Top Anti-Depressant Medications Available Online and Their Benefits

12/30/2024

 

What are Antidepressants?

Antidepressants are drugs that are helpful in dealing with depressive disorder, anxiety, and other mental conditions. These medications function by impacting the level and activity of specific neurotransmitters in the brain. The neurotransmitters have a crucial role to play in regulating mood and cognitive behavior. In addition, antidepressants may also be prescribed to address other conditions, like insomnia and chronic pain.

Types of Antidepressants

There are multiple antidepressants available on the market. The antidepressant drugs list is long. Below are a few of the major types of antidepressants:

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs):

These are the most common types of antidepressant drugs prescribed for treating depression. They address depression by increasing the serotonin level in the brain. Doctors usually begin depressive disorder treatment with these classes of drugs as they have fewer side effects. Some popular drugs in the SSRI class are Celexa, Lexapro, Paxil, Luvox, and Zoloft.

Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs):

The SNRIs work in the same manner as the SSRIs (i.e., by increasing the level of serotonin). However, this class of drugs is more recent when compared to SSRIs. Some examples of drugs in this class are Cymbalta, Effexor XR, and Pristiq. These are prescribed to deal with anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), fibromyalgia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), etc.

Atypical antidepressants

Atypical antidepressants work differently than SSRIs and SNRIs. They are generally prescribed when other drugs have failed to produce the desired results. The doctor may prescribe the medication independently or in combination with SSRIs or SNRIs. Atypical antidepressants are effective against insomnia, anxiety, and seasonal affective disorder (SAD). A few examples of atypical antidepressants are Wellbutrin SR, Forfivo XL, Remeron, etc.

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCA)

This type of antidepressant is usually prescribed by the doctor when others have failed to produce positive results. Tricyclic antidepressants are effective against depression, chronic pain, and insomnia. There are multiple side effects, which is why they are not the initial preference of doctors. Examples of tricyclic antidepressants are Anafranil, Surmontil, Tofranil, etc.

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)

These drugs have a higher probability of causing severe side effects, which is why these drugs are not recommended during the initial stages of treatment. They even interact with specific drugs and food items to cause adverse effects. Hence, MAOIs are not used in combination with drugs that increase serotonin levels, and a strict diet is required while administering these medications. They are prescribed after the previously recommended drugs haven’t worked. A few of the antidepressants under the MAOI category are Parnate, Marplan, Nardil, etc.

In some cases, our healthcare provider may recommend using different antidepressants together to amplify the effects, known as augmentation. Examples include Abilify, Seroquel, etc.

Side Effects

Some of the common side effects of antidepressants are listed below. These side effects will fade away gradually as the body gets accustomed to the medication.

• Nausea, vomiting and headache

• Indigestion, constipation, diarrhea

• Sleepiness, insomnia, drowsiness

• Reduced Libido, weight gain, and dry mouth

Serious adverse effects of antidepressants are rare, but some people may come across them. If you witness any of the side effects listed below, reach out for immediate medical help.

Suicidal Risk: Some people may come across suicidal thoughts while on antidepressants. That is why all antidepressants come with a black box warning as per FDA requirements. These suicidal thoughts may be more common in children and adults below 25 years.

Withdrawal Syndrome: Some people taking SSRIs and SNRIs may experience withdrawal symptoms after they stop taking the medication. The symptoms include anxiety, nightmares, abdominal pain, etc., and they may last for a couple of weeks.

Every individual responds differently to medications, and some may witness side effects other than those listed above.

Warning and Precautions

In order to attain the best results, follow the guidelines mentioned below:

• Antidepressants may interact with other drugs, so you must let your doctor know of all the medications you might be taking.

• Antidepressants may impact negatively on your physical and mental health. Therefore, your healthcare provider will suggest the best antidepressants after a thorough assessment of your health condition.

• It may take 4 to 6 weeks for the antidepressants to show it’s positive effect. So, you need to be patient and keep taking your medication regularly as prescribed.

• Do not alter the dosage or the treatment span without notifying your doctor, as it may have a negative impact.

• It is important to let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, as it may pose a threat to the unborn.

Conclusion

If you have been put on antidepressants for any form of depression, your doctor might recommend multiple drugs before he finds the right one for you. Your doctor might even have to alter the dosage basis how the body responds to the medication. In addition to taking medication, opting for cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), taking a healthy and balanced diet, and regular exercise can help you overcome depression and anxiety. Abide by your doctor’s advice and stick to the treatment plan. If you are somebody experiencing depression symptoms, please consult an expert to avoid further worsening of your condition.