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You are here : 3-RX.com > Medical Encyclopedia > Diseases and Conditions > Depression After Heart Attack: Treatment & Monitoring
      Category : Health Centers > Depression

Depression After Heart Attack

Depression After Heart Attack | Symptoms & Signs | Diagnosis & Tests | Prevention & Expectations | Treatment & Monitoring

What are the treatments for the condition?

The two most common ways of treating depression are with antidepressant medications and psychotherapy. Often a combination is used. Occasionally a person must be hospitalized for intense treatment or for his or her own safety.

Antidepressant medications are effective in the following ways.

  • They increase the person's ability to function in daily life.
  • They lower the risk of suicide.
  • They make the person feel better.
  • The following types of medications are used to treat depression:

  • tricyclic antidepressants, or TCAs, including amitriptyline HCl and desipramine HCl
  • tetracyclic antidepressants, such as maprotiline HCl and mirtazapine
  • monoamine oxidase inhibitors, which are also called MAOIs, such as phenelzine sulfate and tranylcypromine sulfate
  • selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs, including paroxetine HCl and fluoxetine HCl
  • other antidepressants, such as nefazodone and venlafaxine
  • Psychotherapy can help people do the following:

  • cope better with having depression
  • feel less alone
  • improve relations with family, friends, and coworkers
  • learn about depression and how it affects them
  • learn to recognize and avoid situations that can bring on a depressive episode
  • learn to view the world and others more positively and more realistically
  • positively address problems that they may be facing
  • stop episodes of depression early by recognizing warning signs and symptoms
  • What are the side effects of the treatments?

    Antidepressants may cause mild and usually temporary side effects in some people. Following are the most common side effects:

  • agitation
  • constipation
  • dizziness
  • drowsiness
  • dry mouth
  • nausea
  • What happens after treatment for the condition?

    An individual can help prevent relapses by living a healthy lifestyle. Following are some important parts of a healthy lifestyle:

  • avoiding alcohol, illegal drugs, and smoking
  • doing regular exercise
  • eating a balanced diet, following the food guide pyramid
  • finding ways to manage stress
  • finding a support system for dealing with depression
  • getting enough rest
  • How is the condition monitored?

    Once a person has an episode of depression, he or she is at higher risk for further episodes. Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to the healthcare provider. The provider may recommend regular visits to monitor symptoms. The provider may also order blood tests to monitor the levels of medications.


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    Depression After Heart Attack: Prevention & Expectations

     

    Author: Gail Hendrickson, RN, BS
    Reviewer: Eileen McLaughlin, RN, BSN
    Date Reviewed: 05/01/01



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