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There are many antidepressants that may be prescribed to patients with brain tumors. Antidepressants may be prescribed by a psychiatrist. If you are prescribed an antidepressant by your primary care provider or by a brain tumor doctor like a neurologist or neuro-oncologist, it may be worth asking that doctor whether some form of therapy or counseling could be helpful as well.
One common category of antidepressants is the selective seratonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI), such as Zoloft, Paxil, and Prozac. The side effects of these medications may include sleepiness, tremor, diarrhea, nausea, insomnia, increased sweating, weight loss, and decreased sexual ability. The sexual side effects of one antidepressant may go away if you switch to another antidepressant. Alternatively, there are drugs that sometimes work specifically to help with antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction. Taking these medicines with food may be easier on the stomach, and Zoloft should be taken with food regardless.
Some brain tumor patients take St. John's Wort for depression. Some European countries, such as Germany, have approved this herb for treating depression. In the US, herbal supplements are not regulated, and any company can sell St. John's Wort over-the-counter. Before taking any herbal supplement, you should ask about it's purity and quality. You must also decide what dose you want to take, how often you want to take it, and if you want to take anything else with it. Your doctor or pharmacist may be able to help you with these questions, but if not make sure you find a source you trust.
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