What are the best antidepressants for people with HD? Are there some to avoid?
Thanks,
Jen

The majority of people with HD do well on SSRI antidepressants (such as Lexapro) so one of these is usually the first type of antidepressant to be prescribed. They boost BDNF, a protective protein known to be reduced in the brain of HD patients. However, there is no one antidepressant that works well for everyone and some people do not respond well to SSRIs. Even within SSRIs, some patients will do well with one and not so well with another.

Thank you Marsha. The neurologist we met with didn't know what to prescribe him. Just gave us Xanax.

Xanax is a "benzodiazepine", which has been benifical for my wife, along with Lexapro (SSRI). it has a calming effect as it is similair to valium.
the drug class that needs careful attention would be the antipsychotics as the more modern types have less negative side effect for HD.

I take Celexa (Citalopram), which is an SSRI, with great success. I think it even helps cognition!

Judy