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Types of Antidepressants

There are many different types of antidepressants 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 types of antidepressants that may carry higher risks for side effects and other reactions.

 

Antidepressants Types: An Overview

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.
     

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)

SSRIs are usually very effective at treating depression and usually do not have many serious side effects. They are probably the most popular type of antidepressant currently available. They work by increasing the level of serotonin available for cells of the brain. These types of antidepressant medications include:
 

Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors

These antidepressants are very similar to SSRIs, except that they also affect norepinephrine (another chemical in the brain). SNRIs used to treat depression include:
 
In general, SNRIs tend to be more stimulating than SSRIs. This means that they have more of a tendency to cause insomnia, jitteriness, or other similar side effects.
 
(Types of Antidepressants Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;