Depression is the most common mental health problem in people who have multiple sclerosis (MS). It may result from having a chronic disease or may be a side effect of certain MS medications, such as interferon betas. Depression may be treated with:

• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as fluoxetine (Prozac) or sertraline (Zoloft, Lustral). These medications may also make the person more alert and help reduce fatigue.
• Tricyclic antidepressants, such as amitriptyline, desipramine (Norpramin, Pertofrane), or imipramine (Tofranil).

There are a variety of antidepressant medications in addition to those listed above. Your health professional can help identify ones appropriate for your situation, based on your symptoms, other medications you are taking, and other health problems you may have.

FDA Advisory. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued an advisory on antidepressant medicines and the risk of suicide. The FDA does not recommend that people stop using these medicines. Instead, a person taking antidepressants should be watched for warning signs of suicide. This is especially important at the beginning of treatment or when the doses are changed.