So I was reading the current issue of Runner’s World over the weekend and came across an interesting piece on anti-depressant medication and running. The article stated that, for runners who are also taking anti-depressants, your best bet is to go with an SSRI (Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft) versus a Tricyclic anti-depressant. Tricyclics have several side effects that can interfere with running, such as: increased heart rate, lightheadedness, and interference with electrical conduction in the heart (which could lead to irregular heartbeat). The SSRI’s can cause a slightly elevated heartbeat, but they’re generally better for more active individuals.
If running itself hasn’t helped with elevating your mood, it may be helpful to keep this info in mind when you start on an anti-depressant. Happy running!