Drugs Used for Depression

Depression is a brain disorder that causes people to feel sad, hopeless, tired, restless and disinterested in normal activities for a long period of time. There are a number of antidepressant medications available to people with the disorder, most of which need to be taken for up to eight weeks.

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors

• Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) slow brain cells from reabsorbing the "feel good" neurotransmitter serotonin, thereby increasing serotonin levels. Some commonly prescribed SSRIs are Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft and Lexapro.

Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors

• Serotonin and Nerepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) work to increase the levels of serotonin and another neurotransmitter, nerepinephrine, and slow down the process by which brain cells take back the chemicals. Some commonly used SNRIs are Cymbalta and Effexor.

Tricyclic Antidepressants

• Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs) work to increase levels of serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine by slowing the re-absorption of the chemicals. Some commonly prescribed tricyclics are Norpramin, Tofranil, Pamelor and Vivactil.

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors

• Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) stop an enzyme, known as monoamine oxidase, from metabolizing serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine, thereby increasing the levels of these chemicals in the body. Some commonly used MAOIs are Nardil, Parnate, Narplan and Emsam.

Anti-Anxiety Drugs

• Sometimes doctors prescribe anti-anxiety drugs, or stimulants, along with antidepressants to help treat some of the symptoms of depression. These drugs also work to increase the production or slow the re-absorption of serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. Some stimulants that may be prescribed are Ritalin, Dexadrine and Adderall.