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| Meta Title | List of 90 Depression Medications Compared |
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| Boilerpipe Text | Depression is a mood condition characterized by persistent and overwhelming feelings of sadness that can affect your day-to-day activities and how you think, feel, and behave. Sometimes it can affect your outlook on life and make you feel that life isn’t worth living. Depression may also be called major depressive disorder or clinical depression.
What Causes Depression?
Experts aren’t exactly sure what causes depression but believe it is due to a combination of different factors, such as genetic vulnerability, faulty mood regulation by the brain, stress, chemicals in the brain, medications, or medical problems, that all interact together to bring on depression.
The risk of developing depression is higher in women and people:
Aged 45 to 64 years of age or the elderly
With chronic or acute health conditions
Who are undergoing a major life event, such as a job loss, divorce, workplace stress, or physical or mental abuse
With severe grief due to the death of a loved one
Taking prescription drugs that may cause a low mood
Abusing alcohol or drugs.
What are the Symptoms of Depression?
Depression is not just feeling blue occasionally. It affects daily feelings, thoughts, and actions over a longer period. (MDD), can result in difficulties with family life, work, and social activities.
Symptoms may vary depending on how severe a person’s depression is but may include:
A prolonged and persistent low mood, tearfulness, or a sense of hopelessness that has lasted for at least 2 weeks
Irritability
Anxiety
Agitation or restlessness
Avoidance or refusal to participate in activities that were previously enjoyed
Withdrawal socially, from family, friends, and relationships
Changes in sleeping or eating habits
Unexplained physical problems, such as back pain or headaches
Alcohol, drug, or substance abuse
Engaging in risky or destructive behaviors
Self-harm or attempts at suicide.
In children and teens, symptoms may include clinginess, worry, aches and pain, and refusal to go to school.
In older adults, symptoms may be less obvious and include memory difficulties or personality changes, physical aches and pains, and fatigue.
How is Depression Diagnosed?
If your mood has been low for a while and you are having difficulty coping with day to day activities, talk to your doctor or a trusted professional. Your doctor will ask you questions about your symptoms and your medical history and may ask you to complete a questionnaire that may help to diagnose depression or refer you to a psychiatrist.
You can also call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or have an online chat (http://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/). All information is confidential and free.
How is Depression Treated?
Depression is treatable with high rates of success. Treatments may include:
Psychotherapy
Antidepressants, such as Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), Serotonin Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs), tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).
Responses to antidepressants vary, and most antidepressants take 4 to 6 weeks for full effect. About 50% of patients respond to the first treatment, whereas others may have to try a few different types of antidepressants before they find the best one for them.
There are several things you can do to help with your symptoms as well, such as:
Setting realistic and daily goals
Developing strategies to work through crises situations
Developing coping and problem-solving skills
Learning how to develop positive relationships
Replacing negative thoughts with positive ones.
Drugs used to treat Depression
The medications listed below are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.
Select drug class
Brands and Generics
Include off-label drugs
Rx and OTC
Drug name
Rating
Reviews
Activity
ďż˝
Rx/OTC
Preg
nancy
CSA
Alcohol
bupropion
7.0
1400 reviews
for bupropion to treat Depression
Rx
C
N
âś•
Generic name:
bupropion systemic
Brand names:
Wellbutrin XL,
Wellbutrin SR,
Forfivo XL,
Budeprion SR,
Aplenzin
Drug class:
miscellaneous antidepressants
,
smoking cessation agents
For consumers:
dosage
,
interactions
,
side effects
For professionals:
AHFS DI Monograph
,
Prescribing Information
sertraline
6.9
1290 reviews
for sertraline to treat Depression
Rx
C
N
âś•
Generic name:
sertraline systemic
Brand name:
Zoloft
Drug class:
selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
For consumers:
dosage
,
interactions
,
side effects
For professionals:
AHFS DI Monograph
,
Prescribing Information
Cymbalta
6.3
619 reviews
for Cymbalta to treat Depression
Rx
C
N
âś•
Generic name:
duloxetine systemic
Drug class:
serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors
For consumers:
dosage
,
interactions
,
side effects
For professionals:
Prescribing Information
FDA approval date:
August 4, 2004
Lexapro
7.2
632 reviews
for Lexapro to treat Depression
Rx
C
N
âś•
Generic name:
escitalopram systemic
Drug class:
selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
For consumers:
dosage
,
interactions
,
side effects
For professionals:
Prescribing Information
FDA approval date:
August 15, 2002
Zoloft
6.9
632 reviews
for Zoloft to treat Depression
Rx
C
N
âś•
Generic name:
sertraline systemic
Drug class:
selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
For consumers:
dosage
,
interactions
,
side effects
For professionals:
Prescribing Information
fluoxetine
7.0
745 reviews
for fluoxetine to treat Depression
Rx
C
N
âś•
Generic name:
fluoxetine systemic
Brand name:
Prozac
Drug class:
selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
For consumers:
dosage
,
interactions
,
side effects
For professionals:
AHFS DI Monograph
,
Prescribing Information
citalopram
7.2
736 reviews
for citalopram to treat Depression
Rx
C
N
âś•
Generic name:
citalopram systemic
Brand name:
Celexa
Drug class:
selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
For consumers:
dosage
,
interactions
,
side effects
For professionals:
AHFS DI Monograph
,
Prescribing Information
Wellbutrin XL
7.4
311 reviews
for Wellbutrin XL to treat Depression
Rx
C
N
âś•
Generic name:
bupropion systemic
Drug class:
miscellaneous antidepressants
For consumers:
dosage
,
interactions
,
side effects
For professionals:
Prescribing Information
escitalopram
7.1
951 reviews
for escitalopram to treat Depression
Rx
C
N
âś•
Generic name:
escitalopram systemic
Brand name:
Lexapro
Drug class:
selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
For consumers:
dosage
,
interactions
,
side effects
For professionals:
AHFS DI Monograph
,
Prescribing Information
Prozac
7.0
443 reviews
for Prozac to treat Depression
Rx
C
N
âś•
Generic name:
fluoxetine systemic
Drug class:
selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
For consumers:
dosage
,
interactions
,
side effects
For professionals:
Prescribing Information
venlafaxine
6.1
1038 reviews
for venlafaxine to treat Depression
Rx
C
N
âś•
Generic name:
venlafaxine systemic
Brand names:
Effexor XR,
Effexor
Drug class:
serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors
For consumers:
dosage
,
interactions
,
side effects
For professionals:
AHFS DI Monograph
,
Prescribing Information
duloxetine
6.3
765 reviews
for duloxetine to treat Depression
Rx
C
N
âś•
Generic name:
duloxetine systemic
Brand names:
Cymbalta,
Irenka
Drug class:
serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors
For consumers:
dosage
,
interactions
,
side effects
For professionals:
AHFS DI Monograph
,
Prescribing Information
Celexa
7.1
365 reviews
for Celexa to treat Depression
Rx
C
N
âś•
Generic name:
citalopram systemic
Drug class:
selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
For consumers:
dosage
,
interactions
,
side effects
For professionals:
Prescribing Information
Abilify
6.4
347 reviews
for Abilify to treat Depression
Rx
C
N
âś•
Generic name:
aripiprazole systemic
Drug class:
atypical antipsychotics
For consumers:
dosage
,
interactions
,
side effects
For professionals:
Prescribing Information
FDA approval date:
November 6, 2007
Rexulti
6.9
169 reviews
for Rexulti to treat Depression
Rx
N
âś•
Generic name:
brexpiprazole systemic
Drug class:
atypical antipsychotics
For consumers:
dosage
,
interactions
,
side effects
For professionals:
Prescribing Information
FDA approval date:
July 10, 2015
armodafinil
Off-label
8.2
47 reviews
for armodafinil to treat Depression
Rx
C
4
Generic name:
armodafinil systemic
Drug class:
CNS stimulants
For consumers:
dosage
,
interactions
,
side effects
For professionals:
AHFS DI Monograph
,
Prescribing Information
Off-label:
Yes
brexpiprazole
6.9
184 reviews
for brexpiprazole to treat Depression
Rx
N
âś•
Generic name:
brexpiprazole systemic
Brand name:
Rexulti
Drug class:
atypical antipsychotics
For consumers:
dosage
,
interactions
,
side effects
For professionals:
AHFS DI Monograph
,
Prescribing Information
Effexor XR
6.5
362 reviews
for Effexor XR to treat Depression
Rx
C
N
âś•
Generic name:
venlafaxine systemic
Drug class:
serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors
For consumers:
dosage
,
interactions
,
side effects
For professionals:
Prescribing Information
trazodone
6.7
144 reviews
for trazodone to treat Depression
Rx
C
N
âś•
Generic name:
trazodone systemic
Brand name:
Raldesy
Drug class:
phenylpiperazine antidepressants
For consumers:
dosage
,
interactions
,
side effects
For professionals:
AHFS DI Monograph
,
Prescribing Information
mirtazapine
6.7
669 reviews
for mirtazapine to treat Depression
Rx
C
N
âś•
Generic name:
mirtazapine systemic
Brand names:
Remeron,
Remeron SolTab
Drug class:
tetracyclic antidepressants
For consumers:
dosage
,
interactions
,
side effects
For professionals:
AHFS DI Monograph
,
Prescribing Information
Pristiq
6.9
800 reviews
for Pristiq to treat Depression
Rx
C
N
âś•
Generic name:
desvenlafaxine systemic
Drug class:
serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors
For consumers:
dosage
,
interactions
,
side effects
For professionals:
Prescribing Information
FDA approval date:
March 3, 2008
Effexor
5.5
342 reviews
for Effexor to treat Depression
Rx
C
N
âś•
Generic name:
venlafaxine systemic
Drug class:
serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors
For consumers:
dosage
,
interactions
,
side effects
For professionals:
Prescribing Information
amitriptyline
8.1
143 reviews
for amitriptyline to treat Depression
Rx
C
N
âś•
Generic name:
amitriptyline systemic
Drug class:
tricyclic antidepressants
For consumers:
dosage
,
interactions
,
side effects
For professionals:
AHFS DI Monograph
,
Prescribing Information
lamotrigine
Off-label
7.2
188 reviews
for lamotrigine to treat Depression
Rx
C
N
âś•
Generic name:
lamotrigine systemic
Drug class:
triazine anticonvulsants
For consumers:
dosage
,
interactions
,
side effects
For professionals:
AHFS DI Monograph
,
Prescribing Information
Off-label:
Yes
Paxil
6.4
196 reviews
for Paxil to treat Depression
Rx
D
N
âś•
Generic name:
paroxetine systemic
Drug class:
selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
For consumers:
dosage
,
interactions
,
side effects
For professionals:
Prescribing Information
1
2
3
4
Next
View all
results on one page
Frequently asked questions
How to sleep while taking Cymbalta?
What is Exxua?
Can depression cause headaches?
SSRIs vs SNRIs - What's the difference between them?
How long do venlafaxine withdrawal symptoms last?
How long does Xanax last for / stay in your system?
What does Prozac feel like when it starts working?
Klonopin vs Xanax - How are they different?
How long does Zoloft (sertraline) take to work?
View more FAQ
Topics under Depression
Depressive Psychosis
(2 drugs)
Major Depressive Disorder
(60 drugs)
Major Depressive Disorder with Acute Suicidal Ideation
(1 drug)
Persistent Depressive Disorder
(10 drugs in 2 topics)
Postpartum Depression
(14 drugs)
Seasonal Affective Disorder
(2 drugs)
Sexual Dysfunction, SSRI Induced
(6 drugs)
Alternative treatments for Depression
The following products are considered to be alternative treatments or natural remedies for Depression. Their efficacy
may not have been scientifically tested to the same degree as the drugs listed in the table above. However, there may be historical,
cultural or anecdotal evidence linking their use to the treatment of Depression.
5-HTP Mood and Stress
Gotu kola
Natrol SAMe
St. John's wort
Tryptophan
Valerian
Legend
Rating
For ratings, users were asked how effective they found the medicine while considering positive/adverse effects and ease of use (1 = not effective, 10 = most effective).
Activity
Activity is based on recent site visitor activity relative to other medications in the list.
Rx
Available for purchase by prescription only.
OTC
Available for purchase over-the-counter.
Rx/OTC
Available for purchase by prescription or over-the-counter.
Alcohol
The medication interacts with alcohol (if marked with "âś•").
New approval
The FDA has approved this medication within the past year.
Off-label
The FDA may not approve this medication for the treatment of this condition.
EUA
An Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) allows the FDA to authorize unapproved medical products or unapproved uses of approved medical products to be used in a declared public health emergency when there are no adequate, approved, and available alternatives.
Expanded access
Expanded access is a potential pathway for a patient with a serious or immediately life-threatening disease or condition to gain access to an investigational medical product (drug, biologic, or medical device) for treatment outside of clinical trials when no comparable or satisfactory alternative therapy options are available.
Pregnancy Category
A
Adequate and well-controlled studies have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus in the first trimester of pregnancy (and there is no evidence of risk in later trimesters).
B
Animal reproduction studies have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.
C
Animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use in pregnant women despite potential risks.
D
There is positive evidence of human fetal risk based on adverse reaction data from investigational or marketing experience or studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use in pregnant women despite potential risks.
âś•
Studies in animals or humans have demonstrated fetal abnormalities and/or there is positive evidence of human fetal risk based on adverse reaction data from investigational or marketing experience, and the risks involved in use in pregnant women clearly outweigh potential benefits.
N
FDA has not classified the drug.
Controlled Substances Act (CSA) Schedule
M
The drug has multiple schedules. The schedule may depend on the exact dosage form or strength of the medication.
U
CSA Schedule is unknown.
N
Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act.
1
Has a high potential for abuse. Has no currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. There is a lack of accepted safety for use under medical supervision.
2
Has a high potential for abuse. Has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States or a currently accepted medical use with severe restrictions. Abuse may lead to severe psychological or physical dependence.
3
Has a potential for abuse less than those in schedules 1 and 2. Has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. Abuse may lead to moderate or low physical dependence or high psychological dependence.
4
Has a low potential for abuse relative to those in schedule 3. It has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. Abuse may lead to limited physical dependence or psychological dependence relative to those in schedule 3.
5
Has a low potential for abuse relative to those in schedule 4. Has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. Abuse may lead to limited physical dependence or psychological dependence relative to those in schedule 4.
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Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
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2. [Treatments](https://www.drugs.com/medical_conditions.html)
3. [Psychiatric Disorders](https://www.drugs.com/condition/history-psychiatric-disorder.html)
4. Depression
Print
# Medications for Depression
Depression is a mood condition characterized by persistent and overwhelming feelings of sadness that can affect your day-to-day activities and how you think, feel, and behave. Sometimes it can affect your outlook on life and make you feel that life isn’t worth living. Depression may also be called major depressive disorder or clinical depression.
## What Causes Depression?
Experts aren’t exactly sure what causes depression but believe it is due to a combination of different factors, such as genetic vulnerability, faulty mood regulation by the brain, stress, chemicals in the brain, medications, or medical problems, that all interact together to bring on depression.
The risk of developing depression is higher in women and people:
- Aged 45 to 64 years of age or the elderly
- With chronic or acute health conditions
- Who are undergoing a major life event, such as a job loss, divorce, workplace stress, or physical or mental abuse
- With severe grief due to the death of a loved one
- Taking prescription drugs that may cause a low mood
- Abusing alcohol or drugs.
## What are the Symptoms of Depression?
Depression is not just feeling blue occasionally. It affects daily feelings, thoughts, and actions over a longer period. (MDD), can result in difficulties with family life, work, and social activities.
Symptoms may vary depending on how severe a person’s depression is but may include:
- A prolonged and persistent low mood, tearfulness, or a sense of hopelessness that has lasted for at least 2 weeks
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Agitation or restlessness
- Avoidance or refusal to participate in activities that were previously enjoyed
- Withdrawal socially, from family, friends, and relationships
- Changes in sleeping or eating habits
- Unexplained physical problems, such as back pain or headaches
- Alcohol, drug, or substance abuse
- Engaging in risky or destructive behaviors
- Self-harm or attempts at suicide.
In children and teens, symptoms may include clinginess, worry, aches and pain, and refusal to go to school.
In older adults, symptoms may be less obvious and include memory difficulties or personality changes, physical aches and pains, and fatigue.
## How is Depression Diagnosed?
If your mood has been low for a while and you are having difficulty coping with day to day activities, talk to your doctor or a trusted professional. Your doctor will ask you questions about your symptoms and your medical history and may ask you to complete a questionnaire that may help to diagnose depression or refer you to a psychiatrist.
You can also call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or have an online chat (http://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/). All information is confidential and free.
## How is Depression Treated?
Depression is treatable with high rates of success. Treatments may include:
- Psychotherapy
- Antidepressants, such as Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), Serotonin Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs), tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).
Responses to antidepressants vary, and most antidepressants take 4 to 6 weeks for full effect. About 50% of patients respond to the first treatment, whereas others may have to try a few different types of antidepressants before they find the best one for them.
There are several things you can do to help with your symptoms as well, such as:
- Setting realistic and daily goals
- Developing strategies to work through crises situations
- Developing coping and problem-solving skills
- Learning how to develop positive relationships
- Replacing negative thoughts with positive ones.
## Drugs used to treat Depression
The medications listed below are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.
| [Drug name](https://www.drugs.com/condition/depression.html?sort=drug&order=asc) | [Rating](https://www.drugs.com/condition/depression.html?sort=rating&order=desc) | [Reviews](https://www.drugs.com/condition/depression.html?sort=reviews&order=desc) | [Activity](https://www.drugs.com/condition/depression.html?sort=popularity&order=asc) [ďż˝](https://www.drugs.com/condition/depression.html#medication-table-activity) | Rx/OTC | Pregnancy | CSA | Alcohol |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Expand current row for information about bupropion [bupropion](https://www.drugs.com/bupropion.html) | | | | | | | |
- 1
- [2](https://www.drugs.com/condition/depression.html?page_number=2)
- [3](https://www.drugs.com/condition/depression.html?page_number=3)
- [4](https://www.drugs.com/condition/depression.html?page_number=4)
- [**Next**](https://www.drugs.com/condition/depression.html?page_number=2)
- [View all results on one page](https://www.drugs.com/condition/depression.html?page_all=1)
## Frequently asked questions
- [How to sleep while taking Cymbalta?](https://www.drugs.com/medical-answers/sleep-taking-cymbalta-3565234/)
- [What is Exxua?](https://www.drugs.com/medical-answers/what-exxua-3574145/)
- [Can depression cause headaches?](https://www.drugs.com/medical-answers/depression-headaches-3557778/)
- [SSRIs vs SNRIs - What's the difference between them?](https://www.drugs.com/medical-answers/difference-between-ssris-snris-3504539/)
- [How long do venlafaxine withdrawal symptoms last?](https://www.drugs.com/medical-answers/long-venlafaxine-withdrawal-symptoms-3573466/)
- [How long does Xanax last for / stay in your system?](https://www.drugs.com/medical-answers/long-xanax-3510962/)
- [What does Prozac feel like when it starts working?](https://www.drugs.com/medical-answers/prozac-feel-starts-working-3571159/)
- [Klonopin vs Xanax - How are they different?](https://www.drugs.com/medical-answers/klonopin-vs-xanax-3030557/)
- [How long does Zoloft (sertraline) take to work?](https://www.drugs.com/medical-answers/long-zoloft-sertraline-work-3565128/)
[View more FAQ](https://www.drugs.com/answers/support-group/depression/questions/?status=faq)
## Topics under Depression
- [Depressive Psychosis](https://www.drugs.com/condition/depressive-psychosis.html) (2 drugs)
- [Major Depressive Disorder](https://www.drugs.com/condition/major-depressive-disorder.html) (60 drugs)
- [Major Depressive Disorder with Acute Suicidal Ideation](https://www.drugs.com/condition/depressive-disorder-other.html) (1 drug)
- [Persistent Depressive Disorder](https://www.drugs.com/condition/dysthymia.html) (10 drugs in 2 topics)
- [Postpartum Depression](https://www.drugs.com/condition/postpartum-depression.html) (14 drugs)
- [Seasonal Affective Disorder](https://www.drugs.com/condition/seasonal-affective-disorder.html) (2 drugs)
- [Sexual Dysfunction, SSRI Induced](https://www.drugs.com/condition/sexual-dysfunction-ssri-induced.html) (6 drugs)
## Alternative treatments for Depression
The following products are considered to be alternative treatments or natural remedies for Depression. Their efficacy may not have been scientifically tested to the same degree as the drugs listed in the table above. However, there may be historical, cultural or anecdotal evidence linking their use to the treatment of Depression.
- [5-HTP Mood and Stress](https://www.drugs.com/mtm/5-htp-mood-and-stress.html)
- [Gotu kola](https://www.drugs.com/mtm/gotu-kola.html)
- [Natrol SAMe](https://www.drugs.com/mtm/natrol-same.html)
- [St. John's wort](https://www.drugs.com/mtm/st-john-s-wort.html)
- [Tryptophan](https://www.drugs.com/tryptophan.html)
- [Valerian](https://www.drugs.com/mtm/valerian.html)
## Learn more about Depression
- [Antidepressants: Options, Advantages, and Precautions](https://www.drugs.com/article/antidepressants.html)
- [Mixing Alcohol & Antidepressants: Cause for Concern?](https://www.drugs.com/article/antidepressant-medications-alcohol.html)
#### Care guides
- [Depression](https://www.drugs.com/cg/depression.html)
- [Depression Management for Adolescents](https://www.drugs.com/cg/depression-management-for-adolescents.html)
- [Depression after Spinal Cord Injury](https://www.drugs.com/cg/depression-after-spinal-cord-injury.html)
#### Symptoms and treatments
- [Depression](https://www.drugs.com/health-guide/depression.html)
#### Medicine.com guides (external)
- [Depression Guide](https://medicine.com/guide/depression)
#### Legend
| | |
|---|---|
| Rating | For ratings, users were asked how effective they found the medicine while considering positive/adverse effects and ease of use (1 = not effective, 10 = most effective). |
| Activity | Activity is based on recent site visitor activity relative to other medications in the list. |
| Rx | Available for purchase by prescription only. |
| OTC | Available for purchase over-the-counter. |
| Rx/OTC | Available for purchase by prescription or over-the-counter. |
| Alcohol | The medication interacts with alcohol (if marked with "âś•"). |
| New approval | The FDA has approved this medication within the past year. |
| Off-label | The FDA may not approve this medication for the treatment of this condition. |
| EUA | An Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) allows the FDA to authorize unapproved medical products or unapproved uses of approved medical products to be used in a declared public health emergency when there are no adequate, approved, and available alternatives. |
| Expanded access | Expanded access is a potential pathway for a patient with a serious or immediately life-threatening disease or condition to gain access to an investigational medical product (drug, biologic, or medical device) for treatment outside of clinical trials when no comparable or satisfactory alternative therapy options are available. |
| Pregnancy Category | |
|---|---|
| A | Adequate and well-controlled studies have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus in the first trimester of pregnancy (and there is no evidence of risk in later trimesters). |
| B | Animal reproduction studies have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. |
| C | Animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use in pregnant women despite potential risks. |
| D | There is positive evidence of human fetal risk based on adverse reaction data from investigational or marketing experience or studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use in pregnant women despite potential risks. |
| âś• | Studies in animals or humans have demonstrated fetal abnormalities and/or there is positive evidence of human fetal risk based on adverse reaction data from investigational or marketing experience, and the risks involved in use in pregnant women clearly outweigh potential benefits. |
| N | FDA has not classified the drug. |
| Controlled Substances Act (CSA) Schedule | |
|---|---|
| M | The drug has multiple schedules. The schedule may depend on the exact dosage form or strength of the medication. |
| U | CSA Schedule is unknown. |
| N | Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act. |
| 1 | Has a high potential for abuse. Has no currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. There is a lack of accepted safety for use under medical supervision. |
| 2 | Has a high potential for abuse. Has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States or a currently accepted medical use with severe restrictions. Abuse may lead to severe psychological or physical dependence. |
| 3 | Has a potential for abuse less than those in schedules 1 and 2. Has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. Abuse may lead to moderate or low physical dependence or high psychological dependence. |
| 4 | Has a low potential for abuse relative to those in schedule 3. It has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. Abuse may lead to limited physical dependence or psychological dependence relative to those in schedule 3. |
| 5 | Has a low potential for abuse relative to those in schedule 4. Has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. Abuse may lead to limited physical dependence or psychological dependence relative to those in schedule 4. |
### Browse treatment options
- [A](https://www.drugs.com/condition/a.html)
- [B](https://www.drugs.com/condition/b.html)
- [C](https://www.drugs.com/condition/c.html)
- [D](https://www.drugs.com/condition/d.html)
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- [F](https://www.drugs.com/condition/f.html)
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- [T](https://www.drugs.com/condition/t.html)
- [U](https://www.drugs.com/condition/u.html)
- [V](https://www.drugs.com/condition/v.html)
- [W](https://www.drugs.com/condition/w.html)
- [X](https://www.drugs.com/condition/x.html)
- [Y](https://www.drugs.com/condition/y.html)
- [Z](https://www.drugs.com/condition/z.html)
## Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
[Medical Disclaimer](https://www.drugs.com/support/disclaimer.html)
Latest FDA Approvals for Depression
- [Spravato](https://www.drugs.com/newdrugs/spravato-esketamine-approved-u-s-first-only-monotherapy-adults-resistant-depression-6440.html)
- [Abilify MyCite](https://www.drugs.com/newdrugs/fda-approves-abilify-mycite-aripiprazole-pill-sensor-digitally-track-if-patients-have-ingested-their-4632.html)
- [Trintellix](https://www.drugs.com/newdrugs/fda-approves-brintellix-major-depressive-disorder-3918.html)
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| Readable Markdown | Depression is a mood condition characterized by persistent and overwhelming feelings of sadness that can affect your day-to-day activities and how you think, feel, and behave. Sometimes it can affect your outlook on life and make you feel that life isn’t worth living. Depression may also be called major depressive disorder or clinical depression.
## What Causes Depression?
Experts aren’t exactly sure what causes depression but believe it is due to a combination of different factors, such as genetic vulnerability, faulty mood regulation by the brain, stress, chemicals in the brain, medications, or medical problems, that all interact together to bring on depression.
The risk of developing depression is higher in women and people:
- Aged 45 to 64 years of age or the elderly
- With chronic or acute health conditions
- Who are undergoing a major life event, such as a job loss, divorce, workplace stress, or physical or mental abuse
- With severe grief due to the death of a loved one
- Taking prescription drugs that may cause a low mood
- Abusing alcohol or drugs.
## What are the Symptoms of Depression?
Depression is not just feeling blue occasionally. It affects daily feelings, thoughts, and actions over a longer period. (MDD), can result in difficulties with family life, work, and social activities.
Symptoms may vary depending on how severe a person’s depression is but may include:
- A prolonged and persistent low mood, tearfulness, or a sense of hopelessness that has lasted for at least 2 weeks
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Agitation or restlessness
- Avoidance or refusal to participate in activities that were previously enjoyed
- Withdrawal socially, from family, friends, and relationships
- Changes in sleeping or eating habits
- Unexplained physical problems, such as back pain or headaches
- Alcohol, drug, or substance abuse
- Engaging in risky or destructive behaviors
- Self-harm or attempts at suicide.
In children and teens, symptoms may include clinginess, worry, aches and pain, and refusal to go to school.
In older adults, symptoms may be less obvious and include memory difficulties or personality changes, physical aches and pains, and fatigue.
## How is Depression Diagnosed?
If your mood has been low for a while and you are having difficulty coping with day to day activities, talk to your doctor or a trusted professional. Your doctor will ask you questions about your symptoms and your medical history and may ask you to complete a questionnaire that may help to diagnose depression or refer you to a psychiatrist.
You can also call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or have an online chat (http://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/). All information is confidential and free.
## How is Depression Treated?
Depression is treatable with high rates of success. Treatments may include:
- Psychotherapy
- Antidepressants, such as Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), Serotonin Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs), tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).
Responses to antidepressants vary, and most antidepressants take 4 to 6 weeks for full effect. About 50% of patients respond to the first treatment, whereas others may have to try a few different types of antidepressants before they find the best one for them.
There are several things you can do to help with your symptoms as well, such as:
- Setting realistic and daily goals
- Developing strategies to work through crises situations
- Developing coping and problem-solving skills
- Learning how to develop positive relationships
- Replacing negative thoughts with positive ones.
## Drugs used to treat Depression
The medications listed below are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.
| [Drug name](https://www.drugs.com/condition/depression.html?sort=drug&order=asc) | [Rating](https://www.drugs.com/condition/depression.html?sort=rating&order=desc) | [Reviews](https://www.drugs.com/condition/depression.html?sort=reviews&order=desc) | [Activity](https://www.drugs.com/condition/depression.html?sort=popularity&order=asc) [ďż˝](https://www.drugs.com/condition/depression.html#medication-table-activity) | Rx/OTC | Pregnancy | CSA | Alcohol |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| [bupropion](https://www.drugs.com/bupropion.html) | | | | | | | |
- 1
- [2](https://www.drugs.com/condition/depression.html?page_number=2)
- [3](https://www.drugs.com/condition/depression.html?page_number=3)
- [4](https://www.drugs.com/condition/depression.html?page_number=4)
- [**Next**](https://www.drugs.com/condition/depression.html?page_number=2)
- [View all results on one page](https://www.drugs.com/condition/depression.html?page_all=1)
## Frequently asked questions
- [How to sleep while taking Cymbalta?](https://www.drugs.com/medical-answers/sleep-taking-cymbalta-3565234/)
- [What is Exxua?](https://www.drugs.com/medical-answers/what-exxua-3574145/)
- [Can depression cause headaches?](https://www.drugs.com/medical-answers/depression-headaches-3557778/)
- [SSRIs vs SNRIs - What's the difference between them?](https://www.drugs.com/medical-answers/difference-between-ssris-snris-3504539/)
- [How long do venlafaxine withdrawal symptoms last?](https://www.drugs.com/medical-answers/long-venlafaxine-withdrawal-symptoms-3573466/)
- [How long does Xanax last for / stay in your system?](https://www.drugs.com/medical-answers/long-xanax-3510962/)
- [What does Prozac feel like when it starts working?](https://www.drugs.com/medical-answers/prozac-feel-starts-working-3571159/)
- [Klonopin vs Xanax - How are they different?](https://www.drugs.com/medical-answers/klonopin-vs-xanax-3030557/)
- [How long does Zoloft (sertraline) take to work?](https://www.drugs.com/medical-answers/long-zoloft-sertraline-work-3565128/)
[View more FAQ](https://www.drugs.com/answers/support-group/depression/questions/?status=faq)
## Topics under Depression
- [Depressive Psychosis](https://www.drugs.com/condition/depressive-psychosis.html) (2 drugs)
- [Major Depressive Disorder](https://www.drugs.com/condition/major-depressive-disorder.html) (60 drugs)
- [Major Depressive Disorder with Acute Suicidal Ideation](https://www.drugs.com/condition/depressive-disorder-other.html) (1 drug)
- [Persistent Depressive Disorder](https://www.drugs.com/condition/dysthymia.html) (10 drugs in 2 topics)
- [Postpartum Depression](https://www.drugs.com/condition/postpartum-depression.html) (14 drugs)
- [Seasonal Affective Disorder](https://www.drugs.com/condition/seasonal-affective-disorder.html) (2 drugs)
- [Sexual Dysfunction, SSRI Induced](https://www.drugs.com/condition/sexual-dysfunction-ssri-induced.html) (6 drugs)
## Alternative treatments for Depression
The following products are considered to be alternative treatments or natural remedies for Depression. Their efficacy may not have been scientifically tested to the same degree as the drugs listed in the table above. However, there may be historical, cultural or anecdotal evidence linking their use to the treatment of Depression.
- [5-HTP Mood and Stress](https://www.drugs.com/mtm/5-htp-mood-and-stress.html)
- [Gotu kola](https://www.drugs.com/mtm/gotu-kola.html)
- [Natrol SAMe](https://www.drugs.com/mtm/natrol-same.html)
- [St. John's wort](https://www.drugs.com/mtm/st-john-s-wort.html)
- [Tryptophan](https://www.drugs.com/tryptophan.html)
- [Valerian](https://www.drugs.com/mtm/valerian.html)
#### Legend
| | |
|---|---|
| Rating | For ratings, users were asked how effective they found the medicine while considering positive/adverse effects and ease of use (1 = not effective, 10 = most effective). |
| Activity | Activity is based on recent site visitor activity relative to other medications in the list. |
| Rx | Available for purchase by prescription only. |
| OTC | Available for purchase over-the-counter. |
| Rx/OTC | Available for purchase by prescription or over-the-counter. |
| Alcohol | The medication interacts with alcohol (if marked with "âś•"). |
| New approval | The FDA has approved this medication within the past year. |
| Off-label | The FDA may not approve this medication for the treatment of this condition. |
| EUA | An Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) allows the FDA to authorize unapproved medical products or unapproved uses of approved medical products to be used in a declared public health emergency when there are no adequate, approved, and available alternatives. |
| Expanded access | Expanded access is a potential pathway for a patient with a serious or immediately life-threatening disease or condition to gain access to an investigational medical product (drug, biologic, or medical device) for treatment outside of clinical trials when no comparable or satisfactory alternative therapy options are available. |
| Pregnancy Category | |
|---|---|
| A | Adequate and well-controlled studies have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus in the first trimester of pregnancy (and there is no evidence of risk in later trimesters). |
| B | Animal reproduction studies have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. |
| C | Animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use in pregnant women despite potential risks. |
| D | There is positive evidence of human fetal risk based on adverse reaction data from investigational or marketing experience or studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use in pregnant women despite potential risks. |
| âś• | Studies in animals or humans have demonstrated fetal abnormalities and/or there is positive evidence of human fetal risk based on adverse reaction data from investigational or marketing experience, and the risks involved in use in pregnant women clearly outweigh potential benefits. |
| N | FDA has not classified the drug. |
| Controlled Substances Act (CSA) Schedule | |
|---|---|
| M | The drug has multiple schedules. The schedule may depend on the exact dosage form or strength of the medication. |
| U | CSA Schedule is unknown. |
| N | Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act. |
| 1 | Has a high potential for abuse. Has no currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. There is a lack of accepted safety for use under medical supervision. |
| 2 | Has a high potential for abuse. Has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States or a currently accepted medical use with severe restrictions. Abuse may lead to severe psychological or physical dependence. |
| 3 | Has a potential for abuse less than those in schedules 1 and 2. Has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. Abuse may lead to moderate or low physical dependence or high psychological dependence. |
| 4 | Has a low potential for abuse relative to those in schedule 3. It has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. Abuse may lead to limited physical dependence or psychological dependence relative to those in schedule 3. |
| 5 | Has a low potential for abuse relative to those in schedule 4. Has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. Abuse may lead to limited physical dependence or psychological dependence relative to those in schedule 4. |
### Browse treatment options
- [A](https://www.drugs.com/condition/a.html)
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- [V](https://www.drugs.com/condition/v.html)
- [W](https://www.drugs.com/condition/w.html)
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- [Z](https://www.drugs.com/condition/z.html)
## Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
[Medical Disclaimer](https://www.drugs.com/support/disclaimer.html) |
| Shard | 131 (laksa) |
| Root Hash | 1816286668162245731 |
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