List of Antidepressants for Minor Depression

Minor depression is a lesser form of depression, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). People with minor depression have two to four depression symptoms, compared to five or more symptoms in major depression, which last for at least two weeks. However, minor depression usually lasts more than six months. While psychotherapy is often recommended for minor depression treatment, antidepressants are another option. Each type of antidepressant increases the levels of neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and norepinephrine, which improves the patient's mood. Often antidepressant treatment will be combined with psychotherapy.

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs, are one type of antidepressant that are prescribed for minor depression treatment. SSRIs work by preventing the reuptake of the neurotransmitter serotonin, leaving more to be used by the brain, according to the Mayo Clinic. SSRIs are the most commonly prescribed antidepressant medication for minor depression. Brand name SSRIs that are recommended for minor depression include Celexa, Lexapro, Prozac, Prozac Weekly, Paxil, Paxil CR, Pexeva and Zoloft. (The generic alternatives are citalopram, escitalopram, fluoxetine, paroxetine and sertraline.) Patients who use SSRIs should not take monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)--the combination can cause serotonin syndrome, which can be dangerous.

Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors

Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, or SNRIs, are another type of antidepressants, though they are not prescribed as often for minor depression treatment. Like SSRIs, SNRIs prevent the reuptake of serotonin, as well as norepinephrine, another neurotransmitter involved in mood regulation, according to the Mayo Clinic. Cymbalta, Effexor and Effexor CR are the brand name SNRIs prescribed, with duloxetine and venlafaxine as the generic options.

Tricyclic Antidepressants

The third type of antidepressant used to treat minor depression is tricylic antidepressants, or TCAs. TCAs also prevent serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake by the presynaptic cleft, according to the Mayo Clinic. Examples of brand name TCAs for minor depression are Norpramine, Sinequan, Pamelor, Vivactil and Surmontil. Generic TCAs prescribed for minor depression treatment include amitriptyline, amoxapine, desipramine, doxepin, imipramine, nortriptyline, protriptyline and trimipramine.