Drugs Used for Depression

There are several types of medications used to treat depression, most commonly referred to as antidepressants. These drugs help balance chemicals in the brain that affect mood and emotions, especially serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine.

💊 Common Classes of Antidepressants

1. SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors)

• Most commonly prescribed class.

• Fewer side effects and generally safe for long-term use.

• 🧠 They work by increasing serotonin levels in the brain.

Examples:

• Fluoxetine (Prozac)

• Sertraline (Zoloft)

• Citalopram (Celexa)

• Escitalopram (Lexapro)

• Paroxetine (Paxil)

2. SNRIs (Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors)

• Often used when SSRIs are not effective.

• Also help with anxiety and chronic pain in some cases.

Examples:

• Venlafaxine (Effexor XR)

• Duloxetine (Cymbalta)

• Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq)

3. Atypical Antidepressants

• Don’t fit into other categories but are effective for depression.

Examples:

• Bupropion (Wellbutrin) – often used when fatigue or sexual side effects are a concern.

• Mirtazapine (Remeron) – can help with sleep and appetite.

• Trazodone – more commonly used for insomnia, but also treats depression.

4. Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs)

• Older class, effective but more side effects and overdose risk.

Examples:

• Amitriptyline

• Nortriptyline (Pamelor)

• Imipramine (Tofranil)

5. MAOIs (Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors)

• Used rarely, usually when other treatments fail.

• Require dietary restrictions and careful monitoring.

Examples:

• Phenelzine (Nardil)

• Tranylcypromine (Parnate)

⚠️ Important Notes

• Antidepressants usually take 2 to 6 weeks to show full effects.

• Never start or stop medication without medical supervision.

• Side effects vary but often improve over time.

• Sometimes a person may need to try more than one medication to find what works best.