Depression Talk

Prescription drugs have two uses — what conditions the box says it should treat and what are called “off label” uses. For example, I currently take two prescription drugs — fluoxetine (generic Prozac) and verapamil (also a generic). I take generic Prozac for depression. That’s no big deal. Prozac is marketed as an anti-depressant, after all.

But I also take verapamil. It’s a high blood pressure medication. I don’t have high blood pressure. In fact, I have low blood pressure. However, many doctors have noted that many people who take verapamil have less headaches. So, I’m taking verapamil for an “off label” use.

So, if your doctor prescribves you antidepressants and you are not depressed, don’t take it personally. This is just an off label use. In these cases, you need to be very familiar with the drug warnings (just in case). Off label use of prescription medications is still a hot topic among many medical circles.

What other medical conditons can be treated with antidepressants?

Chronic Headaches and Migraines

Chances are, if you have chronic headaches or migraines, then you already have been diagnosed with depression. When you have one, you have a very high chance of having another. the culprit now thought to play a role in depression — serotonin — is now thought to play a part in migraines or some kinds of chronic headaches as well.

Trying To Quit Smoking

If you quit smoking, you will get depressed. How long and how severe this lasts differs from person to person. You can also experience trouble sleeping and will literally bite the heads off nails. Antidepressants like Wellbutrin are now usually prescribed to smokers who have just quit. Usually, the need to be on the antidepressants is only for a couple of months.

Urinary Incontinence

The antidepressant used here is called imipramine (brand name Trofanil). According to the Mayo Clinic’s website:

This antidepressant may occasionally be used in combination with other medications to treat incontinence. It causes the bladder muscle to relax, while causing the smooth muscles at the bladder neck to contract.

Insomnia

One of the benefits that many (but not all) people on antidepressants is that their sleep cycle gets regulated. For example, I was a chronic insomniac until I had Valium, marijuana, a handfull of Nyquil or generic Prozac. I can’t really recommend my first three methods of getting to sleep. Of course, a pill can’t completely cure insomnia. behavior modification needs to happen too, such as getting regular exercise and cutting down caffeine.