Medical Review by Jennie Stanford, MD, FAAFP, DipABOM
Summary
- Over 280 million people worldwide suffer from depression, which can affect your daily life and overall well-being.
- Common depression medications include SSRIs (e.g., Prozac®, Zoloft®, Lexapro®), SNRIs (e.g., Cymbalta®), and NDRIs (e.g., Wellbutrin®).
- Some medications can have side effects like nausea, sleep problems, and weight changes. More serious risks are also possible, such as seizures and suicidal thoughts.
- Always talk to your doctor before taking medication for depression and use it only as prescribed.
- Alongside medication, lifestyle changes like improved diet, exercise, and therapy can enhance your mental health.
Appropriate medication can be the key to managing your depression
Depression affects more than 280 million people around the world, and the symptoms can have a severe impact on your daily life. It can also be caused by many different things—including social, psychological, and biological factors.
Fortunately, treatment for depression is possible. One of the most common ways to treat depression is with medication, and there are many different kinds. Below, we’ll give you some important background information on how each main type of depression medication works so that you can discuss your options with a qualified healthcare provider.
Different types of depression medication explained
Not all types of depression medication work the same way—and they can also have unique risks or side effects. Here’s an overview of the various types and what they do when you use them:
SSRIs
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are generally considered to be a safe and effective way to treat depression. This type of medication works by preventing a chemical in your brain called serotonin from being absorbed too quickly after your brain naturally produces it.
How they work
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that affects many different functions in your body—including your mood, memory, and behavior. Because SSRIs prevent it from being absorbed too fast, they can make your serotonin levels higher, which improves your ability to regulate these things and can reduce depressive symptoms.
Examples
Common SSRIs for treating depression include these:
For more information on these specific SSRIs, read our in-depth articles about their uses, benefits, and side effects:
These resources can help you talk with your healthcare provider about whether SSRIs are a viable way to treat your depression and allow them to prescribe the drug that will be most appropriate for you.
Side effects
Specific SSRIs may have their own unique side effects—always refer to the patient information before taking them. But common side effects of SSRIs include the following:
- Nausea
- Tremor (shaking)
- Nervousness
- Problems sleeping
- Sexual problems
- Sweating
- Agitation
- Feeling tired
More severe side effects might include seizures, bleeding, and withdrawal. There is also the risk of serotonin syndrome, where too much serotonin builds up and affects your body in ways that can be fatal. Consult your healthcare provider before taking these drugs and use them only as directed.
SNRIs
Like SSRIs, serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) also prevent serotonin from being absorbed too quickly—but they also have a similar effect on a chemical called norepinephrine.
How they work
Norepinephrine is a neurotransmitter that plays an important role in your alertness and attention. By preventing reuptake (the process of reabsorption), SNRIs aim to raise your levels of norepinephrine and improve these aspects of your mental health, in addition to delivering the benefits of higher serotonin levels.
Examples
Some common SNRIs used to treat depression in the US include these medications:
- Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq®)
- Duloxetine (Cymbalta®)
Side effects
SNRIs can have many of the same side effects as SSRIs, since both affect your serotonin levels. Common side effects for these medications include the following:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dry mouth
- Constipation
- Fatigue
- Feeling tired
- Dizziness
- Sweating
- Sexual problems
More serious side effects can include high blood pressure, unusual bleeding, and seizures. SNRIs also carry the risk of serotonin syndrome, so make sure to talk about this with your healthcare provider before taking them.
NDRIs
Norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NDRIs) work to increase the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in your brain by preventing them from being reabsorbed.
How they work
Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays a major role in a wide variety of brain functions. Some studies suggest that dopamine availability is lower in people with major depressive disorder, which supports the idea that increasing dopamine levels in your brain with these medications can reduce depressive symptoms.
Examples
The most common NDRI for treating depression in the US is bupropion (marketed as Wellbutrin®). Bupropion has been FDA-approved for adult depression since 1985.
Side effects
The most common side effects of Bupropion can include these problems:
- Faster heartbeat
- Runny nose, sore throat
- Trouble sleeping
- Headaches and dizziness
- Feeling restless
- Excessive sweating
- Weight loss
- Constipation
- Dry mouth
- Nausea
- Shaking or tremors
- Blurred vision
More rare and serious side effects include the potential for seizures and the risk of having suicidal thoughts. Always talk to a healthcare provider before using this medication and check in with them if you feel unwell during use.
Other depression medications
While the types of medication listed above are often prescribed for depression, there are also other options. As an alternative to SSRIs, SNRIs, and NDRIs, your healthcare provider may recommend a drug in one of the following classes:
- Tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants
- Atypical antidepressants
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
- N-methyl D-aspartate (NMDA) antagonists
- GABA-A receptor positive modulators
Other treatment options for depression
The right medication can be effective for treating depression, but there are also several approaches that do not involve taking medications. Here are some of the other things your healthcare provider might recommend:
Psychotherapy
Several different kinds of psychotherapy can be effective for treating depression, depending on how severe it is and other factors.
For mild to moderate depression, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) are the treatments with the most documentation and supporting evidence. While recovering, other forms of therapy, including Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) may help prevent depression from coming back.
In more severe cases, Supportive Therapy (ST) and Psychoeducational Intervention (PEI) are sometimes used, but typically only to support a course of medication.
Holistic approaches
Changing your lifestyle and environment can also have a positive effect on your mental health, which may help reduce some depression symptoms. The key areas of your lifestyle that can have the biggest impact include these lifestyle factors:
- Diet
- Exercise habits
- Relationships with others
- Stress levels
- Sleep
- Substance use habits
Avoiding foods with low nutritional value, getting 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week, and having a strong social circle may all help to reduce your depression risk symptoms. Avoiding stress and being well-rested also lead to better moods, while cutting out smoking and drinking, can make experiencing depression less likely.
Find help for depression with Lemonaid Health
Treating depression is possible, but knowing how can be challenging—and it’s not a decision you need to make on your own. Working with a qualified medical professional is the best way to find a treatment plan that is safe and effective for you.
Lemonaid Health’s US-based healthcare professionals can help you find tools and resources to manage depression more effectively. Learn about our online treatments for depression and get started today so you can improve your mental health.
Lexapro® is a registered trademark of H. Lundbeck A/S. Zoloft® is a registered trademark of Viatris Specialty LLC, a Viatris Company. Prozac® is a registered trademark of Eli Lilly and Company. Cymbalta® is a registered trademark of Eli Lilly and Company. Pristiq® is a registered trademark of Pfizer, Inc. Wellbutrin® is a registered trademark of GlaxoSmithKline LLC.
