Depression Treatment Medication Beyond Prozac: The Most Commonly Prescribed Antidepressants What You Need to Know About SSRIs and Other Mood-Lifting Meds By Nancy Schimelpfening Nancy Schimelpfening Nancy Schimelpfening, MS is the administrator for the non-profit depression support group Depression Sanctuary. Nancy has a lifetime of experience with depression, experiencing firsthand how devastating this illness can be. Learn about our editorial process Updated on December 23, 2021 Medically reviewed Verywell Mind articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and mental healthcare professionals. Medical Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Carly Snyder, MD Medically reviewed by Carly Snyder, MD Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Carly Snyder, MD is a reproductive and perinatal psychiatrist who combines traditional psychiatry with integrative medicine-based treatments. Learn about our Medical Review Board Print Towfiqu Photography / Getty Images Table of Contents View All Table of Contents How Do Antidepressants Work? SSRIs SNRIs TCAs MAOIs Atypical Antidepressants Side Effects Frequently Asked Questions Antidepressants are among the most frequently prescribed medications in the U.S. From 2015 through 2018, more than 14% of people 12 and older said they took an antidepressant in the last month. Perhaps the most recognizable among them is Prozac (fluoxetine). It's still the best option for many people, but since it was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1987, Prozac has been joined by a variety of other antidepressant medications. If you're considering taking an antidepressant, understanding how the most popular ones work can help you and a doctor decide which might work best for you. How Do Antidepressants Work? There are five major classes of antidepressants, and they all work in different ways: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)Atypical antidepressants But the one thing all of these antidepressant medications have in common is that they increase the availability of monoamine neurotransmitters in the brain. Monoamine neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, help regulate your mood, emotions, and behavior. In people with depression, the availability of these monoamine neurotransmitters in the brain is characteristically low. Antidepressants work by preventing the reuptake of one or more of these neurotransmitters, thereby increasing their availability. The Chemistry of Depression SSRIs Prozac belongs to a class of antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). SSRIs do exactly what the name describes: They prevent the reuptake of serotonin, making more of the chemical available. In other words, SSRIs relieve depression by boosting low levels of serotonin in the brain. One study looking at people treated with antidepressants in the United States between 1996 and 2015 found that nearly 70% of respondents were treated with SSRIs. Some of the most commonly prescribed SSRIs include: Prozac (fluoxetine): Prozac is still one of the most popular SSRIs in the United States. It's one of the only that the FDA has approved for children and teenagers. The 2017 antidepressant use study found that a little over 11% of respondents reported taking Prozac for depression. Celexa (citalopram): Studies show that Celexa works as well as other SSRIs and has similar side effects. One important thing to know about this antidepressant is that taking high doses of it has been associated with a rare heart rhythm problem. An estimated 14% of antidepressant use study respondents reported that they were taking this medication. Zoloft (sertraline): Zoloft is highly effective, although some people find it's more likely than other SSRIs to cause diarrhea. Zoloft is the most commonly prescribed antidepressant; nearly 17% of those surveyed in the 2017 antidepressant use study reported that they had taken this medication. Paxil (paroxetine): You might be more likely to have sexual side effects if you choose Paxil over other antidepressants. It's also linked to increased sweating. While paroxetine did not make the list of the 10 most commonly prescribed psychiatric drugs, it remains a good choice for some people. Lexapro (escitalopram): Along with Prozac, Lexapro is one of the only SSRIs that's been approved by the FDA for teenagers to use. Around 8% of those surveyed reported that they had taken Lexapro. Most SSRIs are very similar in regards to how well they work, although there may be subtle differences that can make one a better choice for you than another. It takes a while for SSRIs to build up in the body enough to have an effect on symptoms. Because of this, it can take several weeks or even months of trial and error to find the particular drug and dosage that will do you the most good. Do Antidepressants Give Immediate Relief for Depression? SNRIs Other common antidepressants belong to a class of drugs called serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). These inhibit the reuptake of two neurotransmitters: serotonin and norepinephrine. The SNRIs that are available are: Cymbalta (duloxetine)Effexor (venlafaxine)Fetzima (levomilnacipran)Pristiq (desvenlafaxine)Savella (milnacipran)Strattera (atomoxetine)Ultram (tramadol) While Strattera is an SNRI, it is used as a non-stimulant medication to treat ADHD, not depression or anxiety. One of the most commonly prescribed SNRIs is Effexor (venlafaxine), which is as effective as other antidepressants in treating depression but does have a higher rate of causing nausea and vomiting, and may increase blood pressure and heart rate. The SNRI Cymbalta (duloxetine) also can increase blood pressure, but the bigger concern with this drug is that in some people it can lead to liver failure, so if you have any sort of liver disease, it could be a dangerous choice for you. The same is true if you drink a lot of alcohol. In the 2017 study on psychiatric drugs, Cymbalta was the most commonly prescribed SNRI drug, with 7% of respondents reporting that they had taken it. How Reuptake Inhibitor Drugs Work TCAs Tricyclics were among the first antidepressants. While they have been largely replaced by SSRIs, SNRIs, and other antidepressants, TCAs can still be a good option in cases where people have not responded to other types of antidepressants. Types of tricyclics that are available include: Asendin (amoxapine)Elavil (amitriptyline)Norpramin (desipramine)Pamelor (nortriptyline)Silenor (doxepin)Surmontil (trimipramine)Tofranil (imipramine)Vivactil (protriptyline) Tricyclics work by blocking the absorption of serotonin and norepinephrine. By preventing the reuptake of those neurotransmitters, it increases serotonin and norepinephrine levels in the brain, which can help to improve mood and relieve depression. No type of TCA medication made the top 10 list of the most commonly prescribed psychiatric drugs. MAOIs Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) were the first type of medication developed to treat depression. They have been largely replaced by newer antidepressants that are safer and have fewer side effects, but there are still several MAOIs available. Some of the most commonly prescribed MAOIs include: Emsam (selegiline)Marplan (isocarboxazid)Nardil (phenelzine)Parnate (tranylcypromine) MAOIs work by inhibiting monoamine oxidase, an enzyme that breaks down serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, which are all neurotransmitters that control mood. This results in higher levels of these chemicals in the brain which helps improve mood and reduce anxiety. MAOIs are rarely prescribed given the significant risk associated with eating certain foods containing tyramine, which can cause a hypertensive crisis. Atypical Antidepressants Atypical antidepressants are those that don't fit into any of the other classes. Doctors often prescribe them if other antidepressants either don't work, or cause unbearable side effects. Common atypical antidepressants include: Desyrel (trazodone) Wellbutrin (bupropion) Remeron (mirtazapine) Trintellix (vortioxetine) Each of these atypical antidepressants influences different neurotransmitters in different ways. Some target dopamine, for example, while others serotonin or norepinephrine. Still, others target a combination of the three. As a result, they have different side effects compared to other antidepressants. For example, compared to other antidepressants, Desyrel is less likely to cause symptoms such as sexual dysfunction, insomnia, or anxiety. Of the atypical antidepressants, Wellbutrin is one of the most commonly prescribed. It works by acting on the neurotransmitter dopamine affecting energy levels, motivation, and attention. It has a lower risk of sexual and gastrointestinal side effects. In fact, some doctors prescribe Wellbutrin along with another SSRI to help counter low libido. Common Side Effects of Antidepressants Antidepressants can improve the symptoms of depression, but, like all medications, they can also cause side effects. The frequency and severity of these side effects vary depending on the class of medication you're taking. Common side effects of antidepressants include: ConstipationDrowsinessNauseaSexual dysfunctionSleep disturbancesWeight gain Antidepressants may also increase the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior (suicidality), especially during the first few months of treatment, or when your dose is increased or decreased. Teens and young adults are especially at risk and should be monitored closely. If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 for support and assistance from a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911. For more mental health resources, see our National Helpline Database. Side effects tend to be mild and go away as your body adjusts to the medication. If your side effects are severe or last for longer than a few weeks, your prescribing doctor may adjust your dosage or recommend a different antidepressant. If and when you and a doctor decide to stop your medication, it's important to wean off of most antidepressants slowly. If you suddenly stop taking an antidepressant medication, you can experience withdrawal symptoms, such as mood swings, dizziness, flu-like symptoms, and headaches. Frequently Asked Questions Should you treat your depression with medications? It is a personal choice whether to take medication for your depression. Speak to a doctor first. For mild to moderate cases of depression, they may recommend therapy and lifestyle changes before prescribing antidepressants. Can antidepressants give you suicidal thoughts? Yes. If you have suicidal thoughts, contact a doctor right away. They may prescribe another medication, such as a mood stabilizer or antipsychotic to reduce suicidal thoughts, as well as recommend further psychological support. Will you become addicted if you take antidepressants? Antidepressants aren't addictive, but you can become physiologically dependent on them and experience withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking them. As a result, a doctor may recommend tapering your dose when discontinuing use rather than stopping cold turkey. How long will you have to take antidepressants? It depends on how effective the medication is. A doctor will usually prescribe an antidepressant for a period of at least six months and then re-evaluate your symptoms. If you feel better, can you stop taking antidepressants? Talk to a doctor before you stop taking antidepressants. Your depression symptoms may return if you stop taking them too quickly. Your prescribing doctor will want to make sure you are in a stable place and that you'll be able to cope with life stressors once you're off your medication. Signs Your Antidepressant Isn't Working Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Everything feels more challenging when you're dealing with depression. Get our free guide when you sign up for our newsletter. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit 13 Sources Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Brody DJ, Gu Q. Antidepressant use among adults: United States, 2015-2018. NCHS Data Brief. 2020;(377):1-8. Luo Y, Kataoka Y, Ostinelli EG, Cipriani A, Furukawa TA. National prescription patterns of antidepressants in the treatment of adults with major depression in the US between 1996 and 2015: A population representative survey based analysis. Front Psychiatry. 2020;11:35. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2020.00035 Moore TJ, Mattison DR. Adult utilization of psychiatric drugs and differences by sex, age, and race. JAMA Intern Med. 2017;177(2):274-275. doi:10.1001/jamainternmed.2016.7507 U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Celexa label. Yan J. FDA approves antidepressant for use in adolescents. PN. 2009;44(9):2-2. doi:10.1176/pn.44.9.0002 U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Effexor label. Kang SG, Park YM, Lee HJ, Yoon B. Duloxetine-induced liver injury in patients with major depressive disorder. Psychiatry Investig. 2011;8(3):269-271. doi:10.4306/pi.2011.8.3.269 Philip NS, Carpenter LL, Tyrka AR, Price LH. Pharmacologic approaches to treatment resistant depression: A re-examination for the modern era. Expert Opin Pharmacother. 2010;11(5):709-722. doi:10.1517/14656561003614781 Yasin W, Ahmed SI, Gouthro RV. Does bupropion impact more than mood? A case report and review of the literature. Cureus. 2019;11(3):e4277. doi:10.7759/cureus.4277 Boyce P, Ma C. Choosing an antidepressant. Aust Prescr. 2021;44(1):12-15. doi:10.18773/austprescr.2020.064 Nischal A, Tripathi A, Nischal A, Trivedi JK. Suicide and antidepressants: What current evidence indicates. Mens Sana Monogr. 2012;10(1):33-44. doi:10.4103/0973-1229.87287 American Psychological Association. How hard is it to stop antidepressants?. Harvard Health Publishing. Going off antidepressants. Speak to a Therapist for Depression Advertiser Disclosure × The offers that appear in this table are from partnerships from which Verywell Mind receives compensation.