Depression Channel
Topics & Medications
Quicklinks
Related Channels
Types of Antidepressants
There are many different antidepressant types available on the market today. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors are some of the newer (and more commonly used) depression medications. Tricyclic antidepressants and monoamine oxidase inhibitors are older antidepressants that may carry higher risks for side effects and other reactions.
Fortunately, there are many medications available to treat depression. Different types of antidepressants include:
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
- Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
- Tricyclic antidepressants
- Miscellaneous other antidepressants.
SSRIs are usually very effective at treating depression and usually do not have many serious side effects. They are probably the most popular antidepressant type currently available. They work by increasing the level of serotonin available for cells of the brain. These types of antidepressant medications include:
- Citalopram (Celexa®)
- Escitalopram (Lexapro®)
- Fluoxetine (Prozac®, Sarafem®, Selfemra™)
- Fluvoxamine (Luvox®, Luvox® CR)
- Paroxetine (Paxil®, Paxil CR®, Pexeva®)
- Sertraline (Zoloft®).
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD