Depression Medication: A Guide to Types and How They Work

Medications are commonly used to treat depression. There are various antidepressant options, including SSRIs, SNRIs, and more. Each has potential side effects and works differently. Depression is a common and often serious mental health condition. Symptoms include persistent feelings of sadness or emptiness, decreased energy or fatigue, and decreased interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities. Along with medication, treatment for depression typically includes psychotherapy.

This article explains the different types of depression medications. It also goes over their side effects, how effective they are, and how they work. Finally, it explains alternative treatments for depression.

Antidepressants are a common treatment for depression. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Trusted Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Governmental authority Go to source , between 2015 and 2018, around 13.2% of adults over the age of 18 in the United States used antidepressants.

The CDC also states that more than 16 million U.S. adults Trusted Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Governmental authority Go to source are affected by depression each year.

There are many different types of depression medications. Each has its own side effects. Each also works slightly differently to treat depression. The following are the four main types of antidepressants. However, there are others that may be used. Speak with your doctor or mental health professional for more information on depression medications.

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most commonly Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source prescribed medications for treating depression. SSRIs are often the first choice of medications because they typically have fewer side effects than other types of antidepressants.

SSRIs are approved for both adults and children to use. The current SSRIs that are available in the United States are:

• fluoxetine (Prozac)
• sertraline (Zoloft)
• paroxetine (Paxil)
• fluvoxamine (Luvox)
• citalopram (Celexa)
• escitalopram (Lexapro, Cipralex)
• vilazodone (Vibryd)

Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are similar to SSRIs. They were originally designed to be a more effective treatment than SSRIs. However, the evidence that SNRIs are “better” remains uncertain.

While some people have a more positive response to SNRIs, others have a more positive response to SSRIs.

Available SNRIs include:

• venlafaxine (Effexor)
• desvenlafaxine (Pristiq)
• duloxetine (Cymbalta)
• levomilnacipran (Fetzima)

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) are an older type of antidepressant. They are usually similar in effectiveness to SSRIs. However, TCAs tend to have Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source more adverse effects.

They can also be more dangerous in the instance of an overdose. This is why they’re generally not the first choice for treating depression anymore. They are typically only used if SSRIs or SNRIs are not effective.

TCAs that are available include:

• amitriptyline (Elavil)
• clomipramine (Anafranil)
• doxepin (Sinequan)
• imipramine (Tofranil)
• trimipramine (Surmontil)
• desipramine (Norpramin)
• nortriptyline (Pamelor)
• protriptyline (Vivactil)
• maprotiline (Ludiomil)
• amoxapine (Asendin)

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) were the first Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source antidepressants to be introduced. However, they are no longer the first choice of treatment for depression. This is because they come with dietary restrictions, safety concerns, and side effects.

MAOIs are only prescribed when no other medications are effective.

The types of MAOIs include:

• selegiline (Elderpryl)
• moclobemide (Amira)
• tranylcypromine (Parnate)
• isocarboxazid (Marplan)
• phenelzine (Nardil)

The way antidepressants work is not entirely understood. However, it’s believed Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source that they increase the brain chemicals serotonin, norepinephrine, or both.

These neurotransmitters are linked to emotion and mood. Neurotransmitters can also affect the signals of pain that are sent by the nerves. It is possible this is why antidepressants may help relieve long-term pain.

While antidepressants can help manage the symptoms of depression, they do not address its causes. For this reason, they are typically used in combination with psychotherapy.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Trusted Source Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Governmental authority Go to source has approved antidepressants to treat depression or major depressive disorder (MDD).

Antidepressants may also help treat other conditions, such as:

• obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• social phobia
• panic disorder
• generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
• post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

As with any medication, antidepressants can cause Trusted Source Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Governmental authority Go to source certain side effects. Each type of antidepressant may come with different possible side effects.

Speak with your doctor about the side effects of depression medications before taking them. Tell your doctor if you experience any side effects while taking antidepressants.

The most common side effects of SSRIs include:

• nausea
• tremors or shaking
• difficulty sleeping
• nervousness
• sweating
• agitation
• feeling tired
• sexual dysfunction

Less common but serious side effects of SSRIs include:

• seizures
• unusual bruising or bleeding

The most common side effects of SNRIs include:

• nausea
• vomiting
• constipation
• dry mouth
• feeling drowsy
• fatigue
• sweating
• dizziness
• sexual dysfunction

Less common but serious side effects include:

• unusual bleeding or bruising
• increase in blood pressure
• seizures

Common side effects of TCAs include:

• constipation
• dry mouth
• blurred vision
• low blood pressure
• drowsiness

Less common but serious side effects of TCAs include:

• difficulty urinating
• fainting
• seizures
• confusion
• irregular heartbeat, which may be life threatening

The most common Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source side effects of MAOIs include:

• dry mouth
• difficulty sleeping
• nausea
• diarrhea
• constipation
• drowsiness
• lightheadedness
• dizziness

Antidepressants have been proven to be an effective treatment in many cases of depression.

With the many options for depression medications, it is difficult to state whether any particular one will be effective for an individual. Your doctor may recommend a popular type with few side effects. If that’s not effective for managing your symptoms, they may recommend trying another or adding another type.

Often, the effectiveness of antidepressants depends on the severity of the depression. They are generally more effective in severe, moderate, and chronic depression. However, they may not be an effective treatment for mild depression.

According to the National Library of Medicine, around 40 to 60 out of 100 people Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source who took antidepressants saw an improvement in their symptoms within 6–8 weeks.

Depression is treatable. Typically, the earlier treatment can begin, the more effective it is. Depression is usually treated with medication, psychotherapy, or a combination of the two.

If those treatments are not effective, other treatments may be recommended. One other option is electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). ECT is a brain stimulation therapy that may help manage severe symptoms of depression.

In combination with your treatment plan, you can also try certain lifestyle changes to help manage your mental health. Some changes include:

• getting regular physical activity
• maintaining a regular bedtime and wake-up time as much as possible.
• eating regular nutritious meals, including Trusted Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Governmental authority Go to source plenty of fruits, vegetables, and proteins
• avoiding the use of alcohol and nicotine

Ami Patel, PharmD, BCPS, has reviewed these questions people frequently ask about depression medications.

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most common Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source type of medication prescribed to treat depression.

Many people begin to see improvement in their depression symptoms within 6–8 weeks Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source of taking antidepressants.

Yes, you can take some antidepressants during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.

Research in 2017 Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source has shown that the risk of adverse effects to an infant is typically low or nonexistent. However, it’s important to discuss any possible effects with your doctor or OB-GYN.

Various types of medications can be used to treat depression. The most commonly used antidepressants are SSRIs and SNRIs.

Each type of depression medication can cause potential side effects. Discuss these side effects with your doctor before you begin taking antidepressants. It is also important to tell your doctor if you experience side effects while taking the medications.

Antidepressants can be effective in treating severe, moderate, and chronic depression. But they are most effective when used in combination with psychotherapy.

Speak with your doctor and a mental health professional to create the most effective treatment plan for you.