What are the 3 main groups of antidepressants?

There are 3 main groups of antidepressants:

1) Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs): SSRIs are the most commonly prescribed antidepressants. They work by blocking the reuptake of serotonin in the brain, which increases the amount of serotonin available to bind to its receptors. SSRIs are generally well-tolerated and have a low risk of side effects. Some examples of SSRIs include fluoxetine (Prozac), citalopram (Celexa), and escitalopram (Lexapro).

2) Serotonin-Noradrenaline Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs): SNRIs work by blocking the reuptake of both serotonin and noradrenaline in the brain. They are often used to treat depression that is more severe or does not respond to SSRIs. SNRIs can have more side effects than SSRIs, such as nausea, dizziness, and dry mouth. Some examples of SNRIs include venlafaxine (Effexor), duloxetine (Cymbalta), and desvenlafaxine (Pristiq).

3) Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs): TCAs are an older class of antidepressants that are still sometimes used to treat depression. They work by blocking the reuptake of serotonin and noradrenaline, as well as other neurotransmitters. TCAs can have more side effects than SSRIs and SNRIs, such as drowsiness, constipation, and blurred vision. Some examples of TCAs include imipramine (Tofranil), amitriptyline (Elavil), and doxepin (Sinequan).