Antidepressants are a psychiatric treatment method for individuals suffering from certain mental illnesses, but mostly from depression. There are many different types of antidepressants, each with its unique effect on the brain and side effects. Despite the risks and potential side effects that antidepressants may have on an individual, finding the right antidepressant is a possibility. Finding an antidepressant right for you is one of the first steps in the road to recovery from depression.
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors
According to the Mayo Clinic, SSRIs only increase serotonin in the brain, and thus are the most basic type of antidepressants. The Mayo Clinic says that because of this, clients will typically be started on SSRIs first, then will move to more advanced antidepressants (SNRIs) if are not responsive to SSRIs. Common examples of SSRIs are: Celexa, Lexapro, Prozac, Paxil and Zoloft.
Antidepressants that increase Norepenephrine and Serotonin
According to the Mayo Clinic, SNRIs (e.g., Cymbalta and Effexor), tetracyclic antidepressants (e.g., Remeron), and combined reuptake inhibitors and receptors (e.g., Trazodone, Nefazodone, and Maprotiline) are antidepressants that increase the norepinephrine and serotonin in the brain.
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors
MAOIs were the first type of antidepressant in use, starting in the 1950s. MAOIs increase the amounts of norepinephrine, serotonin and dopamine in the brain. Since MAOIs typically have severe side effects, they are only used for people who have not responded to other antidepressants, according to the Mayo Clinic. Examples of common MAOIs are: Nardil, Parnate, Marplan and Emsam.
Norepinephrine-Dopamine Reuptake Inhibitors
According to the Mayo Clinic, NDRIs increase the amounts of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. Common examples of NDRIs are Wellbutrin, Wellbutrin SR, and Wellbutrin XR. Wellbutrin is an immediate release tablet, thus the client must take it three times per day. Wellbutrin SR (slow release) is taken twice per day, and Wellbutrin XR (extended release) is taken once per day.
Tricyclic Antidepressants
Tricyclic antidepressants were the most common antidepressants until SSRIs were invented. According to the Mayo Clinic, tricyclic antidepressants are still prescribed if client is not responsive to SSRIs. The Mayo Clinic also states that tricyclic antidepressants may be more effective than SSRIs for severe depression. Since they can be sedating, it is recommended that one take these at night, which may also help if the client is unable to sleep because of their depression. Common examples of these antidepressants are Tofranil and Anafranil.
