Antidepressants

Antidepressants are medications used to treat depression and other mood disorders. They help balance chemicals in the brain that affect mood and emotions. There are several types of antidepressants. Each works differently and suits different patients. Here is a review of some popular antidepressants available in the market.

Abilify is an atypical antipsychotic. It is often used as an adjunct treatment for depression. It helps enhance the effects of other antidepressants. Abilify can improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression. It is generally well-tolerated but may cause side effects such as weight gain or restlessness.

Bupropion SR is a sustained-release formula of bupropion. It is a commonly prescribed antidepressant. It works by affecting dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. Bupropion SR is known for causing less sexual dysfunction compared to other antidepressants. It may cause insomnia or dry mouth in some users.

Celexa is the brand name for citalopram, an SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor). It increases serotonin levels in the brain. Celexa is often prescribed for depression and anxiety. Side effects can include nausea, sleep disturbances, and sexual problems. It is favored for its relatively mild side effect profile.

Cymbalta (duloxetine) is an SNRI (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor). It works on two neurotransmitters and helps with both depression and certain types of pain. Cymbalta can improve mood and energy levels. It may cause nausea, dry mouth, or dizziness during initial use.

Desyrel, also known as trazodone, is often used both as an antidepressant and sleep aid. It affects serotonin in the brain but also has sedative properties. Desyrel is useful for patients with depression who have insomnia. Common side effects include drowsiness and dry mouth.

Effexor and Effexor XR (venlafaxine) are SNRIs that treat depression and anxiety disorders. Effexor XR is the extended-release version. Both can elevate mood and reduce anxiety. Users may experience increased blood pressure or headaches. They typically start working within a few weeks.

Elavil (amitriptyline) is a tricyclic antidepressant. It is used to treat depression and certain pain conditions. Elavil can cause drowsiness and weight gain. Because of its side effects, it is often used when other antidepressants have not worked well.

Endep is another name for amitriptyline. It shares the same features and usage as Elavil. It remains effective for depression and certain chronic pain management.

Eskalith is a brand of lithium carbonate, primarily used as a mood stabilizer. It helps prevent mood swings in bipolar disorder. While not a typical antidepressant, Eskalith is sometimes prescribed alongside antidepressants to stabilize mood.

Geodon (ziprasidone) is an atypical antipsychotic. It is used for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Geodon may be used off-label to augment antidepressant treatment. Side effects can include dizziness and gastrointestinal upset.

Lexapro (escitalopram) is a popular SSRI known for its effectiveness and safety. It is prescribed for depression and anxiety. Lexapro works by increasing serotonin in the brain. Common side effects include nausea, fatigue, and sexual dysfunction. It is generally well-tolerated.

Luvox (fluvoxamine) is an SSRI mainly used for obsessive-compulsive disorder but also prescribed for depression. It helps increase serotonin levels. Side effects may include nausea and insomnia. It is effective in treating symptoms of anxiety as well.

Nortriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant. It is used to treat depression and neuropathic pain. Nortriptyline may cause dry mouth, drowsiness, or constipation. It is sometimes preferred in older patients due to a milder side effect profile than other tricyclics.

Pamelor is a brand of nortriptyline. It has the same uses and effects as Nortriptyline. It is useful for depression and chronic pain management.

Paxil and Paxil CR (paroxetine) are SSRIs used for depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders. Paxil CR is the controlled-release form, offering a smoother dose release. They can cause weight gain, sexual dysfunction, and withdrawal symptoms if stopped abruptly.

Remeron (mirtazapine) is an antidepressant that increases norepinephrine and serotonin release. It is known for its sedative effects, which can help patients with insomnia. Remeron may also improve appetite and weight but can cause drowsiness.

Risnia is less commonly known but is used for mood disorders. It may have effects similar to other antidepressants. Side effects and efficacy vary. It is important to consult a healthcare professional for proper use.

Risperdal (risperidone) is an atypical antipsychotic used in bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. It may be prescribed with antidepressants to manage resistant depression. Side effects include weight gain and movement disorders in some cases.

Seroquel (quetiapine) is another atypical antipsychotic. It is often used as an adjunct in depression and for bipolar disorder. Seroquel has sedative properties and may cause weight gain. It helps stabilize mood and reduce anxiety.

Sinequan (doxepin) is a tricyclic antidepressant. It helps with depression and anxiety. Sinequan is also used for insomnia due to its sedative effect. Side effects can include dry mouth and dizziness.

Tofranil (imipramine) is a tricyclic antidepressant. It is used for depression and sometimes bedwetting in children. Tofranil affects serotonin and norepinephrine. Common side effects include dry mouth and blurred vision.

Venlor (venlafaxine) is an SNRI similar to Effexor. It helps treat depression and anxiety by increasing serotonin and norepinephrine. Venlor may cause increased blood pressure and nausea. Extended-release options offer improved compliance.

Wellbutrin and Wellbutrin SR (bupropion) are well-known antidepressants that act on dopamine and norepinephrine. They have a lower risk of sexual side effects. Wellbutrin also aids in smoking cessation. Some users report insomnia or dry mouth.

Zyprexa (olanzapine) is an atypical antipsychotic often combined with antidepressants in treatment-resistant depression. It helps stabilize mood but may cause significant weight gain and metabolic changes.

Choosing the right antidepressant depends on individual symptoms, side effect tolerability, and response to treatment. Many antidepressants require several weeks to show full effect. Always use these medications under medical supervision. Monitoring for side effects and effectiveness is important. If one medication does not work well, another may be tried. Combining medications is common in complex cases. The goal is to improve mood, function, and quality of life.