Antidepressants

Antidepressants are a vital class of medications used to treat depression and various mood disorders. They work by balancing chemicals in the brain that affect mood and emotions. Different types of antidepressants target different neurotransmitters to achieve their effects. Below is a review of popular medications in this category, explaining their uses, benefits, and common side effects.

Abilify (aripiprazole) is an atypical antipsychotic often used as an adjunct to antidepressants. It helps to improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression when other treatments alone are not sufficient. It has a lower risk of weight gain but may cause restlessness or insomnia in some patients.

Bupropion SR (sustained release) is a unique antidepressant that works on dopamine and norepinephrine. It is effective for treating depression and preventing seasonal affective disorder. It also aids in smoking cessation. Common side effects include dry mouth, insomnia, and increased sweating. It generally does not cause sexual dysfunction, making it a preferred option for some.

Celexa (citalopram) is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It is often prescribed for depression and anxiety. Celexa is known for its tolerability but requires monitoring due to potential effects on heart rhythm at higher doses. Common side effects include nausea, fatigue, and dry mouth.

Cymbalta (duloxetine) is a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). It treats depression, anxiety, and chronic pain disorders. Cymbalta can cause nausea, dry mouth, and dizziness. It is also noted for helping with neuropathic pain symptoms.

Desyrel (trazodone) is often prescribed to treat depression and insomnia due to its sedative effects. It works by affecting serotonin receptors. It may cause drowsiness, dry mouth, and dizziness. It is sometimes used off-label for sleep disorders.

Effexor and Effexor XR (venlafaxine) are SNRIs used to treat major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and panic disorder. Effexor XR is a delayed-release version allowing once-daily dosing. Side effects can include increased blood pressure, nausea, and headaches.

Elavil (amitriptyline) is a tricyclic antidepressant effective for depression and certain pain conditions. It has sedative properties and can cause drowsiness, dry mouth, and weight gain. It is often used in lower doses for chronic pain management.

Endep is another name for amitriptyline, with similar uses and side effect profiles. It is one of the older antidepressants but remains useful in specific cases.

Eskalith (lithium) is a mood stabilizer more than a traditional antidepressant. It helps prevent mood swings in bipolar disorder and supports antidepressant therapy. Patients require monitoring of blood levels to avoid toxicity.

Geodon (ziprasidone) is an atypical antipsychotic used to treat bipolar depression and augment antidepressants. It may cause dizziness and has a risk of affect on heart rhythm, requiring monitoring.

Lexapro (escitalopram) is a widely prescribed SSRI for depression and anxiety. It has a favorable side effect profile, with common effects being nausea, fatigue, and sexual dysfunction in some cases.

Luvox (fluvoxamine) is often used for depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It is an SSRI with sedative properties. Common side effects include nausea and insomnia.

Nortriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant used in depression and certain types of pain. It can cause dry mouth, drowsiness, and blurred vision. It requires careful dose management due to its side effect potential.

Pamelor (nortriptyline) is often used to treat depression and nerve pain. It is preferred in some cases for its sedative properties and effectiveness.

Paxil and Paxil CR (paroxetine) are SSRIs used for depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Paxil CR offers controlled release for fewer peaks and troughs in blood levels. Common side effects include sexual dysfunction, weight gain, and withdrawal symptoms if stopped abruptly.

Remeron (mirtazapine) is a tetracyclic antidepressant that helps with sleep and appetite. It is often chosen when sedation is beneficial. Side effects include weight gain and drowsiness.

Risnia is less commonly known but functions similarly to other antidepressants with a focus on mood improvement. Its side effect profile is consistent with that class.

Risperdal (risperidone) is an atypical antipsychotic used adjunctively with antidepressants. It can improve mood symptoms but may cause weight gain and increased risk of metabolic side effects.

Seroquel (quetiapine) is an atypical antipsychotic used for depression in bipolar disorder and as an adjunct treatment. It has sedative properties and may cause weight gain, dry mouth, and dizziness.

Sinequan (doxepin) is a tricyclic antidepressant used for depression and anxiety. It also has antihistamine effects useful in insomnia. Common side effects include sedation and dry mouth.

Tofranil (imipramine) is an older tricyclic antidepressant. It is effective in depressive disorders and certain anxiety types. Side effects include dry mouth, dizziness, and blurred vision.

Venlor (venlafaxine) is an SNRI identical in action to Effexor. It helps with depression and anxiety but may increase blood pressure. It requires gradual dose changes to avoid withdrawal effects.

Wellbutrin and Wellbutrin SR (bupropion) are unique antidepressants that work primarily on dopamine and norepinephrine. They stimulate mood without typical SSRI sexual side effects and are also used in smoking cessation. Side effects include insomnia and dry mouth.

Zyprexa (olanzapine) is an atypical antipsychotic sometimes combined with antidepressants for resistant depression. It is effective but carries a high risk of weight gain and metabolic concerns.

Choosing the right antidepressant depends on the individual's symptoms, side effect tolerance, and any coexisting medical conditions. Many antidepressants require several weeks to show full effects. Side effects vary but often improve with continued use. It is crucial to consult a medical professional for personalized advice and monitoring during treatment.