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Drugs Used for Major Depression

Antidepressants are used to decrease the symptoms of major depression and counteract or remove certain chemicals from the brain that cause depression. Antidepressants also work by making certain natural chemicals more readily available to the brain.

  1. SSRIs

    • One group of antidepressants is called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Examples of SSRIs are Celexa and Prozac and tend to have fewer negative side effects than other groups of antidepressants. Common side effects of SSRIs are nausea, headaches, sexual side effects, dry mouth and nervousness.

    Tricyclics

    • Another group of antidepressants is tricyclics. Examples of tricyclics are Elavil and Norpramin and side effects are blurred vision, glaucoma, fatigue, dry mouth, constipation and difficulty urinating.

    SNRIs

    • seratonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors are another group of antidepressants used to treat symptoms of major depression. Effexor and Cymbalta are both antidepressants that fall into this category and common side effects are weight loss and loss of appetite, sexual problems, increased heart rate and increased cholesterol levels.

    NDRIs

    • Wellbutrin is a form of antidepressant in the group called norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitors. Side effects of the NDRIs are agitation, loss of appetite and insomnia.

    Combined Reuptake Inhibitors and Receptor Blockers

    • Combined Reuptake Inhibitors and Receptor Blockers are used to treat major depression. Examples of drugs used in this group are Desyrel and Remeron. Side effects of these drugs used for major depression are dizziness, dry mouth and drowsiness.

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