Medications For Depression ?

Q: Someone I know has a mild form of depression. He is very sad for a few days a week. If he takes some medication, would it have some long term effects.

A:It is real hard to diagnose from a distance, especially on a two sentence history. It doesn't really sound like a major depression, but that is almost impossible to tell for sure. All medications for chronic conditions have some long term effects. Prozac and its brothers have a benign side effect pattern, especially when compared with the long term effects of depression. Your friend probably has reasons for being sad. It indicates that they need to work on whatever is causing the sadness. Drugs are a radical treatment method (including self prescribed ones like alcohol). I'd suggest they see a therapist, read the depression faq and read lots of uplifting books. See a

funny movie like Groundhog Day. Sometimes people get "sad" for attention. It's hard to tell what is going on. Therapist first! Your friend may have more than depression- he may have bipolar depression (also called manic depression) with frequent cycling. In addition to antidepressants, lithium is frequently used with great success for this condition. These meds are not addictive but lithium requires periodic blood testing for monitoring. He should see a primary care clinician or psychiatrist for evaluation. Assuming that he takes an antidepressant...no, it's not addictive. Long term effects? Yes, both good and not so good. He should consult his doctor.