • Have or had bleeding problems
    • Have or had depression, suicidal thoughts or behavior
    • Have or had mania, bipolar disorder, or seizures or convulsions
    • Have low sodium levels in your blood
    • Are nursing, pregnant, or plan to become pregnant.
  • Discontinuation symptoms may occur when stopping PRISTIQ, especially when therapy is stopped suddenly. Talk to your health care professional before you stop taking or reduce the dose of PRISTIQ.
  • Until you see how PRISTIQ affects you, be careful driving a car or operating machinery. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking PRISTIQ.
  • Side effects when taking PRISTIQ 50 mg may include nausea, dizziness, sweating, constipation, and decreased appetite.

Please see full Prescribing Information including boxed warning and Medication Guide.



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Call 1-866-706-2400 or click here www.PfizerHelpfulAnswers.com
*Save up to $15 a month, up to $180 in savings per year. Terms and Conditions apply. The PRISTIQ Savings Card is not health insurance. The card will be accepted only at participating pharmacies. No membership fees. For more information about the PRISTIQ Savings Card, please call 1-800-842-6031 or write to:
PRISTIQ Savings Card
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235 East 42nd Street
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