In the modern era antidepressant medications were introduced in 1949, according to Grinnell College, with the advent of lithium and then iproniazid in 1953. This became the first widely used antidepressant. There have been many classes of antidepressants since, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, known as SSRIs, now at the forefront of treatment in many cases. Most antidepressants now have warnings that they may increase suicidality, particularly in adolescents and children.
Prozac
Prozac is one of the brand names of an SSRI generically called fluoxetine. Other brands in the United States include Rapiflux, Selfemra and Sarafem. While researchers are not certain exactly how SSRIs work, the Mayo Clinic states these types of drugs make the brain's serotonin levels more active. Prozac is the only antidepressant approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration for use by adolescents. To start, Prozac typically is prescribed in 20 mg doses once each day for adults and 10 mg or 20 mg doses for children ages 8 and older. For adults, the dose may be increased to 80 mg each day, or your doctor may gradually change you over to one 90 mg dose each week.
Cymbalta
Cymbalta is the U.S. brand name of duloxetine, a selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, or SSNRI. Like Prozac, it makes serotonin activity in the brain increase, but it also does the same for the neurotransmitter norepinephrine. Cymbalta may be prescribed as two 20 milligram capsules each day or two 30 mg capsules twice a day for adults. The top range of dosing is no more than 120 mg each day, typically.
Wellbutrin
Bupropion is the generic name for the antidepressant sold as Wellbutrin. It may be prescribed for major depression or other conditions, such as to help people quit smoking. It may be prescribed as an extended-release pill for which the starting dose typically is 150 mg per day on up to 450 mg, or it may be used as a traditional tablet, starting with two 100 mg doses per day. This can be increased to 450 mg per day as well.
Pamelor
Pamelor is known generically as nortriptyline, a tricyclic antidepressant. It is an older form of antidepressant and functions by increasing chemical levels in your brain. It may be administered as a pill, capsule or solution. Adults typically will start with three or four doses of 25 mg each per day. It may be increased to no greater a dose than 150 milligrams each day, the Mayo Clinic reports.
