Although not technically an antidepressant, lithium, which is used to treat manic depression, is often included in this group. The side effects of prolonged and excessive use of these drugs are excessive urination or thirst, diarrhea, vomiting, drowsiness, dizziness or muscle weakness. Some newer antidepressants that show great promise in treating this disease are Wellbutrin, Prozac, Zoloft, Effexor, and Serzone. The incidence of side effects with these seem to be less than with the previously used medications. Sedative-Hypnotics and Tranquilizers .
Benzodiazepines are the most widely prescribed tranquilizers and sleep-inducing medications.
They are also the most abused by the public. Drugs used to treat anxiety and tension are Valium, Xanax, Ativan and Tranxene. Drugs used for sleeping are Dalmane, Resotril and Halcion. Possible side effects include drowsiness, light-headedness and poor coordination. Overuse of these drugs can lead to sleeplessness, respiratory difficulties, coma and even death.