Types of Antidepressant Drugs

Depression can be very difficult to deal with, but there is help available. Talk therapy is usually recommended, but there are also many antidepressants prescribed to treat depression as well. There are many different types of medications, but not all of them are suitable for all individuals. Each works in its own way and has its own side effects.

SSRIs

• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, also known as SSRIs, are the newest form of antidepressants. These medications work by helping to increase serotonin levels in the brain and to assist with the flow of serotonin through the brain. Because these medications affect only one neurotransmitter, there are fewer side effects versus other antidepressants. Common side effects of SSRIs include dry mouth, nausea, nervousness, insomnia, headaches and sexual problems. SSRIs include escitalopram (marketed as Lexapro), citalopram (marketed as Celexa), fluoxetine (marketed as Prozac), paroxetine (marketed as Paxil) and sertraline (marketed as Zoloft).

Tricyclics

• Tricyclic antidrepressants, known as tricyclics, have been prescribed to patients for many years. Tricyclics work by preventing serotonin and another neurotransmitter called noradrenalin from being reabsorbed into nerve cells and thus flow more efficiently through the brain. There are more side effects with tricyclic use, including fatigue, trouble thinking clearly, dry mouth, blurred vision, trouble urinating, constipation and worsening glaucoma. Trycyclics include amitriptyline (Elavil), imipramine (Tofranil), desipramine (Norpramin) and nortriptyline (marketed as Aventyl and Pamelor).

Other Antidepressants

• There are antidepressants that work differently from SSRIs and tricyclics, but still work on neurotransmitters such as serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. Some of these antidepressants include vanlafaxine (Effexor), nefazodone (Serzone), burpropion (Wellbutrin), mirtazapine (Remeron) and trazodone (Desyrel). Effexor, Serzone and Remeron work by helping to balance serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. Wellbutrin works by balancing serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. Desyrel balances serotonin only. All of these medications have varying side effects, including nausea, fatigue, loss of appetite, weight loss and constipation.

MAOIs

• Monoamine oxidase inbibitors, known as MAOIs, are not as widely prescribed as other antidepressants. MAOIs work similarly to tricyclics but also affect dopamine levels in addition to serotonin and norepinephrine. One of the reasons that these medications are not prescribed as often as other medications is due to the dietary restrictions that accompany MAOIs. Those who take MAOIs cannot take certain over-the-counter medications, drink alcohol or even eat certain foods. Side effects of these medications include weakness, dizziness, headaches and tremors. MAOI antidepressants include phenelzine (Nardil) and tranylcypromine (Parnate).

Considerations

• Finding the right antidepressant for your specific situation is not easy. It is important to find a doctor you trust and is willing to work with you. You should always take antidepressants under a doctor's care. Mixing other medications or antidepressants with certain other antidepressants can have adverse effects. Be sure to discuss your medical and medication history with your doctor.