Topic Overview
Depression is the most common mental
health problem in people who have
multiple sclerosis (MS). It may result from having a
chronic disease or may be a side effect of certain MS medicines, such as
interferon beta. Depression may be treated with:
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as
fluoxetine (Prozac) or sertraline (Zoloft). These medicines may also
make the person more alert and help reduce fatigue.
- Tricyclic antidepressants, such as amitriptyline,
desipramine (Norpramin), or imipramine (Tofranil).
There are other antidepressant medicines in addition
to those listed above. Your doctor can help identify ones
that are best for your situation, based on your symptoms, other medicines you
are taking, and other health problems you may have.
FDA advisory. The U.S. Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) has issued an
advisory on antidepressant medicines and the risk of
suicide. The FDA does not recommend that people stop using these medicines.
Instead, a person taking antidepressants should be watched for
warning signs of suicide. This is especially important
at the beginning of treatment or when the doses are changed.
Credits
| By | Healthwise Staff |
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| Primary Medical Reviewer | Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine |
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| Primary Medical Reviewer | Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine |
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| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Barrie J. Hurwitz, MD - Neurology |
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| Last Revised | February 15, 2012 |
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