Depression is a serious disorder that seems to be triggered by stress, hormones, genetics, chemical imbalances, or effects of other medications. As science progresses, new medicines are being developed. There are several new antidepressants for depression on the market today. As with any medication, the antidepressants for depression do have certain side effects, such as insomnia. The effects are usually short term and do not outweigh the benefits of the medicine.

With depression, one of the first symptoms to appear is insomnia; it is also one of the last symptoms to disappear. New medicines are being developed to help alleviate the symptoms of depression within 3 to 4 days rather than several weeks like other medications have in the past. Along with these medicines come unpleasant but generally mild side effects. You can help prevent and curb the onset of insomnia. You can establish a normal bedtime routine, stay away from caffeinated beverages, and try taking your medicine in the morning. The side effect of insomnia is thought to arise due to the increase in energy the antidepressant medications give you. While the increase in energy is not a bad thing, it can be frustrating not to be able to fall asleep.

Several new medications that are used for treating depression are available. Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) is a new antidepressant that works with serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. The selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most popular type of medicine for treating depression. The SSRIs come in several types of medications, generic and name brand. Doctors do not yet know how these medicines work on depression. There are brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters that are linked with depression, including the neurotransmitter, serotonin. There is research that suggests abnormalities in this activity can affect an individual’s mood and behavior. It is known that when there are increased levels of serotonin, there is an improvement is mood. SSRIs seem only work with serotonin, yet not with other neurotransmitters.

In conclusion, new medications used for treating depression are helping people cope with this debilitating disease. There will be side effects, such as insomnia, but this will happen with almost any medicine that you take. The positive changes these new medicines can have on your life are far worth losing a few hours of sleep for several days or weeks.