Home Conditions Depression

Depression — guide.

Depression is a mood disorder with a persistent sad mood, loss of interest, and changes in sleep/appetite/energy. It affects 15-20% of the population over their lifetime. It requires medical treatment.

Also known as: depressive disorder major depression dysthymia
6 recommended OTC drugs
8,296 pharmacies available

In short: Depression is a mood disorder in which a persistent low mood, loss of interest and changes in sleep, appetite or energy last for weeks on end and require medical treatment. OTC supplements such as St. John's wort, Omega-3, vitamin D3, magnesium, B complex or SAMe can play only a supportive role, never a replacement for the therapy your doctor recommends. On HartaFarmacii you can compare the price of these OTC options across major pharmacies (Dr. Max, Tei, Catena, HelpNet), with prices updated daily. This information is for guidance only and does not replace a medical consultation; seek emergency help if thoughts of harming yourself appear.

Data verified on from public sources (OpenStreetMap, chain websites, ANM/MS) — updated daily.

OTC — adjuncts

What you can take alongside treatment

Informational only — HartaFarmacii is not an approved medical site. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medicine. Don't self-medicate. Emergencies: 112.

When to seek urgent medical help

Any of these signs calls for prompt medical evaluation:

  • Thoughts of self-harm or plans — EMERGENCY
  • Psychotic symptoms (delusions, hallucinations)
  • Catatonia, self-harm
  • Severe postpartum depression
  • Lack of response to 2 antidepressants
  • Depression in a child/adolescent

What is depression

Depression is a real medical disorder, not simply passing sadness or a lack of willpower. It is characterized by a persistent sad mood and by the loss of interest or pleasure in usual activities, accompanied by changes in sleep, appetite, energy, concentration, and the way one thinks about oneself. It arises through imbalances of brain neurotransmitters, against a background of genetic vulnerability, life events, and biological factors. It affects 15-20% of people over their lifetime and is a major cause of disability. Important to know: depression is treatable, and the combination of psychotherapy and medication leads, in the majority of cases, to significant improvement or complete remission.

Symptoms (DSM-5 criteria)

At least 5 of the following, over 2 weeks:

  • Persistent sad mood.
  • Anhedonia (loss of interest/pleasure).
  • Changes in weight/appetite.
  • Sleep disturbances (insomnia/hypersomnia).
  • Fatigue.
  • Psychomotor agitation or retardation.
  • Feelings of worthlessness/guilt.
  • Difficulty concentrating.
  • Recurrent thoughts of death/self-harm.

Treatment

Psychotherapy — CBT, interpersonal psychotherapy. Efficacy similar to medication in mild-to-moderate forms.

Medication (Rx):

  • SSRIs (sertraline, escitalopram, fluoxetine, paroxetine) — first line.
  • SNRIs (duloxetine, venlafaxine).
  • Bupropion, mirtazapine, vortioxetine, agomelatine.
  • Tricyclics — second line.
  • MAOIs — rare.

Duration: at least 6-12 months after remission for a first episode. Indefinitely in cases of recurrence.

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) — severe/resistant cases.

Ketamine/esketamine — treatment-resistant depression.

OTC — caution

St. John's wort (Hypericum) — effective in mild depression. Caution: multiple interactions with medications (contraceptives, anticoagulants, statins, cytostatics). Do not combine with SSRIs — serotonin syndrome.

Omega-3 EPA 1-2g/day — adjuvant.

Vitamin D3 — evidence for correcting deficiency.

SAMe, folate (L-methylfolate) — adjuvants in treatment-resistant cases.

Lifestyle

  • Aerobic exercise — proven antidepressant effect.
  • Regular sleep.
  • Light exposure (especially seasonal depression).
  • Socializing.
  • Mediterranean diet.
  • Limiting alcohol.

Medical disclaimer: the information in this guide is for informational purposes and does not replace the advice of a doctor or pharmacist. For diagnosis and treatment, consult a healthcare professional.

Compared medicines

Medicines used for depression

This list is indicative, generated automatically from DCI/category matching. It is not a medical recommendation — consult your doctor before starting any treatment.

This list is not a medical recommendation. Consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Search the pharmacy

Medicine categories for depression

Step by step

How to find a pharmacy fast for depression

Open the interactive map and grant location permission — you'll see pharmacies sorted by distance with their opening hours and a one-tap route in Google Maps. For overnight or weekend trips, switch on the 24/7 filter to keep only the on-call ones. For depression some medicines need a prescription — make sure you have a valid one (electronic or paper) before you leave, to avoid wasted trips.

For chronic treatment, save your favourite pharmacy in the app and check prices on the comparator — OTC differences between chains can hit 20-40%, while CANAMED-capped Rx items have a fixed maximum but may carry promotions. If your treatment for depression runs on a monthly script, schedule pickup a few days before you run out.

Left untreated

Possible complications

See also

Related symptoms and conditions

Symptom

Stres

Stresul e răspunsul fiziologic la solicitări. Cronic — afectează imunitatea, cardiovascular, somn, digestie, sănătate mentală.

 Symptom

Anxietate

Anxietatea e o stare de neliniște excesivă cu simptome fizice (palpitații, transpirații, tremor) și psihice (frica, îngrijorare). Tulburarea anxioasă afectează 10-15% dintre adulți.

 Symptom

Insomnie

Insomnia = dificultate la adormire, menținerea somnului sau somn neodihnitor, cu impact asupra funcționării diurne. Afectează 10-30% dintre adulți.

 Symptom

Oboseală

Oboseala e lipsă persistentă de energie, peste ce e normal după efort. Cauzele variază de la lipsă de somn la anemie, hipotiroidie, diabet, depresie, boli cronice.

 Condition

Tulburări anxioase

Tulburările anxioase includ: TAG (anxietate generalizată), tulburare panică, fobie socială, agorafobia, fobii specifice, PTSD, TOC. Afectează 15-20% pe parcursul vieții.

Frequently asked

What else would you like to know?

SSRIs — how long until they work?
2-4 weeks for the initial effect, 6-8 weeks for the full effect. Do not stop prematurely. You continue for 6-12 months after remission.
Does St. John's wort really work?
Yes, in mild-to-moderate depression (solid evidence). NOT in combination with SSRIs. Multiple interactions — inform your doctor and pharmacist.
Do antidepressants cause addiction?
NOT physical, but stopping abruptly can cause a discontinuation syndrome. Gradual reduction, under medical supervision.
I exercise — is that enough?
In mild depression, it may be enough. In moderate-to-severe cases — an adjuvant, not a substitute. Regular activity is an essential part of treatment.

See also

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