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We recommend using Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Apple Safari, or Microsoft Edge [Learn about compatible browsers](https://mydoctor.kaiserpermanente.org/ncal/article/?article_id=1587706) Ok - i Appointments, messages, prescriptions, and other features have moved to My Care. - [My Care](https://mydoctor.kaiserpermanente.org/ncal/my-care/) - [Doctors](https://mydoctor.kaiserpermanente.org/ncal/find-a-doctor/) - [Locations](https://healthy.kaiserpermanente.org/northern-california/doctors-locations#/facility-results) - [Specialties](https://mydoctor.kaiserpermanente.org/ncal/specialty/) - [Health Library](https://mydoctor.kaiserpermanente.org/ncal/health-library/) [](https://healthy.kaiserpermanente.org/northern-california/) [](https://mydoctor.kaiserpermanente.org/ncal/home)[](https://mydoctor.kaiserpermanente.org/ncal/home) [](https://mydoctor.kaiserpermanente.org/ncal/home)[](https://mydoctor.kaiserpermanente.org/ncal/home) [](https://healthy.kaiserpermanente.org/northern-california/) - [My Care](https://mydoctor.kaiserpermanente.org/ncal/my-care/) - [Doctors](https://mydoctor.kaiserpermanente.org/ncal/find-a-doctor/) - [Locations](https://healthy.kaiserpermanente.org/northern-california/doctors-locations#/facility-results) - [Specialties](https://mydoctor.kaiserpermanente.org/ncal/specialty/) - [Health Library](https://mydoctor.kaiserpermanente.org/ncal/health-library/) - [Search](https://mydoctor.kaiserpermanente.org/ncal/article/antidepressant-medications-900794) Arrow key navigation enabled Popular searches [Letters]() [Test results]() [Medical records and forms]() [Health Library]() # Antidepressant Medications Depression is a medical condition that affects the mind and body. If you have mild or moderate symptoms, classes and counseling are usually effective for relieving depression. If you have severe symptoms (clinical depression), your clinician may also prescribe antidepressant medications. Specific antidepressants are also useful to treat other conditions, such as chronic pain and anxiety disorders that include panic disorder or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Generally, it takes 2 to 4 weeks for antidepressant medications to work. Often the initial dose is low to reduce possible side effects. The dosage is increased every 1 to 2 weeks until it’s high enough to be effective while causing the fewest side effects. You may need to try different medications before you find the one that works best for you. Antidepressants aren’t addictive. It’s very important to continue taking your medication until your doctor tells you to stop, whether you’re feeling better or not. If you stop your medication abruptly, you may have uncomfortable symptoms. Antidepressants can interact with other medications. Be sure to tell your clinician about all medications, vitamins, and supplements you’re taking. ## Common antidepressants Two commonly used antidepressants are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) work by improving how the brain chemical serotonin works in your brain. Commonly prescribed SSRIs include: - Prozac (fluoxetine) - Paxil (paroxetine) - Lexapro (escitalopram) - Zoloft (sertraline) Side effects of SSRIs can include: - Dry mouth - Headache - Nausea, diarrhea, or constipation - Sleep problems - Reduced sex drive Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are similar to SSRIs. This medication also targets the brain chemical norepinephrine. Commonly prescribed SNRIs include: - Effexor (venlafaxine) - Cymbalta (duloxetine) Side effects are similar to those of SSRIs. Wellbutrin XL (bupropion XL) is also commonly prescribed. Each tablet should be swallowed whole and taken with liquid. Tablets should not be crushed, broken, or chewed. Side effects can include: - Weight loss - Dry mouth - Nausea - Constipation - Sleep problems - Dizziness ## Other antidepressants Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) are often used to treat chronic pain. They target serotonin, norepinephrine, and other brain chemicals. Side effects can include: - Dry mouth - Nausea - Constipation - Blurred vision - Dizziness Usually side effects go away after about 2 weeks. Let your clinician know if any side effects don’t go away or get worse. ## Rare but serious risks Rarely, people have thoughts of suicide after starting antidepressant medication. This is more likely in teens and young adults. If you’re a parent of a teen, be sure you know the signs of teen suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Take all threats of suicide seriously and seek help immediately. If you’re thinking of harming yourself, **call 911 or go to the nearest hospital.** Or call the Suicide Hotline at 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433). ## Additional References - [Depression](https://mydoctor.kaiserpermanente.org/ncal/structured-content/depression-50847) - [Signs of Teen Suicide for Parents](https://mydoctor.kaiserpermanente.org/ncal/article/signs-of-teen-suicide-for-parents-850925) - [Clinical Depression in Children and Teens](https://mydoctor.kaiserpermanente.org/ncal/structured-content/clinical-depression-in-children-and-teens-163892) - [National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255](http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/) ## Disclaimer If you have an emergency medical condition, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital. An emergency medical condition is any of the following: (1) a medical condition that manifests itself by acute symptoms of sufficient severity (including severe pain) such that you could reasonably expect the absence of immediate medical attention to result in serious jeopardy to your health or body functions or organs; (2) active labor when there isn't enough time for safe transfer to a Plan hospital (or designated hospital) before delivery, or if transfer poses a threat to your (or your unborn child's) health and safety, or (3) a mental disorder that manifests itself by acute symptoms of sufficient severity such that either you are an immediate danger to yourself or others, or you are not immediately able to provide for, or use, food, shelter, or clothing, due to the mental disorder. This information is not intended to diagnose health problems or to take the place of specific medical advice or care you receive from your physician or other health care professional. If you have persistent health problems, or if you have additional questions, please consult with your doctor. If you have questions or need more information about your medication, please speak to your pharmacist. Kaiser Permanente does not endorse the medications or products mentioned. 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Depression is a medical condition that affects the mind and body. If you have mild or moderate symptoms, classes and counseling are usually effective for relieving depression. If you have severe symptoms (clinical depression), your clinician may also prescribe antidepressant medications. Specific antidepressants are also useful to treat other conditions, such as chronic pain and anxiety disorders that include panic disorder or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Generally, it takes 2 to 4 weeks for antidepressant medications to work. Often the initial dose is low to reduce possible side effects. The dosage is increased every 1 to 2 weeks until it’s high enough to be effective while causing the fewest side effects. You may need to try different medications before you find the one that works best for you. Antidepressants aren’t addictive. It’s very important to continue taking your medication until your doctor tells you to stop, whether you’re feeling better or not. If you stop your medication abruptly, you may have uncomfortable symptoms. Antidepressants can interact with other medications. Be sure to tell your clinician about all medications, vitamins, and supplements you’re taking. ## Common antidepressants Two commonly used antidepressants are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) work by improving how the brain chemical serotonin works in your brain. Commonly prescribed SSRIs include: - Prozac (fluoxetine) - Paxil (paroxetine) - Lexapro (escitalopram) - Zoloft (sertraline) Side effects of SSRIs can include: - Dry mouth - Headache - Nausea, diarrhea, or constipation - Sleep problems - Reduced sex drive Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are similar to SSRIs. This medication also targets the brain chemical norepinephrine. Commonly prescribed SNRIs include: - Effexor (venlafaxine) - Cymbalta (duloxetine) Side effects are similar to those of SSRIs. Wellbutrin XL (bupropion XL) is also commonly prescribed. Each tablet should be swallowed whole and taken with liquid. Tablets should not be crushed, broken, or chewed. Side effects can include: - Weight loss - Dry mouth - Nausea - Constipation - Sleep problems - Dizziness ## Other antidepressants Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) are often used to treat chronic pain. They target serotonin, norepinephrine, and other brain chemicals. Side effects can include: - Dry mouth - Nausea - Constipation - Blurred vision - Dizziness Usually side effects go away after about 2 weeks. Let your clinician know if any side effects don’t go away or get worse. ## Rare but serious risks Rarely, people have thoughts of suicide after starting antidepressant medication. This is more likely in teens and young adults. If you’re a parent of a teen, be sure you know the signs of teen suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Take all threats of suicide seriously and seek help immediately. If you’re thinking of harming yourself, **call 911 or go to the nearest hospital.** Or call the Suicide Hotline at 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433). ## Disclaimer If you have an emergency medical condition, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital. An emergency medical condition is any of the following: (1) a medical condition that manifests itself by acute symptoms of sufficient severity (including severe pain) such that you could reasonably expect the absence of immediate medical attention to result in serious jeopardy to your health or body functions or organs; (2) active labor when there isn't enough time for safe transfer to a Plan hospital (or designated hospital) before delivery, or if transfer poses a threat to your (or your unborn child's) health and safety, or (3) a mental disorder that manifests itself by acute symptoms of sufficient severity such that either you are an immediate danger to yourself or others, or you are not immediately able to provide for, or use, food, shelter, or clothing, due to the mental disorder. This information is not intended to diagnose health problems or to take the place of specific medical advice or care you receive from your physician or other health care professional. If you have persistent health problems, or if you have additional questions, please consult with your doctor. If you have questions or need more information about your medication, please speak to your pharmacist. Kaiser Permanente does not endorse the medications or products mentioned. Any trade names listed are for easy identification only.