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Strongest Medication for Depression

With the number of antidepressant medications available on the market, it is difficult to tell which one is right for you. Understanding how antidepressants vary will help you make an informed choice.

  1. Understanding Dosages

    • Just because a medication has a higher dose does not mean it is stronger or more effective. Each antidepressant has its own therapeutic level, which varies from person to person.

    SSRIs for Depression

    • SSRIs, or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, are a type of antidepressant that works by blocking excess serotonin in the brain. All About Depression, an online clearinghouse that provides information about clinical depression to the general public, indicates that these are the most common antidepressants and treat mild to severe depression. Brand names include Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil and Celexa.

    MAOIs for Depression

    • MAOIs, or monoamine oxidase inhibitors, work like SSRIs except they block more than one chemical in the brain that is being produced in excess. All About Depression points out that MAOIs are used to treat severe depression and are often used when other antidepressants do not work. Brand names include Nardil and Parnate.

    Tricyclic Antidepressants

    • According to Psychology Information Online,Tricyclic antidepressants, which are named after their chemical structure, were the first depression medications available for widespread treatment. They work as effectively as other antidepressants but have more unpleasant side-effects, so they are typically used in combination with other psychotropic medications.

    Taking Multiple Antidepressants

    • Many antidepressants are also approved to treat anxiety disorders or bipolar disorder. Psychology Information Online explains because of this it is common for people to take more than one. Not all antidepressants will treat all symptoms, so taking more than one will cover a wider array.

    Side Effects and Medication Strength

    • As a general rule, the stronger a psychotropic medication is, the more side effects you are at risk of experiencing as outlined by Psychology Information Online. Make sure to understand completely what side effects are possible with each medication and contact your prescribing physician if you begin having them.

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