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Antidepressant Medication Information

Antidepressant medications along with counseling or therapy are often the first treatment choice for those suffering from moderate or major depressive disorders. Antidepressants do not cure depression, but they help manage symptoms to improve mood, increase energy level and decrease negative thoughts. Antidepressants are thought to increase effects of brain receptors that help nerve cells stay sensitive to glutamate, which can overwhelm or overexcite brain areas and lead to anxiety and depression.

  1. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors

    • While selective seratonin reuptake inhibitors are useful in treating depression, the exact reason is not understood. SSRIs seem to relieve symptoms of depression by blocking the reuptake of serotonin by certain nerve cells in the brain, which improves mood. SSRIs are considered the safest of all types of antidepressant medications, as serious side effects are rare with this type of medication. SSRIs include Prozac, Zoloft and Paxil and are widely available in generic varieties.

    Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors

    • Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) increase the levels of both serotonin and norepinephrine by inhibiting their reuptake into brain cells. As a result, mood is improved. SNRIs are considered safe antidepressants and are often prescribed to patients; this type of antidepressant is also believed to help with pain managment. Cymbalta and Effexor are both SNRIs.

    Norepinephrine and Dopamine Reuptake Inhibitors

    • Norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NDRIs) increase levels of both norepinephrine and dopamine by inhibiting their reuptake into cells. This helps enhance neurotransmission, which elevates mood. The only NDRI in use in the U.S. is bupropion, which is sometimes combined with seratonin reuptake inhibitors for enhanced treatment for depression.

    Combined Reuptake Inhibitors and Receptor Blockers

    • Combined reuptake inhibitors and receptor blockers work in two different ways. They inhibit the reuptake of neurotransmitters into nerve cells, and they also block nerve cell receptors to improve mood. While this type of medication is considered safe, its most common side effect is drowsiness. These medications are often prescribed with other antidepressants to help fight insomnia and anxiety as well. Trazodone, Nefazodone and Maprotiline are types of these antidepressants, which are all available in generic forms.

    Tetracyclic Antidepressants

    • Tetracyclic antidepressants prevent neurotransmitters from binding with nerve cell receptors, which indirectly increases the levels of norepinephrine and serotonin in the brain to elevate mood. The side effects are mild and include increased cholesterol levels and weight gain. The tetracyclic antidepressant currently prescribed in the United States is Remeron.

    Tricyclic Antidepressants and Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors

    • Both tricyclic antidepressants and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are typically prescribed only if the other types of antidepressants cannot be tolerated. These classes of antidepressants can have serious and severe side effects such as drowsiness, constipation, low blood pressure, blurred vision and headaches. MAOIs require dietary restrictions because fatal reactions can occur when the medications are combined with certain foods.

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