Antidepressants can be effective at relieving the symptoms of depression for many people. In fact, according to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, most people's symptoms are relived with the first antidepressant they try. However, it may take a few tries to find the right antidepressant for some people. There are many types on the market, each of which affect the brain slightly differently.
Tricyclic Antidepressants
Tricyclic antidepressants are an older type of drug for depression, though many people still use them. Tricyclic antidepressants affect the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. Some examples of tricyclic antidepressants are amitriptyline and desipramine. Tricyclic antidepressants may be used alone to treat depression; however, the Mayo Clinic reports that sometimes low doses of tricyclic antidepressants are combined with other antidepressant medications to enhance depression relief. Some of the common side effects associated with tricyclic antidepressants include dry mouth, constipation and fatigue. The American Academy of Family Physicians also reports that tricyclic antidepressants can affect a person's heart rate and blood pressure.
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
SSRIs are often the first line of defense against depression, according to the Mayo Clinic. The National Institutes of Health reports that they are the most popular type of antidepressant. SSRIs work by controlling the effects of serotonin in the brain. Some examples of SSRIs include fluoxetine and citalopram. SSRIs, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians, tend to cause fewer side effects than other antidepressants. However, they can cause sexual side effects, such as difficulty achieving orgasm.
Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)
SNRIs are another popular antidepressant. According to the National Institutes of Health, SNRIs are similar in effect to SSRIs. SNRIs control the effects of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. Some examples of SNRIs include venlaxafine and duloxetine. While they also tend to have fewer side effects than many other antidepressants, some common side effects of SNRIs include appetite loss and headaches. Like SSRIs, SNRIs may also cause sexual side effects for some people.
Atypical Antidepressants
Atypical antidepressants are harder to categorize than other antidepressants, according to the Mayo Clinic. These include norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NDRIs) such as bupropion, and combined reuptake inhibitors and receptor blockers such as mirtazpine. Atypical antidepressants, according to the Mayo Clinic, tend to cause few sexual side effects. However, they can cause sedation and appetite suppression.
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)
MAOIs, according to the Mayo Clinic, are generally the last line of defense against depression and are often used only if other antidepressants have failed to work. They work by controlling the levels of serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. The American Academy of Family Physicians reports that MAOIs are used less frequently because of their potentially serious side effects. These include weakness and dizziness. They can also have a negative influence on blood pressure, and may be dangerous when combined with certain foods. Some examples of MAOIs include isocarboxazid and phenelzine.
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