Antidepressants: Depression Medications in The United States
Medically Reviewed
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Bryon McQuirt
Last Updated on:
March 10, 2025
Begin Depression Treatment Today
Depression affects millions of Americans each year, impacting their quality of life, relationships, and overall well-being.
Fortunately, effective treatments are available, with antidepressant medications being one of the most common interventions.
At Peachtree Wellness, we believe in providing comprehensive information about treatment options to help you make informed decisions about your mental health care.
Call us now at 770-202-1260 or verify your insurance.
What are Antidepressants?
Antidepressants are prescription medications designed to alleviate symptoms of depression by affecting certain chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters, particularly serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine, which influence mood regulation.
Beyond treating depression, antidepressants can also effectively address other mental health conditions including:
- Generalized anxiety disorder
- Social anxiety disorder
- Panic disorder
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Eating disorders
- Chronic pain conditions
- Insomnia
- Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
Take Our Free Depression Test
If you need help understanding the severity of your depression, our free assessment tool can help.
Types of Antidepressants
Antidepressant medications fall into several categories, each with unique mechanisms of action and potential benefits.
Your doctor will consider your specific symptoms, medical history, and potential side effects when recommending the most appropriate medication for your situation.
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
SSRIs are typically the first-line treatment for depression due to their effectiveness and generally milder side effect profile. They work by blocking the reabsorption (reuptake) of serotonin in the brain, making more serotonin available to improve transmission of messages between neurons.
Common SSRIs include:
- Fluoxetine (Prozac)
- Sertraline (Zoloft)
- Escitalopram (Lexapro)
- Paroxetine (Paxil)
- Citalopram (Celexa)
Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)
SNRIs block the reabsorption of both serotonin and norepinephrine, potentially making them effective for both mood and pain symptoms. This dual-action approach can be particularly helpful for people with co-occurring chronic pain conditions.
Common SNRIs include:
- Duloxetine (Cymbalta)
- Venlafaxine (Effexor XR)
- Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq)
- Levomilnacipran (Fetzima)
Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs)
TCAs are an older class of antidepressants that affect multiple neurotransmitter systems. While highly effective, they generally have more side effects than newer antidepressants, so they’re typically prescribed when other treatments haven’t been successful.
Common TCAs include:
- Amitriptyline (Elavil)
- Nortriptyline (Pamelor)
- Imipramine (Tofranil)
- Desipramine (Norpramin)
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)
MAOIs are one of the oldest classes of antidepressants. They work by inhibiting the enzyme monoamine oxidase, which breaks down neurotransmitters like serotonin. Due to significant dietary restrictions and potential drug interactions, MAOIs are typically prescribed when other antidepressants have failed.
Common MAOIs include:
- Phenelzine (Nardil)
- Tranylcypromine (Parnate)
- Selegiline (Emsam, a transdermal patch)
Atypical Antidepressants
Several other antidepressants don’t fit neatly into the categories above but offer alternative mechanisms of action that may be beneficial for certain individuals.
These include:
- Bupropion (Wellbutrin) – affects dopamine and norepinephrine
- Mirtazapine (Remeron) – enhances serotonin and norepinephrine release
- Vortioxetine (Trintellix) – has multiple mechanisms including serotonin modulation
- Vilazodone (Viibryd) – combines SSRI action with partial activation of serotonin receptors
What is The Most Commonly Prescribed Antidepressant?
As of 2024, sertraline (Zoloft) remains one of the most commonly prescribed antidepressants in the United States.
This SSRI is frequently recommended due to its established efficacy, relatively manageable side effect profile, and versatility in treating multiple conditions including depression, panic disorder, PTSD, and anxiety disorders. However, the “best” antidepressant varies from person to person based on individual factors like symptom profile, medical history, and personal response to medication.
If You are in need of immediate assistance...
Contact us immediately if you are in need of assistance. In the case of a medical emergency please contact 911.
Potential Side Effects of Antidepressants
While antidepressants can be life-changing for many people, they may cause side effects that should be discussed with your healthcare provider:
Common side effects may include:
- Nausea or digestive issues
- Headache
- Drowsiness or insomnia
- Dry mouth
- Dizziness
- Sexual dysfunction
- Weight changes
Less common but serious side effects may include:
- Increased suicidal thoughts (especially in young adults and adolescents)
- Serotonin syndrome (when serotonin levels become too high)
- Hyponatremia (low sodium levels)
- Severe allergic reactions
Side effects often improve within a few weeks as your body adjusts to the medication, but it’s important to communicate with your healthcare provider about any persistent or concerning symptoms.
Other Treatment Methods For Depression
Antidepressants are just one tool in the comprehensive approach to treating depression. For many people, combining medication with other treatments leads to the best outcomes:
Psychotherapy (Talk Therapy) Evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Interpersonal Therapy (IPT), and Psychodynamic Therapy can help address thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to depression.
Lifestyle Modifications Regular physical activity, adequate sleep, stress management, and a nutritious diet can significantly impact mood and overall mental health.
Brain Stimulation Therapies For treatment-resistant depression, options like Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT), Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), or newer approaches like ketamine infusions may be considered.
Complementary Approaches Some people benefit from mindfulness meditation, yoga, acupuncture, or nutritional supplements like vitamin D, or omega-3 fatty acids, though these should be discussed with your healthcare provider.
Frequently Asked Questions About Antidepressants
It’s generally not recommended to combine alcohol with antidepressants. Alcohol can worsen depression symptoms and may interact with your medication, potentially increasing side effects or reducing effectiveness. Some antidepressants, particularly MAOIs, have dangerous interactions with alcohol.
Always discuss alcohol use with your healthcare provider if you’re taking antidepressants.
Most antidepressants take 2-4 weeks to begin showing noticeable improvements in mood, though some symptoms like sleep disturbances may improve sooner.
Full therapeutic effects may take 6-8 weeks or longer to develop. It’s important to continue taking your medication as prescribed, even if you don’t notice immediate improvements.
Signs your dose may be too low include persistent depression symptoms with little or no improvement after several weeks.
Signs your dose may be too high include unusual or severe side effects like extreme drowsiness, agitation, confusion, or rapid heartbeat. Regular follow-ups with your healthcare provider are essential for monitoring your response and adjusting your treatment plan as needed.
Treatment duration varies by individual. For a first episode of depression, treatment typically continues for at least 6-12 months after symptoms improve.
For recurrent depression, longer-term treatment may be recommended. Any decision to discontinue medication should be made in consultation with your healthcare provider, as abrupt discontinuation can lead to withdrawal symptoms.
Yes, switching antidepressants is common if your current medication isn’t effective or causes intolerable side effects. Your doctor will guide the transition process, which may involve tapering off one medication before starting another or cross-tapering to minimize withdrawal symptoms.
Never change or stop your medication without medical supervision.
Yes, it is possible to overdose on antidepressants, which can be dangerous or even life-threatening.
Different types of antidepressants carry different risks when taken in excessive amounts. Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) are particularly dangerous in overdose, potentially causing severe cardiac complications. SSRIs and SNRIs generally have a lower risk compared to older medications, but can still cause serious symptoms including serotonin syndrome, seizures, irregular heartbeat, and unconsciousness.
If you or someone you know may have overdosed on antidepressants, seek emergency medical attention immediately by calling 911 or going to the nearest emergency room.
Begin Depression Treatment Today
At Peachtree Wellness, we understand that seeking help for depression takes courage. Our compassionate team of mental health professionals is here to guide you through the process of finding the right treatment approach for your needs.
Whether you’re considering medication, therapy, or a combination of treatments, our neuroscientific methods can help you on your journey to improved mental health and well-being.
Call us now at 770-202-1260 or verify your insurance now. You don’t have to face depression alone.
We Work With Most Major Insurance
Most major health insurance plans with out-of-network benefits can help cover most of the costs of our program. Click below to find out your mental health coverage and treatment options.
