🕷️ Crawler Inspector

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Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 79 (from laksa160)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa079.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.forhers.com/blog/full-list-antidepressants-ssri-snri\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.forhers.com/blog/full-list-antidepressants-ssri-snri\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/blog\/full-list-antidepressants-ssri-snri","crawl_time":1775551644,"first_indexed_time":1650991529,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"com,forhers!www,\/blog\/full-list-antidepressants-ssri-snri s443","src_root_hash":"14475777380408463279","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"Full Antidepressants List: SSRIs, SNRIs, TCAs & Others | Take Care by Hers","meta_descriptions":["There are so many types of antidepressants that it can be hard to understand the differences. Luckily, our antidepressant list can help you make decisions."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"Antidepressants: the most common prescription medication among cool people like artists, fictional type As, film protagonists and yourself. \nIf you’ve been diagnosed with depression, your healthcare provider may have suggested antidepressant medication to relieve symptoms like sadness, emptiness, insomnia, fatigue and more. \nAntidepressants work by\nchanging\nthe balance of certain neurotransmitters in your brain, but which ones they affect and how they affect them varies from one antidepressant to another — and there are many different classes of antidepressants.\nYou’re almost certain to be overwhelmed by the variety (we often are), and for people navigating the management of a depressive disorder, it can be quite difficult to sort through the effects, side effects and performance of these drugs.\nHelp is on the way. To make it easier to understand this wide world of treatments, we’ve covered the most common types of antidepressants below, including:\nSelective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)\nSerotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)\nTricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)\nTetracyclic antidepressants (TeCAs)\nMonoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)\nOthers that don’t fit into the above categories\nWe’ve included information about popular brand names, the conditions for which each medication is typically prescribed, the potential side effects and the amount of time it may take for each antidepressant to start providing relief.\nSo let’s jump right into our list of antidepressants, starting with the most common antidepressants on the market today: SSRIs.\nSelective serotonin reuptake inhibitors\n, or SSRIs, are indeed the\nmost common type\nof antidepressant prescribed in the United States, and they have been ranked number one for several decades.\nFirst developed in the 1970s, SSRIs are so popular because they’re generally effective and have fewer drug interactions, safety issues and side effects than older antidepressants. Because of this, it’s common for healthcare professionals to use SSRIs as\nfirst-line treatments for depression\n. \nSome SSRIs\nare also prescribed to treat mental health issues like anxiety disorders and other mood disorders.\nSerotonin regulates certain aspects of your mood, including feelings of happiness, and SSRIs increase the amount of serotonin in your brain by\nblocking your brain cells\nfrom reabsorbing (or reuptaking) existing serotonin. Most of the time, SSRIs produce a\nnoticeable improvement\nin people affected by depression within about two to four weeks.\nIf you’ve recently been\ndiagnosed\nwith a form of\ndepression\n, it’s very likely that your healthcare provider will discuss using an SSRI first. \nSSRIs may cause certain side effects — for more on this check out our complete guide to the\nside effects of SSRIs\n.\nNow, onto the list. \nList of SSRIs\nCurrently, several different SSRI antidepressants are used to treat depression,\nanxiety disorders\nand other conditions. They include: \nCitalopram (Celexa\n®\n)\nis an SSRI used to treat depression. It was first approved in 1998 by the FDA.\nCitalopram\nis one of the most commonly prescribed medications in the United States. \nEscitalopram (Lexapro\n®\n)\nis\nused\nto treat depression and generalized anxiety disorder in adults. It was approved by the FDA as a treatment for major depressive disorder (MDD) in 2002 and later as a treatment for generalized anxiety disorder. As with many other SSRIs,\nescitalopram\nis one of the most commonly prescribed medications in the United States.\nFluoxetine (Prozac\n®\n)\nis\nused\nto treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD),\npanic disorder\nand bulimia nervosa (an eating disorder). It’s also used in combination with other medications to treat depressive episodes in people with bipolar disorder and treatment-resistant depression. Under the brand name Prozac,\nfluoxetine\nwas the first SSRI to receive approval from the FDA in the United States, in 1987. Today, it remains one of the most widely prescribed medications in the United States.\nFluvoxamine (Luvox\n®\n)\nis slightly\ndifferent\nfrom other SSRIs, which are primarily used to treat depression. Instead, fluvoxamine is typically prescribed to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder. Fluvoxamine may also be prescribed to treat certain anxiety disorders, such as social anxiety disorder, and can be prescribed as an off-label medication to treat depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).\nParoxetine (Paxil\n®\n)\nis\nused\nto treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, PTSD and several anxiety disorders, including social anxiety disorder (SAD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and panic disorder. It may also be prescribed off-label for premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).\nParoxetine\nwas approved by the FDA in 2001. As with other SSRIs, it’s a common medication that’s one of the most widely used prescription drugs in the country. \nSertraline (Zoloft\n®\n)\nis\nused\nto treat depression, OCD, PTSD, premenstrual dysphoric disorder and anxiety disorders such as social anxiety disorder and panic disorder. It’s also occasionally prescribed off-label to treat premature ejaculation (PE).\nSertraline\nwas first approved by the FDA for use as a treatment for depression in 1991. As of 2018, not only was sertraline the most commonly prescribed SSRI antidepressant, but it was also the\nmost widely used psychiatric medication\nin the United States. \nVilazodone (Viibryd\n®\n)\nis a slightly newer medication\nused\nto treat depression. Because it’s only been around for a relatively short amount of time (it was approved in 2011), vilazodone is less widely used for treating depression than other SSRIs.\nVortioxetine (Trintellix\n®\n)\ngained\nits FDA approval\nin 2013. Because Trintellix is a newer SSRI on the market, it's not available as an affordable generic, and so it's not yet considered a first-line treatment.\nSerotonin–norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, or SNRIs, are a common type of antidepressant used to treat depression, as well as some anxiety and nerve pain disorders.\nSNRIs work similarly to SSRIs by blocking the reabsorption of serotonin to increase the level of this neurotransmitter that’s active in your brain and body. But they perform a sort of dual function by also blocking the reabsorption of a different neurotransmitter — norepinephrine.\nLow levels of norepinephrine have been closely linked to depression symptoms like difficulty concentrating, lethargy and issues related to your sleep-wake cycle. Despite their dual action, SNRIs have not been shown to be substantially superior to SSRIs. Nevertheless, some people who don’t respond to an SSRI will do well on an SNRI.\nSNRI drugs are widely prescribed throughout the United States to treat depression accompanied by chronic pain. Like SSRIs, the side effects of SNRIs are generally mild and often disappear after several weeks of use.\nList of SNRIs\nNumerous SNRI antidepressants are currently\nprescribed to treat depression\n, as well as other mood disorders. They include:\nDesvenlafaxine (Pristiq\n®\n) has been\nused\nas a treatment for depression since its approval in 2008. It may also be prescribed off-label to treat certain symptoms in menopausal women, such as hot flashes.\nDuloxetine (Cymbalta\n®\n)\nis\nprescribed\nto treat depression and generalized anxiety disorder. Duloxetine has become one of the most widely prescribed medications in the United States since it was approved by the FDA in 2004. It’s also approved by the FDA for the treatment of fibromyalgia, chronic musculoskeletal pain and diabetic peripheral neuropathy.\nLevomilnacipran (Fetzima\n®\n) is a relatively new medication\nused\nto treat depression. It was first approved by the FDA in 2009. \nVenlafaxine (Effexor\n®\n)\nis prescribed to treat depression and — in its extended-release form — is also used to treat anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder and panic disorder. Venlafaxine may be used off-label to treat other conditions such as diabetic neuropathy, fibromyalgia, complex pain syndromes and premenstrual dysphoric disorder, and as a preventive medication for migraines.\nTricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs)\nTricyclic antidepressants, or TCAs, are an\nolder class of antidepressants\n. They first came onto the market in the mid-20th century as treatments for depression and\ncertain anxiety and pain disorders\n.\nTCAs increase the amounts of serotonin and norepinephrine in your brain, and are about equally as effective as SSRIs. However, they’re used much less commonly these days due to their higher risk of side effects and drug interactions.\nTricyclic antidepressants are occasionally\nused\nas second-line antidepressants when newer treatments such as SSRIs or SNRIs don’t work or cause unwanted side effects. \nSince some tricyclic antidepressant drugs have sedating effects, they may be used in very low doses off-label as sleep aids for people who struggle with insomnia.\nIf you’re prescribed a tricyclic antidepressant, it’s important to be aware of the side effects of antidepressants in this class, as well as their potential drug interactions — check out our complete guide to\ndepression medications\nfor more on using them safely.\nList of Tricyclic Antidepressants\nCurrently, a variety of\ntricyclic antidepressants\nare used to treat depression, anxiety disorders and other conditions. They include: \nAmitriptyline (Elavil\n®\n) is FDA-approved for the treatment of depression in adults. Off-label, it may be prescribed to treat everything from sleep disorders to chronic pain to PTSD.\nDesipramine\n(Norpramin\n®\n) is prescribed to treat depression. Desipramine is slightly less likely to cause certain side effects compared to other tricyclic antidepressants. It may also be prescribed off-label to treat neuropathic pain, bulimia nervosa, irritable bowel syndrome and several other conditions.\nDoxepin is prescribed to treat depression and certain forms of anxiety. It may also be used off-label to treat other conditions, such as migraines and neuropathic pain. At a much lower dose, doxepin is approved for use as a sleeping pill sold under the\nbrand name\nSilenor\n®\n. It was once sold as Sinequan\n®\n, but this was discontinued.\nImipramine (Tofranil\n®\n) is\nused\nas a treatment for depression and, occasionally, as a second-line medication to treat depression with\nmelancholic\nand atypical features. It can also be used to treat bedwetting in children, and may be used off-label for panic disorder and neuropathic pain. \nNortriptyline\n(Pamelor\n®\n) is\nanother\nTCA used to treat depression, but is also\nprescribed off-label\nfor chronic pain, myofascial pain, orofacial pain, diabetic neuropathy and postherpetic neuralgia (a potential complication of shingles).\nProtriptyline treats depression, and is\nalso used to treat\ncertain forms of anxiety, as well as headaches and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Protriptyline may also be prescribed off-label for treatment-resistant depression,\nsleep apnea\n, cocaine dependence, as a local anesthetic and as a support medication for people trying to quit smoking. It was previously sold under the brand name Vivactil\n®\n, but this has since been discontinued. \nTetracyclic antidepressants (TeCAs) are another older class of antidepressants. They were introduced in the 1970s and 1980s and work similarly to tricyclic antidepressants. \nLike other antidepressants, tetracyclic antidepressants work by increasing the levels of certain neurotransmitters (including serotonin and norepinephrine) affected in people with depression or anxiety disorders.\nWhile they’re less commonly used for depression than newer antidepressants such as SSRIs and SNRIs, some tetracyclic antidepressants are used to treat people who have depression at the same time as issues such as anxiety or difficulty sleeping. \nMirtazapine (Remeron\n®\n)\nMirtazapine (Remeron\n®\n) is a TeCA used to treat depression. It’s also used off-label as a treatment for headaches and migraines, insomnia and anxiety disorders. \nRx Available\nFeeling better is possible\nMonoamine oxidase inhibitors, or MAOIs, are another older class of antidepressants first introduced in the 1950s.\nMAOIs work by blocking the enzyme monoamine oxidase, which breaks down neurotransmitters such as serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine and tyramine. By stopping these chemicals from being broken down, MAOIs help to increase neurotransmitter levels in the brain — it’s basically like unplugging a Roomba and letting the dust collect, except the dust is crucial neurotransmitters that you need for better mental health.\nAlthough MAOIs are effective, they have a considerable risk of interacting with other medications and with certain foods — foods that contain tyramine, for example, can potentially cause a sudden, life-threatening increase in blood pressure when mixed with MAOIs.\nBecause of this, people who use MAOIs need to carefully monitor not just their use of different medications, but also their diet. That’s one of the main reasons that MAOIs are rarely used today except in certain circumstances, such as when other medications for depression aren’t effective.\nList of Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors\nMAOIs\nprescribed to treat certain forms of depression include the following:\nPhenelzine (Nardil\n®\n) is prescribed to treat depression, treatment-resistant depression, social anxiety disorder and certain anxiety disorders, such as panic disorder and social anxiety disorder.\nIsocarboxazid (Marplan\n®\n) is used to treat depression in people who haven’t shown improvement with other antidepressants.\nSelegiline (Emsam\n®\n) is a transdermal patch prescribed to treat depression. It’s also sold in pill form — under brand names Eldepryl\n®\nand Zelapar\n®\n— as a combination therapy with the drugs levodopa and carbidopa to help people manage symptoms of Parkinson's disease.\nTranylcypromine (Parnate\n®\n) is prescribed for treatment-resistant depression and may also be used off-label for treatment-resistant anxiety disorders, including social anxiety disorder and panic disorder.\nAs much as we’d like to keep this list neat and tidy, some antidepressants don’t fit clearly into the drug classes listed above. \nMedications like this may be referred to as “atypical” antidepressants and include:\nBupropion (generic for Wellbutrin XL\n®\n)\nis an atypical antidepressant often used to treat depression and seasonal affective disorder. It’s also approved for smoking cessation under the brand name Zyban\n®\n. In some cases,\nbupropion\nmay be used off-label to treat sexual dysfunction caused by other antidepressants. Unlike SSRIs and SNRIs, bupropion doesn’t increase serotonin, so it doesn’t have the side effects, like sexual dysfunction, caused by excessive serotonin. It primarily boosts the neurotransmitter dopamine, which can lead to more energy, motivation, and interest. The disadvantage is that it doesn’t treat anxiety. Check out our\nbupropion side effect guide\nfor more on that use and other quirks of this medication.\nTrazodone, sold under the brand name Desyrel\n®\n, is rarely used to treat MDD. Trazodone is most often prescribed off-label to help people with insomnia.\nEsketamine (Spravato\n®\n) is a nasal spray antidepressant with limited approval by the FDA for treatment-resistant depression and MDD in adults. \nSome atypical antidepressants, such as nefazodone, opipramol, agomelatine and others, may be used to treat certain forms of depression but are either discontinued or not approved in the United States.\nThe reality of medicine in the modern era is that while it’s helpful to know everything we’ve shared with you here, you don’t need to memorize all of these facts before accepting a prescription for a new antidepressant. \nA healthcare professional will be able to help you navigate questions and concerns and, if necessary, manage any side effects. \nWhether you’re about to start a new medication or just beginning your depression treatment journey, what’s important for you now is to talk to someone about what you’re dealing with.\nThe major takeaways that will help you speed up the process are:\nThere are many different types of antidepressants on the market today, and each one may help different people in different ways.\nOlder medications tend to cause more side effects for the average user, but may also offer benefits if first line medications like SSRIs don’t work for you.\nSide effects from all antidepressants can affect anyone, so if you’re struggling with anything from (mild) dry mouth to (serious) suicidal thoughts, talk to your healthcare provider immediately.\nIf you’re feeling depressed, it’s essential that you get the help you need. Our mental health resources provide effective strategies from licensed therapists that you can use to understand, recognize and help alleviate the symptoms of depression and anxiety.\nIf you’d like to talk to a professional, you can also talk to a licensed psychiatry provider via our online therapy. You’ll receive a personalized treatment plan and, if appropriate, receive\ndepression medication online\nto help you treat your symptoms and take control of your mental health.\nRelated Drug Comparisons\nAdderall vs. Lexapro\nCymbalta vs. Prozac\nBuspirone vs. Xanax\nCymbalta vs. Zoloft\nCymbalta vs. Lexapro\nLexapro vs. Prozac\nLexapro vs. Wellbutrin\nLexapro vs. Zoloft\nProzac vs. Zoloft\nSertraline vs. Zoloft\n12 Sources\nHims & Hers has strict sourcing guidelines to ensure our content is accurate and current. We rely on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We strive to use primary sources and refrain from using tertiary references.\nFayez R, Gupta V. Imipramine.\n[Updated 2022 Jul 16]\n. In: StatPearls\n[Internet]\n. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from:\nhttps:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK557656\/\n. \nSaef MA, Yilanli M, Saadabadi A. Protriptyline.\n[Updated 2022 Aug 8]\n. In: StatPearls\n[Internet]\n. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from:\nhttps:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK499828\/\n. \nMerwar G, Gibbons JR, Hosseini SA, et al. Nortriptyline.\n[Updated 2023 Feb 12]\n. In: StatPearls\n[Internet]\n. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from:\nhttps:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK482214\/\n. \nMoraczewski J, Aedma KK. Tricyclic Antidepressants.\n[Updated 2022 Nov 21]\n. In: StatPearls\n[Internet]\n. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from:\nhttps:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK557791\/\n. \nThour A, Marwaha R. Amitriptyline.\n[Updated 2023 Feb 16]\n. In: StatPearls\n[Internet]\n. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from:\nhttps:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK537225\/\n. \nChu A, Wadhwa R. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors.\n[Updated 2023 Feb 12]\n. In: StatPearls\n[Internet]\n. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from:\nhttps:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK554406\/\n. \nHighlights of prescribing information symptoms associated with ... (n.d.-b).\nhttps:\/\/www.accessdata.fda.gov\/drugsatfda_docs\/label\/2008\/022235lbl.pdf\n.\nSussex Publishers. (n.d.). Number One reason ssris take four to six weeks to work. Psychology Today.\nhttps:\/\/www.psychologytoday.com\/intl\/blog\/the-superhuman-mind\/201702\/number-one-reason-ssris-take-four-six-weeks-work\n.\nCenter for Drug Evaluation and Research. (n.d.). Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (ssris) information. U.S. Food and Drug Administration.\nhttps:\/\/www.fda.gov\/drugs\/information-drug-class\/selective-serotonin-reuptake-inhibitors-ssris-information\n. \nU.S. National Library of Medicine. (n.d.-c). Commonly prescribed antidepressants and how they work | NIH MedlinePlus Magazine. MedlinePlus.\nhttps:\/\/magazine.medlineplus.gov\/article\/commonly-prescribed-antidepressants-and-how-they-work\n.\nU.S. National Library of Medicine. (n.d.-a). Antidepressants. MedlinePlus.\nhttps:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/antidepressants.html\n. \nPamelor - Food and Drug Administration. (n.d.-d).\nhttps:\/\/www.accessdata.fda.gov\/drugsatfda_docs\/label\/2019\/018013s064lbl.pdf\n.","attrs_markdown":"- [All](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/blog)\n- [Weight Loss](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/blog\/weight-loss)\n- [Menopause](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/blog\/menopause)\n- [Mental Health](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/blog\/mental-health)\n- [Hair](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/blog\/hair)\n- [Skin](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/blog\/skin)\n- [News](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/blog\/news)\n\nContent\n\n1. [Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/blog\/full-list-antidepressants-ssri-snri#selective-serotonin-reuptake-inhibitors-ssris)\n2. [Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/blog\/full-list-antidepressants-ssri-snri#serotonin-norepinephrine-reuptake-inhibitors-snris)\n3. [Tetracyclic Antidepressants (TeCAs)](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/blog\/full-list-antidepressants-ssri-snri#tetracyclic-antidepressants-te-cas)\n4. [Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/blog\/full-list-antidepressants-ssri-snri#monoamine-oxidase-inhibitors-maois)\n5. [Other Antidepressants](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/blog\/full-list-antidepressants-ssri-snri#other-antidepressants)\n6. [Antidepressants List: Which Is Right for Me?](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/blog\/full-list-antidepressants-ssri-snri#antidepressants-list-which-is-right-for-me)\n\n**Free** Mental Health Assessment\n\n[Start here](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/c\/mh)\n\n1. [Home](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/blog)\n2. [Mental Health](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/blog\/mental-health)\n3. Full Antidepressants List: SSRIs, SNRIs, TCAs & Others\n# Full Antidepressants List: SSRIs, SNRIs, TCAs & Others\n\n![Daniel Lieberman](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/forhims\/image\/upload\/q_auto,f_auto,fl_lossy,c_limit\/v1688394130\/Hims\/Other\/medical-experts\/executive-team\/updates\/HH-Advisor-DanielLieberman-d)\n\nReviewed by [Daniel Z. Lieberman, MD](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/medical-experts\/daniel-lieberman-dr)\n\nWritten by [Geoffrey Whittaker](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/authors\/geoffrey-c-whittaker)\n\nPublished 04\/22\/2022\n\nUpdated 11\/15\/2023\n\nAntidepressants: the most common prescription medication among cool people like artists, fictional type As, film protagonists and yourself.\n\nIf you’ve been diagnosed with depression, your healthcare provider may have suggested antidepressant medication to relieve symptoms like sadness, emptiness, insomnia, fatigue and more.\n\nAntidepressants work by [changing](https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/antidepressants.html) the balance of certain neurotransmitters in your brain, but which ones they affect and how they affect them varies from one antidepressant to another — and there are many different classes of antidepressants.\n\nYou’re almost certain to be overwhelmed by the variety (we often are), and for people navigating the management of a depressive disorder, it can be quite difficult to sort through the effects, side effects and performance of these drugs.\n\nHelp is on the way. To make it easier to understand this wide world of treatments, we’ve covered the most common types of antidepressants below, including:\n\n- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)\n- Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)\n- Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)\n- Tetracyclic antidepressants (TeCAs)\n- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)\n- Others that don’t fit into the above categories\n\nWe’ve included information about popular brand names, the conditions for which each medication is typically prescribed, the potential side effects and the amount of time it may take for each antidepressant to start providing relief.\n\nSo let’s jump right into our list of antidepressants, starting with the most common antidepressants on the market today: SSRIs.\n\nContent\n\n1. [Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/blog\/full-list-antidepressants-ssri-snri#selective-serotonin-reuptake-inhibitors-ssris)\n2. [Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/blog\/full-list-antidepressants-ssri-snri#serotonin-norepinephrine-reuptake-inhibitors-snris)\n3. [Tetracyclic Antidepressants (TeCAs)](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/blog\/full-list-antidepressants-ssri-snri#tetracyclic-antidepressants-te-cas)\n4. [Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/blog\/full-list-antidepressants-ssri-snri#monoamine-oxidase-inhibitors-maois)\n5. [Other Antidepressants](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/blog\/full-list-antidepressants-ssri-snri#other-antidepressants)\n6. [Antidepressants List: Which Is Right for Me?](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/blog\/full-list-antidepressants-ssri-snri#antidepressants-list-which-is-right-for-me)\n\n[**Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)**](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/blog\/full-list-antidepressants-ssri-snri#selective-serotonin-reuptake-inhibitors-ssris)\n\nCopy Link\n\n[Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/blog\/ssri-drugs-overview-types), or SSRIs, are indeed the [most common type](https:\/\/magazine.medlineplus.gov\/article\/commonly-prescribed-antidepressants-and-how-they-work) of antidepressant prescribed in the United States, and they have been ranked number one for several decades.\n\nFirst developed in the 1970s, SSRIs are so popular because they’re generally effective and have fewer drug interactions, safety issues and side effects than older antidepressants. Because of this, it’s common for healthcare professionals to use SSRIs as [first-line treatments for depression](https:\/\/www.aafp.org\/afp\/2010\/0515\/p1205.html).\n\n[Some SSRIs](https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/drugs\/information-drug-class\/selective-serotonin-reuptake-inhibitors-ssris-information) are also prescribed to treat mental health issues like anxiety disorders and other mood disorders.\n\nSerotonin regulates certain aspects of your mood, including feelings of happiness, and SSRIs increase the amount of serotonin in your brain by [blocking your brain cells](https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK554406\/) from reabsorbing (or reuptaking) existing serotonin. Most of the time, SSRIs produce a [noticeable improvement](https:\/\/www.psychologytoday.com\/intl\/blog\/the-superhuman-mind\/201702\/number-one-reason-ssris-take-four-six-weeks-work) in people affected by depression within about two to four weeks.\n\nIf you’ve recently been [diagnosed](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/blog\/can-you-self-diagnose-depression) with a form of [depression](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/blog\/depression-types-symptoms-causes-more), it’s very likely that your healthcare provider will discuss using an SSRI first.\n\nSSRIs may cause certain side effects — for more on this check out our complete guide to the [side effects of SSRIs](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/blog\/side-effects-of-ssri).\n\nNow, onto the list.\n\n### **List of SSRIs**\nCurrently, several different SSRI antidepressants are used to treat depression, [anxiety disorders](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/blog\/anxiety-disorders-overview) and other conditions. They include:\n\n- [**Citalopram (Celexa**®**)**](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/psychiatry\/citalopram)is an SSRI used to treat depression. It was first approved in 1998 by the FDA. [Citalopram](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/blog\/what-is-celexa) is one of the most commonly prescribed medications in the United States.\n- [**Escitalopram (Lexapro**®**)**](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/psychiatry\/escitalopram) is [used](https:\/\/www.accessdata.fda.gov\/drugsatfda_docs\/label\/2020\/021323s052,021365s037lbl.pdf) to treat depression and generalized anxiety disorder in adults. It was approved by the FDA as a treatment for major depressive disorder (MDD) in 2002 and later as a treatment for generalized anxiety disorder. As with many other SSRIs, [escitalopram](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/blog\/lexapro-escitalopram-overview) is one of the most commonly prescribed medications in the United States.\n- [**Fluoxetine (Prozac**®**)**](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/psychiatry\/fluoxetine) is [used](https:\/\/www.accessdata.fda.gov\/drugsatfda_docs\/label\/2020\/018936s109lbl.pdf) to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), [panic disorder](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/blog\/what-is-panic-disorder) and bulimia nervosa (an eating disorder). It’s also used in combination with other medications to treat depressive episodes in people with bipolar disorder and treatment-resistant depression. Under the brand name Prozac, [fluoxetine](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/blog\/prozac-fluoxetine-overview) was the first SSRI to receive approval from the FDA in the United States, in 1987. Today, it remains one of the most widely prescribed medications in the United States.\n- **Fluvoxamine (Luvox**®**)** is slightly [different](https:\/\/www.accessdata.fda.gov\/drugsatfda_docs\/label\/2008\/022235lbl.pdf) from other SSRIs, which are primarily used to treat depression. Instead, fluvoxamine is typically prescribed to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder. Fluvoxamine may also be prescribed to treat certain anxiety disorders, such as social anxiety disorder, and can be prescribed as an off-label medication to treat depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).\n- [**Paroxetine (Paxil**®**)**](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/psychiatry\/paroxetine)is [used](https:\/\/www.accessdata.fda.gov\/drugsatfda_docs\/label\/2017\/020710s038lbl.pdf) to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, PTSD and several anxiety disorders, including social anxiety disorder (SAD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and panic disorder. It may also be prescribed off-label for premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). [Paroxetine](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/blog\/paxil-paroxetine-overview) was approved by the FDA in 2001. As with other SSRIs, it’s a common medication that’s one of the most widely used prescription drugs in the country.\n- [**Sertraline (Zoloft**®**)**](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/psychiatry\/sertraline) is [used](https:\/\/www.accessdata.fda.gov\/drugsatfda_docs\/label\/2017\/019839s091lbl.pdf) to treat depression, OCD, PTSD, premenstrual dysphoric disorder and anxiety disorders such as social anxiety disorder and panic disorder. It’s also occasionally prescribed off-label to treat premature ejaculation (PE). [Sertraline](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/blog\/zoloft-overview) was first approved by the FDA for use as a treatment for depression in 1991. As of 2018, not only was sertraline the most commonly prescribed SSRI antidepressant, but it was also the [most widely used psychiatric medication](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/blog\/sertraline-faqs-25-common-questions-answered) in the United States.\n- **Vilazodone (Viibryd**®**)** is a slightly newer medication [used](https:\/\/www.accessdata.fda.gov\/drugsatfda_docs\/label\/2020\/022567s021lbl.pdf) to treat depression. Because it’s only been around for a relatively short amount of time (it was approved in 2011), vilazodone is less widely used for treating depression than other SSRIs.\n- **Vortioxetine (Trintellix**®**)** gained [its FDA approval](https:\/\/www.accessdata.fda.gov\/drugsatfda_docs\/label\/2020\/204447s020lbl.pdf) in 2013. Because Trintellix is a newer SSRI on the market, it's not available as an affordable generic, and so it's not yet considered a first-line treatment.\n\n[Online Mental Health](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/psychiatry)\n\n#### More for your mind\n\nStart now\n\nLearn more\n\n![Hers medication bottle](https:\/\/cloudinary.forhims.com\/image\/upload\/v1722957748\/2024%20Blog%20CTA%20Updates\/Hers\/Mental%20Health\/Blog-Hers-CVRUpdate-MH-CTA-MoreForYourMind.png)\n\n[**Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)**](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/blog\/full-list-antidepressants-ssri-snri#serotonin-norepinephrine-reuptake-inhibitors-snris)\n\nCopy Link\n\nSerotonin–norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, or SNRIs, are a common type of antidepressant used to treat depression, as well as some anxiety and nerve pain disorders.\n\nSNRIs work similarly to SSRIs by blocking the reabsorption of serotonin to increase the level of this neurotransmitter that’s active in your brain and body. But they perform a sort of dual function by also blocking the reabsorption of a different neurotransmitter — norepinephrine.\n\nLow levels of norepinephrine have been closely linked to depression symptoms like difficulty concentrating, lethargy and issues related to your sleep-wake cycle. Despite their dual action, SNRIs have not been shown to be substantially superior to SSRIs. Nevertheless, some people who don’t respond to an SSRI will do well on an SNRI.\n\nSNRI drugs are widely prescribed throughout the United States to treat depression accompanied by chronic pain. Like SSRIs, the side effects of SNRIs are generally mild and often disappear after several weeks of use.\n\n### **List of SNRIs**\nNumerous SNRI antidepressants are currently [prescribed to treat depression](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/blog\/depression-medications), as well as other mood disorders. They include:\n\n- Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq®) has been [used](https:\/\/www.accessdata.fda.gov\/drugsatfda_docs\/label\/2018\/021992s042lbl.pdf) as a treatment for depression since its approval in 2008. It may also be prescribed off-label to treat certain symptoms in menopausal women, such as hot flashes.\n- [Duloxetine (Cymbalta®)](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/psychiatry\/duloxetine) is [prescribed](https:\/\/www.accessdata.fda.gov\/drugsatfda_docs\/label\/2020\/021427s053lbl.pdf) to treat depression and generalized anxiety disorder. Duloxetine has become one of the most widely prescribed medications in the United States since it was approved by the FDA in 2004. It’s also approved by the FDA for the treatment of fibromyalgia, chronic musculoskeletal pain and diabetic peripheral neuropathy.\n- Levomilnacipran (Fetzima®) is a relatively new medication [used](https:\/\/www.accessdata.fda.gov\/drugsatfda_docs\/label\/2019\/204168s006lbl.pdf) to treat depression. It was first approved by the FDA in 2009.\n- [Venlafaxine (Effexor®)](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/psychiatry\/venlafaxine) is prescribed to treat depression and — in its extended-release form — is also used to treat anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder and panic disorder. Venlafaxine may be used off-label to treat other conditions such as diabetic neuropathy, fibromyalgia, complex pain syndromes and premenstrual dysphoric disorder, and as a preventive medication for migraines.\n\n**Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs)**\n\nTricyclic antidepressants, or TCAs, are an [older class of antidepressants](https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK557791\/). They first came onto the market in the mid-20th century as treatments for depression and [certain anxiety and pain disorders](https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK537225\/).\n\nTCAs increase the amounts of serotonin and norepinephrine in your brain, and are about equally as effective as SSRIs. However, they’re used much less commonly these days due to their higher risk of side effects and drug interactions.\n\nTricyclic antidepressants are occasionally [used](https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK557791\/) as second-line antidepressants when newer treatments such as SSRIs or SNRIs don’t work or cause unwanted side effects.\n\nSince some tricyclic antidepressant drugs have sedating effects, they may be used in very low doses off-label as sleep aids for people who struggle with insomnia.\n\nIf you’re prescribed a tricyclic antidepressant, it’s important to be aware of the side effects of antidepressants in this class, as well as their potential drug interactions — check out our complete guide to [depression medications](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/blog\/depression-medications) for more on using them safely.\n\n### **List of Tricyclic Antidepressants**\nCurrently, a variety of [tricyclic antidepressants](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/blog\/tricyclic-antidepressants-guide) are used to treat depression, anxiety disorders and other conditions. They include:\n\n- Amitriptyline (Elavil®) is FDA-approved for the treatment of depression in adults. Off-label, it may be prescribed to treat everything from sleep disorders to chronic pain to PTSD.\n- [Desipramine](https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK470581\/) (Norpramin®) is prescribed to treat depression. Desipramine is slightly less likely to cause certain side effects compared to other tricyclic antidepressants. It may also be prescribed off-label to treat neuropathic pain, bulimia nervosa, irritable bowel syndrome and several other conditions.\n- Doxepin is prescribed to treat depression and certain forms of anxiety. It may also be used off-label to treat other conditions, such as migraines and neuropathic pain. At a much lower dose, doxepin is approved for use as a sleeping pill sold under the [brand name](https:\/\/www.accessdata.fda.gov\/drugsatfda_docs\/label\/2020\/022036s006lbl.pdf) Silenor®. It was once sold as Sinequan®, but this was discontinued.\n- Imipramine (Tofranil®) is [used](https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK557656\/) as a treatment for depression and, occasionally, as a second-line medication to treat depression with [melancholic](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/blog\/melancholic-depression) and atypical features. It can also be used to treat bedwetting in children, and may be used off-label for panic disorder and neuropathic pain.\n- [Nortriptyline](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/blog\/nortriptyline-for-depression) (Pamelor®) is [another](https:\/\/www.accessdata.fda.gov\/drugsatfda_docs\/label\/2019\/018013s064lbl.pdf) TCA used to treat depression, but is also [prescribed off-label](https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK482214\/) for chronic pain, myofascial pain, orofacial pain, diabetic neuropathy and postherpetic neuralgia (a potential complication of shingles).\n- Protriptyline treats depression, and is [also used to treat](https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK499828\/) certain forms of anxiety, as well as headaches and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Protriptyline may also be prescribed off-label for treatment-resistant depression, [sleep apnea](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/blog\/sleep-apnea-and-anxiety), cocaine dependence, as a local anesthetic and as a support medication for people trying to quit smoking. It was previously sold under the brand name Vivactil®, but this has since been discontinued.\n\n[**Tetracyclic Antidepressants (TeCAs)**](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/blog\/full-list-antidepressants-ssri-snri#tetracyclic-antidepressants-te-cas)\n\nCopy Link\n\nTetracyclic antidepressants (TeCAs) are another older class of antidepressants. They were introduced in the 1970s and 1980s and work similarly to tricyclic antidepressants.\n\nLike other antidepressants, tetracyclic antidepressants work by increasing the levels of certain neurotransmitters (including serotonin and norepinephrine) affected in people with depression or anxiety disorders.\n\nWhile they’re less commonly used for depression than newer antidepressants such as SSRIs and SNRIs, some tetracyclic antidepressants are used to treat people who have depression at the same time as issues such as anxiety or difficulty sleeping.\n\n### **Mirtazapine (Remeron**®**)**\nMirtazapine (Remeron®) is a TeCA used to treat depression. It’s also used off-label as a treatment for headaches and migraines, insomnia and anxiety disorders.\n\n[Rx Available](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/psychiatry)\n\n#### Feeling better is possible\n\nStart now\n\nLearn more\n\n![Woman with blonde hair smiling](https:\/\/cloudinary.forhims.com\/image\/upload\/v1722957747\/2024%20Blog%20CTA%20Updates\/Hers\/Mental%20Health\/Blog-Hers-CVRUpdate-MH-CTA-FeelingBetterIsPossible.png)\n\n[**Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)**](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/blog\/full-list-antidepressants-ssri-snri#monoamine-oxidase-inhibitors-maois)\n\nCopy Link\n\nMonoamine oxidase inhibitors, or MAOIs, are another older class of antidepressants first introduced in the 1950s.\n\nMAOIs work by blocking the enzyme monoamine oxidase, which breaks down neurotransmitters such as serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine and tyramine. By stopping these chemicals from being broken down, MAOIs help to increase neurotransmitter levels in the brain — it’s basically like unplugging a Roomba and letting the dust collect, except the dust is crucial neurotransmitters that you need for better mental health.\n\nAlthough MAOIs are effective, they have a considerable risk of interacting with other medications and with certain foods — foods that contain tyramine, for example, can potentially cause a sudden, life-threatening increase in blood pressure when mixed with MAOIs.\n\nBecause of this, people who use MAOIs need to carefully monitor not just their use of different medications, but also their diet. That’s one of the main reasons that MAOIs are rarely used today except in certain circumstances, such as when other medications for depression aren’t effective.\n\n### **List of Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors**\n[MAOIs](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/blog\/maoi-drugs) prescribed to treat certain forms of depression include the following:\n\n- Phenelzine (Nardil®) is prescribed to treat depression, treatment-resistant depression, social anxiety disorder and certain anxiety disorders, such as panic disorder and social anxiety disorder.\n- Isocarboxazid (Marplan®) is used to treat depression in people who haven’t shown improvement with other antidepressants.\n- Selegiline (Emsam®) is a transdermal patch prescribed to treat depression. It’s also sold in pill form — under brand names Eldepryl® and Zelapar® — as a combination therapy with the drugs levodopa and carbidopa to help people manage symptoms of Parkinson's disease.\n- Tranylcypromine (Parnate®) is prescribed for treatment-resistant depression and may also be used off-label for treatment-resistant anxiety disorders, including social anxiety disorder and panic disorder.\n\n[**Other Antidepressants**](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/blog\/full-list-antidepressants-ssri-snri#other-antidepressants)\n\nCopy Link\n\nAs much as we’d like to keep this list neat and tidy, some antidepressants don’t fit clearly into the drug classes listed above.\n\nMedications like this may be referred to as “atypical” antidepressants and include:\n\n- [Bupropion (generic for Wellbutrin XL®)](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/psychiatry\/bupropion) is an atypical antidepressant often used to treat depression and seasonal affective disorder. It’s also approved for smoking cessation under the brand name Zyban®. In some cases, [bupropion](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/drugs\/info\/buproprion) may be used off-label to treat sexual dysfunction caused by other antidepressants. Unlike SSRIs and SNRIs, bupropion doesn’t increase serotonin, so it doesn’t have the side effects, like sexual dysfunction, caused by excessive serotonin. It primarily boosts the neurotransmitter dopamine, which can lead to more energy, motivation, and interest. The disadvantage is that it doesn’t treat anxiety. Check out our [bupropion side effect guide](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/blog\/bupropion-side-effects) for more on that use and other quirks of this medication.\n- Trazodone, sold under the brand name Desyrel®, is rarely used to treat MDD. Trazodone is most often prescribed off-label to help people with insomnia.\n- Esketamine (Spravato®) is a nasal spray antidepressant with limited approval by the FDA for treatment-resistant depression and MDD in adults.\n- Some atypical antidepressants, such as nefazodone, opipramol, agomelatine and others, may be used to treat certain forms of depression but are either discontinued or not approved in the United States.\n\n[Mental Health Treatment](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/psychiatry)\n\n#### Feel-good results\n\nStart now\n\nLearn more\n\n[**Antidepressants List: Which Is Right for Me?**](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/blog\/full-list-antidepressants-ssri-snri#antidepressants-list-which-is-right-for-me)\n\nCopy Link\n\nThe reality of medicine in the modern era is that while it’s helpful to know everything we’ve shared with you here, you don’t need to memorize all of these facts before accepting a prescription for a new antidepressant.\n\nA healthcare professional will be able to help you navigate questions and concerns and, if necessary, manage any side effects.\n\nWhether you’re about to start a new medication or just beginning your depression treatment journey, what’s important for you now is to talk to someone about what you’re dealing with.\n\nThe major takeaways that will help you speed up the process are:\n\n- There are many different types of antidepressants on the market today, and each one may help different people in different ways.\n- Older medications tend to cause more side effects for the average user, but may also offer benefits if first line medications like SSRIs don’t work for you.\n- Side effects from all antidepressants can affect anyone, so if you’re struggling with anything from (mild) dry mouth to (serious) suicidal thoughts, talk to your healthcare provider immediately.\n- If you’re feeling depressed, it’s essential that you get the help you need. Our mental health resources provide effective strategies from licensed therapists that you can use to understand, recognize and help alleviate the symptoms of depression and anxiety.\n\nIf you’d like to talk to a professional, you can also talk to a licensed psychiatry provider via our online therapy. You’ll receive a personalized treatment plan and, if appropriate, receive [depression medication online](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/psychiatry) to help you treat your symptoms and take control of your mental health.\n\n### Related Drug Comparisons\n|   |   |\n|---|---|\n| [Adderall vs. Lexapro](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/drugs\/compare\/adderall-vs-lexapro) | [Cymbalta vs. Prozac](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/drugs\/compare\/cymbalta-vs-prozac) |\n| [Buspirone vs. Xanax](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/drugs\/compare\/buspirone-vs-xanax) | [Cymbalta vs. Zoloft](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/drugs\/compare\/cymbalta-vs-zoloft) |\n| [Cymbalta vs. Lexapro](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/drugs\/compare\/cymbalta-vs-lexapro) | [Lexapro vs. Prozac](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/drugs\/compare\/lexapro-vs-prozac) |\n| [Lexapro vs. Wellbutrin](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/drugs\/compare\/lexapro-vs-wellbutrin) | [Lexapro vs. Zoloft](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/drugs\/compare\/lexapro-vs-zoloft) |\n| [Prozac vs. Zoloft](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/drugs\/compare\/prozac-vs-zoloft) | [Sertraline vs. Zoloft](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/drugs\/compare\/sertraline-vs-zoloft) |\n\n### 12 Sources\nHims & Hers has strict sourcing guidelines to ensure our content is accurate and current. We rely on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We strive to use primary sources and refrain from using tertiary references.\n\nFayez R, Gupta V. Imipramine. \\[Updated 2022 Jul 16\\]. In: StatPearls \\[Internet\\]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK557656\/. Saef MA, Yilanli M, Saadabadi A. Protriptyline. \\[Updated 2022 Aug 8\\]. In: StatPearls \\[Internet\\]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK499828\/. Merwar G, Gibbons JR, Hosseini SA, et al. Nortriptyline. \\[Updated 2023 Feb 12\\]. In: StatPearls \\[Internet\\]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK482214\/. Moraczewski J, Aedma KK. Tricyclic Antidepressants. \\[Updated 2022 Nov 21\\]. In: StatPearls \\[Internet\\]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK557791\/. Thour A, Marwaha R. Amitriptyline. \\[Updated 2023 Feb 16\\]. In: StatPearls \\[Internet\\]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK537225\/. Chu A, Wadhwa R. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors. \\[Updated 2023 Feb 12\\]. In: StatPearls \\[Internet\\]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK554406\/. Highlights of prescribing information symptoms associated with ... (n.d.-b). https:\/\/www.accessdata.fda.gov\/drugsatfda\\_docs\/label\/2008\/022235lbl.pdf.  \nSussex Publishers. (n.d.). Number One reason ssris take four to six weeks to work. Psychology Today. https:\/\/www.psychologytoday.com\/intl\/blog\/the-superhuman-mind\/201702\/number-one-reason-ssris-take-four-six-weeks-work.  \nCenter for Drug Evaluation and Research. (n.d.). Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (ssris) information. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/drugs\/information-drug-class\/selective-serotonin-reuptake-inhibitors-ssris-information. U.S. National Library of Medicine. (n.d.-c). Commonly prescribed antidepressants and how they work \\| NIH MedlinePlus Magazine. MedlinePlus. https:\/\/magazine.medlineplus.gov\/article\/commonly-prescribed-antidepressants-and-how-they-work.  \nU.S. National Library of Medicine. (n.d.-a). Antidepressants. MedlinePlus. https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/antidepressants.html. Pamelor - Food and Drug Administration. (n.d.-d). https:\/\/www.accessdata.fda.gov\/drugsatfda\\_docs\/label\/2019\/018013s064lbl.pdf.\n\nThis article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment. Learn more about our editorial standards [here](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/editorial-standards).\n\n[Daniel Z. Lieberman, MD](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/medical-experts\/daniel-lieberman-dr)\n\n## Education\n- Doctor of Medicine - [New York University Grossman School of Medicine](https:\/\/med.nyu.edu\/), 1992\n- Bachelor of Arts - [St. John’s College](https:\/\/www.sjc.edu\/), 1985\n## Training\n- Internship & Residency - [New York University Grossman School of Medicine](https:\/\/med.nyu.edu\/), 1996\n## Medical Licenses\n- District of Columbia, 1996\n- Maryland, 2022\n- Virginia, 2022\n## Board Certifications\n- [American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology](https:\/\/abpn.org\/), Psychiatry, 1997\n- [American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology](https:\/\/abpn.org\/), Addiction Psychiatry, 1998\n## Other Certificates & Certifications\n- [Stanford Online, AI in Healthcare Specialization Certificate](https:\/\/www.coursera.org\/account\/accomplishments\/specialization\/NZTXVOQOOPWX), 2025\n- [Stanford Online, Machine Learning Specialization Certificate](https:\/\/www.coursera.org\/account\/accomplishments\/specialization\/7F3HDP76SDK3), 2024\n## Affiliations & Memberships\n- [American Psychiatric Association](https:\/\/www.psychiatry.org\/)\n## Specialties & Areas of Focus\n- Mental Health\n## Years of Experience\n- 33\n## Previous Work Experience\n- Professor and Vice Chair - Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, [George Washington University](https:\/\/www.gwu.edu\/), 1996–2022\n## Publications & Research\n- Title: A neurotransmitter approach to the trolley problem\n  - Published in: OBM Neurobiology\n  - Date: 2019\n  - URL: <https:\/\/www.lidsen.com\/journals\/neurobiology\/neurobiology-03-02-030>\n- Title: An automated internet application to help patients with bipolar disorder track social rhythm stabilization\n  - Published in: Psychiatric Services\n  - Date: 2011\n  - URL: <https:\/\/psychiatryonline.org\/doi\/10.1176\/ps.62.11.pss6211_1267>\n- Title: Enhancing adherence to mood charting with an online version of the NIMH Life Chart\n  - Published in: Annals of General Psychiatry\n  - Date: 2010\n  - URL: <https:\/\/annals-general-psychiatry.biomedcentral.com\/articles\/10.1186\/1744-859X-9-S1-S11>\n- Title: The role of gender in single versus married patients with bipolar disorder\n  - Published in: Comprehensive Psychiatry\n  - Date: 2010\n  - URL: <https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/abs\/pii\/S0010440X0900128X>\n- Title: Evaluation of the stability and validity of participant samples recruited over the Internet\n  - Published in: CyberPsychology and Behavior\n  - Date: 2008\n  - URL: <https:\/\/www.liebertpub.com\/doi\/10.1089\/cpb.2007.0254>\n- Title: Pathways to change: The effect of a Web application on treatment interest\n  - Published in: The American Journal on Addictions\n  - Date: 2008\n  - URL: <https:\/\/onlinelibrary.wiley.com\/doi\/10.1080\/10550490802138525>\n## Media Mentions & Features\n- Washington Post, [Why do passengers freak out on airplanes? Science might have the answer.](https:\/\/www.washingtonpost.com\/video\/national\/why-do-passengers-freak-out-on-airplanes-science-might-have-the-answer\/2018\/05\/11\/00592b2e-5531-11e8-a6d4-ca1d035642ce_video.html)\n- CNN, [The dangers of self-radicalization](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/videos\/us\/2013\/05\/03\/lead-danger-of-self-radicalization-gwu-dan-lieberman.cnn)\n- Associated Press, [MillerCoors Tapping Into Millenials](http:\/\/youtu.be\/Jvv6VNjrgN0)\n- Time, [Hook Me Up: Are IV Clinics for You?](https:\/\/healthland.time.com\/2013\/01\/15\/hook-me-up-are-iv-clinics-for-you\/)\n- The Washington Post, [Holiday drinking can be hard on your health, but you can take precautions](https:\/\/www.washingtonpost.com\/national\/health-science\/holiday-drinking-can-be-hard-on-your-health-but-you-can-take-precautions\/2012\/12\/14\/e3543bae-42d0-11e2-8e70-e1993528222d_story.html)\n- Le Figaro (France), [Daniel Z. Lieberman: «La dopamine nous pousse à acheter en nous promettant le bonheur» (Daniel Z. Lieberman: “Dopamine drives us to buy by promising us happiness”)](https:\/\/www.lefigaro.fr\/sciences\/daniel-z-lieberman-la-dopamine-nous-pousse-a-acheter-en-nous-promettant-le-bonheur-20220211)\n- Men’s Health (Spain), [Cómo la dopamina influye en nuestro cerebro y determina nuestra vida (How dopamine influences our brain and determines our lives).](https:\/\/www.menshealth.com\/es\/salud-bienestar\/a38087703\/dopamina-determina-nuestra-vida\/)\n- El Mundo (Spain), [Dopamina, la sustancia que domina tu vida: a quién votas, con quién te acuestas y cuánto dinero ganas (Dopamine, the substance that dominates your life: who you vote for, who you sleep with and how much money you make)](https:\/\/www.elmundo.es\/papel\/historias\/2021\/10\/20\/6170319121efa04a3c8b4591.html)\n- Vice, [No One Owes You an Explanation About Their Vaccine](https:\/\/www.vice.com\/en\/article\/4ad9gw\/dont-ask-people-why-theyre-eligible-for-the-covid-vaccine)\n- CNBC, [The psychological reason it’s so hard to work today after the riot — and how to cope](https:\/\/www.cnbc.com\/2021\/01\/07\/how-to-cope-with-emotions-like-fear-and-anxiety-after-us-capitol-riot.html)\n- Today, [Are we ever going to shake hands again?](https:\/\/www.today.com\/health\/when-will-it-be-ok-shake-hands-how-should-you-t177562)\n- Business Insider, [The reason why we self-sabotage is because our brains are wired to resist the things we want most in life](https:\/\/www.businessinsider.com\/brain-resist-what-you-want-most-how-to-change-2019-10)\n- Forbes, [The Must-Read Brain Books Of 2018](https:\/\/www.forbes.com\/sites\/daviddisalvo\/2018\/12\/30\/the-must-read-brain-books-of-2018\/)\n- Daily Mail, [Why a day in the office wears you out: Sitting for hours using only our brains 'creates a chemical imbalance' - but these tips may help you feel more energized.](http:\/\/www.dailymail.co.uk\/health\/article-6140683\/Office-jobs-using-brains-tire-creating-chemical-imbalance-expert-explains.html)\n- U.S. News & World Report, [How Your Secrets Can Damage and Maybe Even Kill You](http:\/\/health.usnews.com\/wellness\/mind\/articles\/2017-06-26\/how-your-secrets-can-damage-and-maybe-even-kill-you)\n## Why I Practice Medicine\n- I practice medicine because I believe that mental health is the foundation of a meaningful life. When people suffer psychologically, it touches every part of their existence—from relationships to work to the simple ability to feel joy. Because it can be so difficult for people who are suffering to find good mental health care, my mission has been to expand access through technology, so that no one is left behind.\n## Hobbies & Interests\n- I like to write in my spare time. I’ve written two nonfiction titles, [Spellbound: Modern Science, Ancient Magic, and the Hidden Potential of the Unconscious Mind](https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Spellbound-Science-Ancient-Potential-Unconscious\/dp\/1637741324) and the international bestseller, [The Molecule of More: How a Single Chemical in Your Brain Drives Love, Sex, and Creativity--and Will Determine the Fate of the Human Race](https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Molecule-More-Chemical-Creativity_and-Determine\/dp\/1948836580)\n## Professional Website or Profile\n- danielzlieberman.com\n## LinkedIn\n- <https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/danielzlieberman\/>\n\n[Read more](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/medical-experts\/daniel-lieberman-dr)\n\n#### Related Articles\n[How To Get Antidepressants Written by Hadley Mendelsohn Published October 15, 2024](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/blog\/how-to-get-antidepressants)\n\n[Switching Antidepressants: What to Expect Written by Geoffrey C. Whittaker Published November 16, 2023](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/blog\/switching-antidepressants-what-to-expect)\n\n[How to Get Antidepressants Without Insurance Written by Rachel Sacks Published April 30, 2025](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/blog\/how-to-get-antidepressants-without-insurance)\n\n### Related Conditions\n[![Anxiety](https:\/\/cloudinary.forhims.com\/image\/upload\/v1723575819\/cms\/hers\/condition%20guides\/Hers-ConditionGuide-HubCard-MH-Anxiety.png)](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/conditions\/anxiety)  [Anxiety](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/conditions\/anxiety)\n\nAnxiety is common, but what is anxiety, really? It’s a feeling of worry, fear, or mental tension. If you have an anxiety disorder, this feeling can be overwhelming and may get worse over time. There are many different types of anxiety disorders and, luckily, many different treatments.\n\n[![Depression](https:\/\/cloudinary.forhims.com\/image\/upload\/v1723575818\/cms\/hers\/condition%20guides\/Hers-ConditionGuide-HubCard-MH-Depression.png)](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/conditions\/depression)  [Depression](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/conditions\/depression)\n\nDepression is a common but serious mental health disorder that can cause persistent feelings of sadness, worthlessness, or hopelessness. Its effects can be devastating. Depression can interfere with your ability to fulfill day-to-day responsibilities at home, at work, or in school.\n\n[![OCD](https:\/\/cloudinary.forhims.com\/image\/upload\/v1745787463\/cms\/hers\/condition%20guides\/Hers-ConditionGuide-HubCard-MH-OCD.png)](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/conditions\/obsessive-compulsive-disorder-ocd)  [OCD](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/conditions\/obsessive-compulsive-disorder-ocd)\n\nObsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition marked by recurring obsessive thoughts and difficult-to-control, compulsive behaviors.\n\n[![PTSD](https:\/\/cloudinary.forhims.com\/image\/upload\/v1733319240\/cms\/hers\/condition%20guides\/Hers-ConditionGuide-HubCard-MH-PTSD.png)](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/conditions\/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd)  [PTSD](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/conditions\/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd)\n\nBipolar disorder is a mental health condition characterized by unusually large shifts in an individual’s mood, concentration, energy and activity level.\n\n[![Bipolar Disorder](https:\/\/cloudinary.forhims.com\/image\/upload\/v1725452659\/cms\/hers\/condition%20guides\/Hers-ConditionGuide-HubCard-MH-BipolarDisorder_1.png)](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/conditions\/bipolar-disorder)  [Bipolar Disorder](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/conditions\/bipolar-disorder)\n\nBipolar disorder is a mental health condition characterized by unusually large shifts in an individual’s mood, concentration, energy and activity level.\n\n[![Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder](https:\/\/cloudinary.forhims.com\/image\/upload\/v1738607287\/cms\/hers\/condition%20guides\/Hers-ConditionGuide-HubCard-MH-PMDD.png)](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/conditions\/pmdd-premenstrual-dysphoric-disorder)  [Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/conditions\/pmdd-premenstrual-dysphoric-disorder)\n\nObsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition marked by recurring obsessive thoughts and difficult-to-control, compulsive behaviors.\n\n###### Find relief for your symptoms\nLearn about your symptom score through clinically-backed assessments\n\n[Get started](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/c\/mh)[Learn more](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/mental-health)\n\n##### Explore\n[Mental Health](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/mental-health \"Mental Health Treatments\")\n\n[Psychiatry](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/psychiatry \"Anxiety and Depression Medication\")\n\n[Mental Health Content](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/blog\/mental-health \"Mental Health Content\")\n\n[BMI Calculator](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/tools\/bmi-calculator \"BMI Calculator\")\n\n[TDEE Calculator](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/tools\/tdee-calculator \"TDEE Calculator\")\n\n[Calorie Deficit Calculator](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/tools\/calorie-deficit-calculator \"Calorie Deficit Calculator\")\n\n[Protein Calculator](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/tools\/protein-calculator \"Protein Calculator\")\n\n[Water Intake 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blog)](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/blog)\n\n[How It Works](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/about\/how-it-works)\n\n[Editorial Standards](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/editorial-standards)\n\n[FAQs](https:\/\/support.hims.com\/hc\/en-us)\n\n[Investors](https:\/\/investors.forhims.com\/)\n\n### Careers\n[Professionals](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/careers-professionals)\n\n[Providers](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/careers-providers)\n\n### Connect\n[Customer Help Center](https:\/\/support.forhims.com\/hc\/en-us)\n\n[Press Center](https:\/\/news.hims.com\/)\n\n[visit hims.com](https:\/\/www.hims.com\/)","attrs_readable_markdown":"Antidepressants: the most common prescription medication among cool people like artists, fictional type As, film protagonists and yourself.\n\nIf you’ve been diagnosed with depression, your healthcare provider may have suggested antidepressant medication to relieve symptoms like sadness, emptiness, insomnia, fatigue and more.\n\nAntidepressants work by [changing](https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/antidepressants.html) the balance of certain neurotransmitters in your brain, but which ones they affect and how they affect them varies from one antidepressant to another — and there are many different classes of antidepressants.\n\nYou’re almost certain to be overwhelmed by the variety (we often are), and for people navigating the management of a depressive disorder, it can be quite difficult to sort through the effects, side effects and performance of these drugs.\n\nHelp is on the way. To make it easier to understand this wide world of treatments, we’ve covered the most common types of antidepressants below, including:\n\n- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)\n- Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)\n- Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)\n- Tetracyclic antidepressants (TeCAs)\n- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)\n- Others that don’t fit into the above categories\n\nWe’ve included information about popular brand names, the conditions for which each medication is typically prescribed, the potential side effects and the amount of time it may take for each antidepressant to start providing relief.\n\nSo let’s jump right into our list of antidepressants, starting with the most common antidepressants on the market today: SSRIs.\n\n[Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/blog\/ssri-drugs-overview-types), or SSRIs, are indeed the [most common type](https:\/\/magazine.medlineplus.gov\/article\/commonly-prescribed-antidepressants-and-how-they-work) of antidepressant prescribed in the United States, and they have been ranked number one for several decades.\n\nFirst developed in the 1970s, SSRIs are so popular because they’re generally effective and have fewer drug interactions, safety issues and side effects than older antidepressants. Because of this, it’s common for healthcare professionals to use SSRIs as [first-line treatments for depression](https:\/\/www.aafp.org\/afp\/2010\/0515\/p1205.html).\n\n[Some SSRIs](https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/drugs\/information-drug-class\/selective-serotonin-reuptake-inhibitors-ssris-information) are also prescribed to treat mental health issues like anxiety disorders and other mood disorders.\n\nSerotonin regulates certain aspects of your mood, including feelings of happiness, and SSRIs increase the amount of serotonin in your brain by [blocking your brain cells](https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK554406\/) from reabsorbing (or reuptaking) existing serotonin. Most of the time, SSRIs produce a [noticeable improvement](https:\/\/www.psychologytoday.com\/intl\/blog\/the-superhuman-mind\/201702\/number-one-reason-ssris-take-four-six-weeks-work) in people affected by depression within about two to four weeks.\n\nIf you’ve recently been [diagnosed](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/blog\/can-you-self-diagnose-depression) with a form of [depression](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/blog\/depression-types-symptoms-causes-more), it’s very likely that your healthcare provider will discuss using an SSRI first.\n\nSSRIs may cause certain side effects — for more on this check out our complete guide to the [side effects of SSRIs](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/blog\/side-effects-of-ssri).\n\nNow, onto the list.\n\n### **List of SSRIs**\nCurrently, several different SSRI antidepressants are used to treat depression, [anxiety disorders](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/blog\/anxiety-disorders-overview) and other conditions. They include:\n\n- [**Citalopram (Celexa**®**)**](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/psychiatry\/citalopram)is an SSRI used to treat depression. It was first approved in 1998 by the FDA. [Citalopram](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/blog\/what-is-celexa) is one of the most commonly prescribed medications in the United States.\n- [**Escitalopram (Lexapro**®**)**](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/psychiatry\/escitalopram) is [used](https:\/\/www.accessdata.fda.gov\/drugsatfda_docs\/label\/2020\/021323s052,021365s037lbl.pdf) to treat depression and generalized anxiety disorder in adults. It was approved by the FDA as a treatment for major depressive disorder (MDD) in 2002 and later as a treatment for generalized anxiety disorder. As with many other SSRIs, [escitalopram](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/blog\/lexapro-escitalopram-overview) is one of the most commonly prescribed medications in the United States.\n- [**Fluoxetine (Prozac**®**)**](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/psychiatry\/fluoxetine) is [used](https:\/\/www.accessdata.fda.gov\/drugsatfda_docs\/label\/2020\/018936s109lbl.pdf) to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), [panic disorder](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/blog\/what-is-panic-disorder) and bulimia nervosa (an eating disorder). It’s also used in combination with other medications to treat depressive episodes in people with bipolar disorder and treatment-resistant depression. Under the brand name Prozac, [fluoxetine](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/blog\/prozac-fluoxetine-overview) was the first SSRI to receive approval from the FDA in the United States, in 1987. Today, it remains one of the most widely prescribed medications in the United States.\n- **Fluvoxamine (Luvox**®**)** is slightly [different](https:\/\/www.accessdata.fda.gov\/drugsatfda_docs\/label\/2008\/022235lbl.pdf) from other SSRIs, which are primarily used to treat depression. Instead, fluvoxamine is typically prescribed to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder. Fluvoxamine may also be prescribed to treat certain anxiety disorders, such as social anxiety disorder, and can be prescribed as an off-label medication to treat depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).\n- [**Paroxetine (Paxil**®**)**](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/psychiatry\/paroxetine)is [used](https:\/\/www.accessdata.fda.gov\/drugsatfda_docs\/label\/2017\/020710s038lbl.pdf) to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, PTSD and several anxiety disorders, including social anxiety disorder (SAD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and panic disorder. It may also be prescribed off-label for premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). [Paroxetine](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/blog\/paxil-paroxetine-overview) was approved by the FDA in 2001. As with other SSRIs, it’s a common medication that’s one of the most widely used prescription drugs in the country.\n- [**Sertraline (Zoloft**®**)**](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/psychiatry\/sertraline) is [used](https:\/\/www.accessdata.fda.gov\/drugsatfda_docs\/label\/2017\/019839s091lbl.pdf) to treat depression, OCD, PTSD, premenstrual dysphoric disorder and anxiety disorders such as social anxiety disorder and panic disorder. It’s also occasionally prescribed off-label to treat premature ejaculation (PE). [Sertraline](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/blog\/zoloft-overview) was first approved by the FDA for use as a treatment for depression in 1991. As of 2018, not only was sertraline the most commonly prescribed SSRI antidepressant, but it was also the [most widely used psychiatric medication](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/blog\/sertraline-faqs-25-common-questions-answered) in the United States.\n- **Vilazodone (Viibryd**®**)** is a slightly newer medication [used](https:\/\/www.accessdata.fda.gov\/drugsatfda_docs\/label\/2020\/022567s021lbl.pdf) to treat depression. Because it’s only been around for a relatively short amount of time (it was approved in 2011), vilazodone is less widely used for treating depression than other SSRIs.\n- **Vortioxetine (Trintellix**®**)** gained [its FDA approval](https:\/\/www.accessdata.fda.gov\/drugsatfda_docs\/label\/2020\/204447s020lbl.pdf) in 2013. Because Trintellix is a newer SSRI on the market, it's not available as an affordable generic, and so it's not yet considered a first-line treatment.\n\n![Hers medication bottle](https:\/\/cloudinary.forhims.com\/image\/upload\/v1722957748\/2024%20Blog%20CTA%20Updates\/Hers\/Mental%20Health\/Blog-Hers-CVRUpdate-MH-CTA-MoreForYourMind.png)\n\nSerotonin–norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, or SNRIs, are a common type of antidepressant used to treat depression, as well as some anxiety and nerve pain disorders.\n\nSNRIs work similarly to SSRIs by blocking the reabsorption of serotonin to increase the level of this neurotransmitter that’s active in your brain and body. But they perform a sort of dual function by also blocking the reabsorption of a different neurotransmitter — norepinephrine.\n\nLow levels of norepinephrine have been closely linked to depression symptoms like difficulty concentrating, lethargy and issues related to your sleep-wake cycle. Despite their dual action, SNRIs have not been shown to be substantially superior to SSRIs. Nevertheless, some people who don’t respond to an SSRI will do well on an SNRI.\n\nSNRI drugs are widely prescribed throughout the United States to treat depression accompanied by chronic pain. Like SSRIs, the side effects of SNRIs are generally mild and often disappear after several weeks of use.\n\n### **List of SNRIs**\nNumerous SNRI antidepressants are currently [prescribed to treat depression](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/blog\/depression-medications), as well as other mood disorders. They include:\n\n- Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq®) has been [used](https:\/\/www.accessdata.fda.gov\/drugsatfda_docs\/label\/2018\/021992s042lbl.pdf) as a treatment for depression since its approval in 2008. It may also be prescribed off-label to treat certain symptoms in menopausal women, such as hot flashes.\n- [Duloxetine (Cymbalta®)](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/psychiatry\/duloxetine) is [prescribed](https:\/\/www.accessdata.fda.gov\/drugsatfda_docs\/label\/2020\/021427s053lbl.pdf) to treat depression and generalized anxiety disorder. Duloxetine has become one of the most widely prescribed medications in the United States since it was approved by the FDA in 2004. It’s also approved by the FDA for the treatment of fibromyalgia, chronic musculoskeletal pain and diabetic peripheral neuropathy.\n- Levomilnacipran (Fetzima®) is a relatively new medication [used](https:\/\/www.accessdata.fda.gov\/drugsatfda_docs\/label\/2019\/204168s006lbl.pdf) to treat depression. It was first approved by the FDA in 2009.\n- [Venlafaxine (Effexor®)](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/psychiatry\/venlafaxine) is prescribed to treat depression and — in its extended-release form — is also used to treat anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder and panic disorder. Venlafaxine may be used off-label to treat other conditions such as diabetic neuropathy, fibromyalgia, complex pain syndromes and premenstrual dysphoric disorder, and as a preventive medication for migraines.\n\n**Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs)**\n\nTricyclic antidepressants, or TCAs, are an [older class of antidepressants](https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK557791\/). They first came onto the market in the mid-20th century as treatments for depression and [certain anxiety and pain disorders](https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK537225\/).\n\nTCAs increase the amounts of serotonin and norepinephrine in your brain, and are about equally as effective as SSRIs. However, they’re used much less commonly these days due to their higher risk of side effects and drug interactions.\n\nTricyclic antidepressants are occasionally [used](https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK557791\/) as second-line antidepressants when newer treatments such as SSRIs or SNRIs don’t work or cause unwanted side effects.\n\nSince some tricyclic antidepressant drugs have sedating effects, they may be used in very low doses off-label as sleep aids for people who struggle with insomnia.\n\nIf you’re prescribed a tricyclic antidepressant, it’s important to be aware of the side effects of antidepressants in this class, as well as their potential drug interactions — check out our complete guide to [depression medications](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/blog\/depression-medications) for more on using them safely.\n\n### **List of Tricyclic Antidepressants**\nCurrently, a variety of [tricyclic antidepressants](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/blog\/tricyclic-antidepressants-guide) are used to treat depression, anxiety disorders and other conditions. They include:\n\n- Amitriptyline (Elavil®) is FDA-approved for the treatment of depression in adults. Off-label, it may be prescribed to treat everything from sleep disorders to chronic pain to PTSD.\n- [Desipramine](https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK470581\/) (Norpramin®) is prescribed to treat depression. Desipramine is slightly less likely to cause certain side effects compared to other tricyclic antidepressants. It may also be prescribed off-label to treat neuropathic pain, bulimia nervosa, irritable bowel syndrome and several other conditions.\n- Doxepin is prescribed to treat depression and certain forms of anxiety. It may also be used off-label to treat other conditions, such as migraines and neuropathic pain. At a much lower dose, doxepin is approved for use as a sleeping pill sold under the [brand name](https:\/\/www.accessdata.fda.gov\/drugsatfda_docs\/label\/2020\/022036s006lbl.pdf) Silenor®. It was once sold as Sinequan®, but this was discontinued.\n- Imipramine (Tofranil®) is [used](https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK557656\/) as a treatment for depression and, occasionally, as a second-line medication to treat depression with [melancholic](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/blog\/melancholic-depression) and atypical features. It can also be used to treat bedwetting in children, and may be used off-label for panic disorder and neuropathic pain.\n- [Nortriptyline](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/blog\/nortriptyline-for-depression) (Pamelor®) is [another](https:\/\/www.accessdata.fda.gov\/drugsatfda_docs\/label\/2019\/018013s064lbl.pdf) TCA used to treat depression, but is also [prescribed off-label](https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK482214\/) for chronic pain, myofascial pain, orofacial pain, diabetic neuropathy and postherpetic neuralgia (a potential complication of shingles).\n- Protriptyline treats depression, and is [also used to treat](https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK499828\/) certain forms of anxiety, as well as headaches and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Protriptyline may also be prescribed off-label for treatment-resistant depression, [sleep apnea](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/blog\/sleep-apnea-and-anxiety), cocaine dependence, as a local anesthetic and as a support medication for people trying to quit smoking. It was previously sold under the brand name Vivactil®, but this has since been discontinued.\n\nTetracyclic antidepressants (TeCAs) are another older class of antidepressants. They were introduced in the 1970s and 1980s and work similarly to tricyclic antidepressants.\n\nLike other antidepressants, tetracyclic antidepressants work by increasing the levels of certain neurotransmitters (including serotonin and norepinephrine) affected in people with depression or anxiety disorders.\n\nWhile they’re less commonly used for depression than newer antidepressants such as SSRIs and SNRIs, some tetracyclic antidepressants are used to treat people who have depression at the same time as issues such as anxiety or difficulty sleeping.\n\n### **Mirtazapine (Remeron**®**)**\nMirtazapine (Remeron®) is a TeCA used to treat depression. It’s also used off-label as a treatment for headaches and migraines, insomnia and anxiety disorders.\n\n[Rx Available](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/psychiatry)\n\n#### Feeling better is possible\n\n![Woman with blonde hair smiling](https:\/\/cloudinary.forhims.com\/image\/upload\/v1722957747\/2024%20Blog%20CTA%20Updates\/Hers\/Mental%20Health\/Blog-Hers-CVRUpdate-MH-CTA-FeelingBetterIsPossible.png)\n\nMonoamine oxidase inhibitors, or MAOIs, are another older class of antidepressants first introduced in the 1950s.\n\nMAOIs work by blocking the enzyme monoamine oxidase, which breaks down neurotransmitters such as serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine and tyramine. By stopping these chemicals from being broken down, MAOIs help to increase neurotransmitter levels in the brain — it’s basically like unplugging a Roomba and letting the dust collect, except the dust is crucial neurotransmitters that you need for better mental health.\n\nAlthough MAOIs are effective, they have a considerable risk of interacting with other medications and with certain foods — foods that contain tyramine, for example, can potentially cause a sudden, life-threatening increase in blood pressure when mixed with MAOIs.\n\nBecause of this, people who use MAOIs need to carefully monitor not just their use of different medications, but also their diet. That’s one of the main reasons that MAOIs are rarely used today except in certain circumstances, such as when other medications for depression aren’t effective.\n\n### **List of Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors**\n[MAOIs](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/blog\/maoi-drugs) prescribed to treat certain forms of depression include the following:\n\n- Phenelzine (Nardil®) is prescribed to treat depression, treatment-resistant depression, social anxiety disorder and certain anxiety disorders, such as panic disorder and social anxiety disorder.\n- Isocarboxazid (Marplan®) is used to treat depression in people who haven’t shown improvement with other antidepressants.\n- Selegiline (Emsam®) is a transdermal patch prescribed to treat depression. It’s also sold in pill form — under brand names Eldepryl® and Zelapar® — as a combination therapy with the drugs levodopa and carbidopa to help people manage symptoms of Parkinson's disease.\n- Tranylcypromine (Parnate®) is prescribed for treatment-resistant depression and may also be used off-label for treatment-resistant anxiety disorders, including social anxiety disorder and panic disorder.\n\nAs much as we’d like to keep this list neat and tidy, some antidepressants don’t fit clearly into the drug classes listed above.\n\nMedications like this may be referred to as “atypical” antidepressants and include:\n\n- [Bupropion (generic for Wellbutrin XL®)](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/psychiatry\/bupropion) is an atypical antidepressant often used to treat depression and seasonal affective disorder. It’s also approved for smoking cessation under the brand name Zyban®. In some cases, [bupropion](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/drugs\/info\/buproprion) may be used off-label to treat sexual dysfunction caused by other antidepressants. Unlike SSRIs and SNRIs, bupropion doesn’t increase serotonin, so it doesn’t have the side effects, like sexual dysfunction, caused by excessive serotonin. It primarily boosts the neurotransmitter dopamine, which can lead to more energy, motivation, and interest. The disadvantage is that it doesn’t treat anxiety. Check out our [bupropion side effect guide](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/blog\/bupropion-side-effects) for more on that use and other quirks of this medication.\n- Trazodone, sold under the brand name Desyrel®, is rarely used to treat MDD. Trazodone is most often prescribed off-label to help people with insomnia.\n- Esketamine (Spravato®) is a nasal spray antidepressant with limited approval by the FDA for treatment-resistant depression and MDD in adults.\n- Some atypical antidepressants, such as nefazodone, opipramol, agomelatine and others, may be used to treat certain forms of depression but are either discontinued or not approved in the United States.\n\nThe reality of medicine in the modern era is that while it’s helpful to know everything we’ve shared with you here, you don’t need to memorize all of these facts before accepting a prescription for a new antidepressant.\n\nA healthcare professional will be able to help you navigate questions and concerns and, if necessary, manage any side effects.\n\nWhether you’re about to start a new medication or just beginning your depression treatment journey, what’s important for you now is to talk to someone about what you’re dealing with.\n\nThe major takeaways that will help you speed up the process are:\n\n- There are many different types of antidepressants on the market today, and each one may help different people in different ways.\n- Older medications tend to cause more side effects for the average user, but may also offer benefits if first line medications like SSRIs don’t work for you.\n- Side effects from all antidepressants can affect anyone, so if you’re struggling with anything from (mild) dry mouth to (serious) suicidal thoughts, talk to your healthcare provider immediately.\n- If you’re feeling depressed, it’s essential that you get the help you need. Our mental health resources provide effective strategies from licensed therapists that you can use to understand, recognize and help alleviate the symptoms of depression and anxiety.\n\nIf you’d like to talk to a professional, you can also talk to a licensed psychiatry provider via our online therapy. You’ll receive a personalized treatment plan and, if appropriate, receive [depression medication online](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/psychiatry) to help you treat your symptoms and take control of your mental health.\n\n### Related Drug Comparisons\n|   |   |\n|---|---|\n| [Adderall vs. Lexapro](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/drugs\/compare\/adderall-vs-lexapro) | [Cymbalta vs. Prozac](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/drugs\/compare\/cymbalta-vs-prozac) |\n| [Buspirone vs. Xanax](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/drugs\/compare\/buspirone-vs-xanax) | [Cymbalta vs. Zoloft](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/drugs\/compare\/cymbalta-vs-zoloft) |\n| [Cymbalta vs. Lexapro](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/drugs\/compare\/cymbalta-vs-lexapro) | [Lexapro vs. Prozac](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/drugs\/compare\/lexapro-vs-prozac) |\n| [Lexapro vs. Wellbutrin](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/drugs\/compare\/lexapro-vs-wellbutrin) | [Lexapro vs. Zoloft](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/drugs\/compare\/lexapro-vs-zoloft) |\n| [Prozac vs. Zoloft](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/drugs\/compare\/prozac-vs-zoloft) | [Sertraline vs. Zoloft](https:\/\/www.forhers.com\/drugs\/compare\/sertraline-vs-zoloft) |\n\n12 Sources\n\nHims & Hers has strict sourcing guidelines to ensure our content is accurate and current. We rely on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We strive to use primary sources and refrain from using tertiary references.\n\nFayez R, Gupta V. Imipramine. \\[Updated 2022 Jul 16\\]. In: StatPearls \\[Internet\\]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK557656\/. Saef MA, Yilanli M, Saadabadi A. Protriptyline. \\[Updated 2022 Aug 8\\]. In: StatPearls \\[Internet\\]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK499828\/. Merwar G, Gibbons JR, Hosseini SA, et al. Nortriptyline. \\[Updated 2023 Feb 12\\]. In: StatPearls \\[Internet\\]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK482214\/. Moraczewski J, Aedma KK. Tricyclic Antidepressants. \\[Updated 2022 Nov 21\\]. In: StatPearls \\[Internet\\]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK557791\/. Thour A, Marwaha R. Amitriptyline. \\[Updated 2023 Feb 16\\]. In: StatPearls \\[Internet\\]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK537225\/. Chu A, Wadhwa R. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors. \\[Updated 2023 Feb 12\\]. In: StatPearls \\[Internet\\]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK554406\/. Highlights of prescribing information symptoms associated with ... (n.d.-b). https:\/\/www.accessdata.fda.gov\/drugsatfda\\_docs\/label\/2008\/022235lbl.pdf.  \nSussex Publishers. (n.d.). Number One reason ssris take four to six weeks to work. Psychology Today. https:\/\/www.psychologytoday.com\/intl\/blog\/the-superhuman-mind\/201702\/number-one-reason-ssris-take-four-six-weeks-work.  \nCenter for Drug Evaluation and Research. (n.d.). Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (ssris) information. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/drugs\/information-drug-class\/selective-serotonin-reuptake-inhibitors-ssris-information. U.S. National Library of Medicine. (n.d.-c). Commonly prescribed antidepressants and how they work \\| NIH MedlinePlus Magazine. MedlinePlus. https:\/\/magazine.medlineplus.gov\/article\/commonly-prescribed-antidepressants-and-how-they-work.  \nU.S. National Library of Medicine. (n.d.-a). Antidepressants. MedlinePlus. https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/antidepressants.html. Pamelor - Food and Drug Administration. (n.d.-d). https:\/\/www.accessdata.fda.gov\/drugsatfda\\_docs\/label\/2019\/018013s064lbl.pdf.","meta_canonical":null}

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Boilerpipe Text	Antidepressants: the most common prescription medication among cool people like artists, fictional type As, film protagonists and yourself. If you’ve been diagnosed with depression, your healthcare provider may have suggested antidepressant medication to relieve symptoms like sadness, emptiness, insomnia, fatigue and more. Antidepressants work by changing the balance of certain neurotransmitters in your brain, but which ones they affect and how they affect them varies from one antidepressant to another — and there are many different classes of antidepressants. You’re almost certain to be overwhelmed by the variety (we often are), and for people navigating the management of a depressive disorder, it can be quite difficult to sort through the effects, side effects and performance of these drugs. Help is on the way. To make it easier to understand this wide world of treatments, we’ve covered the most common types of antidepressants below, including: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) Tetracyclic antidepressants (TeCAs) Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) Others that don’t fit into the above categories We’ve included information about popular brand names, the conditions for which each medication is typically prescribed, the potential side effects and the amount of time it may take for each antidepressant to start providing relief. So let’s jump right into our list of antidepressants, starting with the most common antidepressants on the market today: SSRIs. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors , or SSRIs, are indeed the most common type of antidepressant prescribed in the United States, and they have been ranked number one for several decades. First developed in the 1970s, SSRIs are so popular because they’re generally effective and have fewer drug interactions, safety issues and side effects than older antidepressants. Because of this, it’s common for healthcare professionals to use SSRIs as first-line treatments for depression . Some SSRIs are also prescribed to treat mental health issues like anxiety disorders and other mood disorders. Serotonin regulates certain aspects of your mood, including feelings of happiness, and SSRIs increase the amount of serotonin in your brain by blocking your brain cells from reabsorbing (or reuptaking) existing serotonin. Most of the time, SSRIs produce a noticeable improvement in people affected by depression within about two to four weeks. If you’ve recently been diagnosed with a form of depression , it’s very likely that your healthcare provider will discuss using an SSRI first. SSRIs may cause certain side effects — for more on this check out our complete guide to the side effects of SSRIs . Now, onto the list. List of SSRIs Currently, several different SSRI antidepressants are used to treat depression, anxiety disorders and other conditions. They include: Citalopram (Celexa ® ) is an SSRI used to treat depression. It was first approved in 1998 by the FDA. Citalopram is one of the most commonly prescribed medications in the United States. Escitalopram (Lexapro ® ) is used to treat depression and generalized anxiety disorder in adults. It was approved by the FDA as a treatment for major depressive disorder (MDD) in 2002 and later as a treatment for generalized anxiety disorder. As with many other SSRIs, escitalopram is one of the most commonly prescribed medications in the United States. Fluoxetine (Prozac ® ) is used to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder and bulimia nervosa (an eating disorder). It’s also used in combination with other medications to treat depressive episodes in people with bipolar disorder and treatment-resistant depression. Under the brand name Prozac, fluoxetine was the first SSRI to receive approval from the FDA in the United States, in 1987. Today, it remains one of the most widely prescribed medications in the United States. Fluvoxamine (Luvox ® ) is slightly different from other SSRIs, which are primarily used to treat depression. Instead, fluvoxamine is typically prescribed to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder. Fluvoxamine may also be prescribed to treat certain anxiety disorders, such as social anxiety disorder, and can be prescribed as an off-label medication to treat depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Paroxetine (Paxil ® ) is used to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, PTSD and several anxiety disorders, including social anxiety disorder (SAD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and panic disorder. It may also be prescribed off-label for premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Paroxetine was approved by the FDA in 2001. As with other SSRIs, it’s a common medication that’s one of the most widely used prescription drugs in the country. Sertraline (Zoloft ® ) is used to treat depression, OCD, PTSD, premenstrual dysphoric disorder and anxiety disorders such as social anxiety disorder and panic disorder. It’s also occasionally prescribed off-label to treat premature ejaculation (PE). Sertraline was first approved by the FDA for use as a treatment for depression in 1991. As of 2018, not only was sertraline the most commonly prescribed SSRI antidepressant, but it was also the most widely used psychiatric medication in the United States. Vilazodone (Viibryd ® ) is a slightly newer medication used to treat depression. Because it’s only been around for a relatively short amount of time (it was approved in 2011), vilazodone is less widely used for treating depression than other SSRIs. Vortioxetine (Trintellix ® ) gained its FDA approval in 2013. Because Trintellix is a newer SSRI on the market, it's not available as an affordable generic, and so it's not yet considered a first-line treatment. Serotonin–norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, or SNRIs, are a common type of antidepressant used to treat depression, as well as some anxiety and nerve pain disorders. SNRIs work similarly to SSRIs by blocking the reabsorption of serotonin to increase the level of this neurotransmitter that’s active in your brain and body. But they perform a sort of dual function by also blocking the reabsorption of a different neurotransmitter — norepinephrine. Low levels of norepinephrine have been closely linked to depression symptoms like difficulty concentrating, lethargy and issues related to your sleep-wake cycle. Despite their dual action, SNRIs have not been shown to be substantially superior to SSRIs. Nevertheless, some people who don’t respond to an SSRI will do well on an SNRI. SNRI drugs are widely prescribed throughout the United States to treat depression accompanied by chronic pain. Like SSRIs, the side effects of SNRIs are generally mild and often disappear after several weeks of use. List of SNRIs Numerous SNRI antidepressants are currently prescribed to treat depression , as well as other mood disorders. They include: Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq ® ) has been used as a treatment for depression since its approval in 2008. It may also be prescribed off-label to treat certain symptoms in menopausal women, such as hot flashes. Duloxetine (Cymbalta ® ) is prescribed to treat depression and generalized anxiety disorder. Duloxetine has become one of the most widely prescribed medications in the United States since it was approved by the FDA in 2004. It’s also approved by the FDA for the treatment of fibromyalgia, chronic musculoskeletal pain and diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Levomilnacipran (Fetzima ® ) is a relatively new medication used to treat depression. It was first approved by the FDA in 2009. Venlafaxine (Effexor ® ) is prescribed to treat depression and — in its extended-release form — is also used to treat anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder and panic disorder. Venlafaxine may be used off-label to treat other conditions such as diabetic neuropathy, fibromyalgia, complex pain syndromes and premenstrual dysphoric disorder, and as a preventive medication for migraines. Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs) Tricyclic antidepressants, or TCAs, are an older class of antidepressants . They first came onto the market in the mid-20th century as treatments for depression and certain anxiety and pain disorders . TCAs increase the amounts of serotonin and norepinephrine in your brain, and are about equally as effective as SSRIs. However, they’re used much less commonly these days due to their higher risk of side effects and drug interactions. Tricyclic antidepressants are occasionally used as second-line antidepressants when newer treatments such as SSRIs or SNRIs don’t work or cause unwanted side effects. Since some tricyclic antidepressant drugs have sedating effects, they may be used in very low doses off-label as sleep aids for people who struggle with insomnia. If you’re prescribed a tricyclic antidepressant, it’s important to be aware of the side effects of antidepressants in this class, as well as their potential drug interactions — check out our complete guide to depression medications for more on using them safely. List of Tricyclic Antidepressants Currently, a variety of tricyclic antidepressants are used to treat depression, anxiety disorders and other conditions. They include: Amitriptyline (Elavil ® ) is FDA-approved for the treatment of depression in adults. Off-label, it may be prescribed to treat everything from sleep disorders to chronic pain to PTSD. Desipramine (Norpramin ® ) is prescribed to treat depression. Desipramine is slightly less likely to cause certain side effects compared to other tricyclic antidepressants. It may also be prescribed off-label to treat neuropathic pain, bulimia nervosa, irritable bowel syndrome and several other conditions. Doxepin is prescribed to treat depression and certain forms of anxiety. It may also be used off-label to treat other conditions, such as migraines and neuropathic pain. At a much lower dose, doxepin is approved for use as a sleeping pill sold under the brand name Silenor ® . It was once sold as Sinequan ® , but this was discontinued. Imipramine (Tofranil ® ) is used as a treatment for depression and, occasionally, as a second-line medication to treat depression with melancholic and atypical features. It can also be used to treat bedwetting in children, and may be used off-label for panic disorder and neuropathic pain. Nortriptyline (Pamelor ® ) is another TCA used to treat depression, but is also prescribed off-label for chronic pain, myofascial pain, orofacial pain, diabetic neuropathy and postherpetic neuralgia (a potential complication of shingles). Protriptyline treats depression, and is also used to treat certain forms of anxiety, as well as headaches and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Protriptyline may also be prescribed off-label for treatment-resistant depression, sleep apnea , cocaine dependence, as a local anesthetic and as a support medication for people trying to quit smoking. It was previously sold under the brand name Vivactil ® , but this has since been discontinued. Tetracyclic antidepressants (TeCAs) are another older class of antidepressants. They were introduced in the 1970s and 1980s and work similarly to tricyclic antidepressants. Like other antidepressants, tetracyclic antidepressants work by increasing the levels of certain neurotransmitters (including serotonin and norepinephrine) affected in people with depression or anxiety disorders. While they’re less commonly used for depression than newer antidepressants such as SSRIs and SNRIs, some tetracyclic antidepressants are used to treat people who have depression at the same time as issues such as anxiety or difficulty sleeping. Mirtazapine (Remeron ® ) Mirtazapine (Remeron ® ) is a TeCA used to treat depression. It’s also used off-label as a treatment for headaches and migraines, insomnia and anxiety disorders. Rx Available Feeling better is possible Monoamine oxidase inhibitors, or MAOIs, are another older class of antidepressants first introduced in the 1950s. MAOIs work by blocking the enzyme monoamine oxidase, which breaks down neurotransmitters such as serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine and tyramine. By stopping these chemicals from being broken down, MAOIs help to increase neurotransmitter levels in the brain — it’s basically like unplugging a Roomba and letting the dust collect, except the dust is crucial neurotransmitters that you need for better mental health. Although MAOIs are effective, they have a considerable risk of interacting with other medications and with certain foods — foods that contain tyramine, for example, can potentially cause a sudden, life-threatening increase in blood pressure when mixed with MAOIs. Because of this, people who use MAOIs need to carefully monitor not just their use of different medications, but also their diet. That’s one of the main reasons that MAOIs are rarely used today except in certain circumstances, such as when other medications for depression aren’t effective. List of Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors MAOIs prescribed to treat certain forms of depression include the following: Phenelzine (Nardil ® ) is prescribed to treat depression, treatment-resistant depression, social anxiety disorder and certain anxiety disorders, such as panic disorder and social anxiety disorder. Isocarboxazid (Marplan ® ) is used to treat depression in people who haven’t shown improvement with other antidepressants. Selegiline (Emsam ® ) is a transdermal patch prescribed to treat depression. It’s also sold in pill form — under brand names Eldepryl ® and Zelapar ® — as a combination therapy with the drugs levodopa and carbidopa to help people manage symptoms of Parkinson's disease. Tranylcypromine (Parnate ® ) is prescribed for treatment-resistant depression and may also be used off-label for treatment-resistant anxiety disorders, including social anxiety disorder and panic disorder. As much as we’d like to keep this list neat and tidy, some antidepressants don’t fit clearly into the drug classes listed above. Medications like this may be referred to as “atypical” antidepressants and include: Bupropion (generic for Wellbutrin XL ® ) is an atypical antidepressant often used to treat depression and seasonal affective disorder. It’s also approved for smoking cessation under the brand name Zyban ® . In some cases, bupropion may be used off-label to treat sexual dysfunction caused by other antidepressants. Unlike SSRIs and SNRIs, bupropion doesn’t increase serotonin, so it doesn’t have the side effects, like sexual dysfunction, caused by excessive serotonin. It primarily boosts the neurotransmitter dopamine, which can lead to more energy, motivation, and interest. The disadvantage is that it doesn’t treat anxiety. Check out our bupropion side effect guide for more on that use and other quirks of this medication. Trazodone, sold under the brand name Desyrel ® , is rarely used to treat MDD. Trazodone is most often prescribed off-label to help people with insomnia. Esketamine (Spravato ® ) is a nasal spray antidepressant with limited approval by the FDA for treatment-resistant depression and MDD in adults. Some atypical antidepressants, such as nefazodone, opipramol, agomelatine and others, may be used to treat certain forms of depression but are either discontinued or not approved in the United States. The reality of medicine in the modern era is that while it’s helpful to know everything we’ve shared with you here, you don’t need to memorize all of these facts before accepting a prescription for a new antidepressant. A healthcare professional will be able to help you navigate questions and concerns and, if necessary, manage any side effects. Whether you’re about to start a new medication or just beginning your depression treatment journey, what’s important for you now is to talk to someone about what you’re dealing with. The major takeaways that will help you speed up the process are: There are many different types of antidepressants on the market today, and each one may help different people in different ways. Older medications tend to cause more side effects for the average user, but may also offer benefits if first line medications like SSRIs don’t work for you. Side effects from all antidepressants can affect anyone, so if you’re struggling with anything from (mild) dry mouth to (serious) suicidal thoughts, talk to your healthcare provider immediately. If you’re feeling depressed, it’s essential that you get the help you need. Our mental health resources provide effective strategies from licensed therapists that you can use to understand, recognize and help alleviate the symptoms of depression and anxiety. If you’d like to talk to a professional, you can also talk to a licensed psychiatry provider via our online therapy. You’ll receive a personalized treatment plan and, if appropriate, receive depression medication online to help you treat your symptoms and take control of your mental health. Related Drug Comparisons Adderall vs. Lexapro Cymbalta vs. Prozac Buspirone vs. Xanax Cymbalta vs. Zoloft Cymbalta vs. Lexapro Lexapro vs. Prozac Lexapro vs. Wellbutrin Lexapro vs. Zoloft Prozac vs. Zoloft Sertraline vs. Zoloft 12 Sources Hims & Hers has strict sourcing guidelines to ensure our content is accurate and current. We rely on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We strive to use primary sources and refrain from using tertiary references. Fayez R, Gupta V. Imipramine. [Updated 2022 Jul 16] . In: StatPearls [Internet] . Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557656/ . Saef MA, Yilanli M, Saadabadi A. Protriptyline. [Updated 2022 Aug 8] . In: StatPearls [Internet] . Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499828/ . Merwar G, Gibbons JR, Hosseini SA, et al. Nortriptyline. [Updated 2023 Feb 12] . In: StatPearls [Internet] . Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482214/ . Moraczewski J, Aedma KK. Tricyclic Antidepressants. [Updated 2022 Nov 21] . In: StatPearls [Internet] . Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557791/ . Thour A, Marwaha R. Amitriptyline. [Updated 2023 Feb 16] . In: StatPearls [Internet] . Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537225/ . Chu A, Wadhwa R. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors. [Updated 2023 Feb 12] . In: StatPearls [Internet] . Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK554406/ . Highlights of prescribing information symptoms associated with ... (n.d.-b). https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2008/022235lbl.pdf . Sussex Publishers. (n.d.). Number One reason ssris take four to six weeks to work. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/the-superhuman-mind/201702/number-one-reason-ssris-take-four-six-weeks-work . Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. (n.d.). Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (ssris) information. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/information-drug-class/selective-serotonin-reuptake-inhibitors-ssris-information . U.S. National Library of Medicine. (n.d.-c). Commonly prescribed antidepressants and how they work \| NIH MedlinePlus Magazine. MedlinePlus. https://magazine.medlineplus.gov/article/commonly-prescribed-antidepressants-and-how-they-work . U.S. National Library of Medicine. (n.d.-a). Antidepressants. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/antidepressants.html . Pamelor - Food and Drug Administration. (n.d.-d). https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2019/018013s064lbl.pdf .
Markdown	- [All](https://www.forhers.com/blog) - [Weight Loss](https://www.forhers.com/blog/weight-loss) - [Menopause](https://www.forhers.com/blog/menopause) - [Mental Health](https://www.forhers.com/blog/mental-health) - [Hair](https://www.forhers.com/blog/hair) - [Skin](https://www.forhers.com/blog/skin) - [News](https://www.forhers.com/blog/news) Content 1. [Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)](https://www.forhers.com/blog/full-list-antidepressants-ssri-snri#selective-serotonin-reuptake-inhibitors-ssris) 2. [Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)](https://www.forhers.com/blog/full-list-antidepressants-ssri-snri#serotonin-norepinephrine-reuptake-inhibitors-snris) 3. [Tetracyclic Antidepressants (TeCAs)](https://www.forhers.com/blog/full-list-antidepressants-ssri-snri#tetracyclic-antidepressants-te-cas) 4. [Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)](https://www.forhers.com/blog/full-list-antidepressants-ssri-snri#monoamine-oxidase-inhibitors-maois) 5. [Other Antidepressants](https://www.forhers.com/blog/full-list-antidepressants-ssri-snri#other-antidepressants) 6. [Antidepressants List: Which Is Right for Me?](https://www.forhers.com/blog/full-list-antidepressants-ssri-snri#antidepressants-list-which-is-right-for-me) Free Mental Health Assessment [Start here](https://www.forhers.com/c/mh) 1. [Home](https://www.forhers.com/blog) 2. [Mental Health](https://www.forhers.com/blog/mental-health) 3. Full Antidepressants List: SSRIs, SNRIs, TCAs & Others # Full Antidepressants List: SSRIs, SNRIs, TCAs & Others ![Daniel Lieberman](https://www.forhers.com/forhims/image/upload/q_auto,f_auto,fl_lossy,c_limit/v1688394130/Hims/Other/medical-experts/executive-team/updates/HH-Advisor-DanielLieberman-d) Reviewed by [Daniel Z. Lieberman, MD](https://www.forhers.com/medical-experts/daniel-lieberman-dr) Written by [Geoffrey Whittaker](https://www.forhers.com/authors/geoffrey-c-whittaker) Published 04/22/2022 Updated 11/15/2023 Antidepressants: the most common prescription medication among cool people like artists, fictional type As, film protagonists and yourself. If you’ve been diagnosed with depression, your healthcare provider may have suggested antidepressant medication to relieve symptoms like sadness, emptiness, insomnia, fatigue and more. Antidepressants work by [changing](https://medlineplus.gov/antidepressants.html) the balance of certain neurotransmitters in your brain, but which ones they affect and how they affect them varies from one antidepressant to another — and there are many different classes of antidepressants. You’re almost certain to be overwhelmed by the variety (we often are), and for people navigating the management of a depressive disorder, it can be quite difficult to sort through the effects, side effects and performance of these drugs. Help is on the way. To make it easier to understand this wide world of treatments, we’ve covered the most common types of antidepressants below, including: - Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) - Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) - Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) - Tetracyclic antidepressants (TeCAs) - Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) - Others that don’t fit into the above categories We’ve included information about popular brand names, the conditions for which each medication is typically prescribed, the potential side effects and the amount of time it may take for each antidepressant to start providing relief. So let’s jump right into our list of antidepressants, starting with the most common antidepressants on the market today: SSRIs. Content 1. [Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)](https://www.forhers.com/blog/full-list-antidepressants-ssri-snri#selective-serotonin-reuptake-inhibitors-ssris) 2. [Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)](https://www.forhers.com/blog/full-list-antidepressants-ssri-snri#serotonin-norepinephrine-reuptake-inhibitors-snris) 3. [Tetracyclic Antidepressants (TeCAs)](https://www.forhers.com/blog/full-list-antidepressants-ssri-snri#tetracyclic-antidepressants-te-cas) 4. [Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)](https://www.forhers.com/blog/full-list-antidepressants-ssri-snri#monoamine-oxidase-inhibitors-maois) 5. [Other Antidepressants](https://www.forhers.com/blog/full-list-antidepressants-ssri-snri#other-antidepressants) 6. [Antidepressants List: Which Is Right for Me?](https://www.forhers.com/blog/full-list-antidepressants-ssri-snri#antidepressants-list-which-is-right-for-me) [Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)](https://www.forhers.com/blog/full-list-antidepressants-ssri-snri#selective-serotonin-reuptake-inhibitors-ssris) Copy Link [Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors](https://www.forhers.com/blog/ssri-drugs-overview-types), or SSRIs, are indeed the [most common type](https://magazine.medlineplus.gov/article/commonly-prescribed-antidepressants-and-how-they-work) of antidepressant prescribed in the United States, and they have been ranked number one for several decades. First developed in the 1970s, SSRIs are so popular because they’re generally effective and have fewer drug interactions, safety issues and side effects than older antidepressants. Because of this, it’s common for healthcare professionals to use SSRIs as [first-line treatments for depression](https://www.aafp.org/afp/2010/0515/p1205.html). [Some SSRIs](https://www.fda.gov/drugs/information-drug-class/selective-serotonin-reuptake-inhibitors-ssris-information) are also prescribed to treat mental health issues like anxiety disorders and other mood disorders. Serotonin regulates certain aspects of your mood, including feelings of happiness, and SSRIs increase the amount of serotonin in your brain by [blocking your brain cells](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK554406/) from reabsorbing (or reuptaking) existing serotonin. Most of the time, SSRIs produce a [noticeable improvement](https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/the-superhuman-mind/201702/number-one-reason-ssris-take-four-six-weeks-work) in people affected by depression within about two to four weeks. If you’ve recently been [diagnosed](https://www.forhers.com/blog/can-you-self-diagnose-depression) with a form of [depression](https://www.forhers.com/blog/depression-types-symptoms-causes-more), it’s very likely that your healthcare provider will discuss using an SSRI first. SSRIs may cause certain side effects — for more on this check out our complete guide to the [side effects of SSRIs](https://www.forhers.com/blog/side-effects-of-ssri). Now, onto the list. ### List of SSRIs Currently, several different SSRI antidepressants are used to treat depression, [anxiety disorders](https://www.forhers.com/blog/anxiety-disorders-overview) and other conditions. They include: - [Citalopram (Celexa®)](https://www.forhers.com/psychiatry/citalopram)is an SSRI used to treat depression. It was first approved in 1998 by the FDA. [Citalopram](https://www.forhers.com/blog/what-is-celexa) is one of the most commonly prescribed medications in the United States. - [Escitalopram (Lexapro®)](https://www.forhers.com/psychiatry/escitalopram) is [used](https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2020/021323s052,021365s037lbl.pdf) to treat depression and generalized anxiety disorder in adults. It was approved by the FDA as a treatment for major depressive disorder (MDD) in 2002 and later as a treatment for generalized anxiety disorder. As with many other SSRIs, [escitalopram](https://www.forhers.com/blog/lexapro-escitalopram-overview) is one of the most commonly prescribed medications in the United States. - [Fluoxetine (Prozac®)](https://www.forhers.com/psychiatry/fluoxetine) is [used](https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2020/018936s109lbl.pdf) to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), [panic disorder](https://www.forhers.com/blog/what-is-panic-disorder) and bulimia nervosa (an eating disorder). It’s also used in combination with other medications to treat depressive episodes in people with bipolar disorder and treatment-resistant depression. Under the brand name Prozac, [fluoxetine](https://www.forhers.com/blog/prozac-fluoxetine-overview) was the first SSRI to receive approval from the FDA in the United States, in 1987. Today, it remains one of the most widely prescribed medications in the United States. - Fluvoxamine (Luvox®) is slightly [different](https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2008/022235lbl.pdf) from other SSRIs, which are primarily used to treat depression. Instead, fluvoxamine is typically prescribed to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder. Fluvoxamine may also be prescribed to treat certain anxiety disorders, such as social anxiety disorder, and can be prescribed as an off-label medication to treat depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). - [Paroxetine (Paxil®)](https://www.forhers.com/psychiatry/paroxetine)is [used](https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2017/020710s038lbl.pdf) to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, PTSD and several anxiety disorders, including social anxiety disorder (SAD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and panic disorder. It may also be prescribed off-label for premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). [Paroxetine](https://www.forhers.com/blog/paxil-paroxetine-overview) was approved by the FDA in 2001. As with other SSRIs, it’s a common medication that’s one of the most widely used prescription drugs in the country. - [Sertraline (Zoloft®)](https://www.forhers.com/psychiatry/sertraline) is [used](https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2017/019839s091lbl.pdf) to treat depression, OCD, PTSD, premenstrual dysphoric disorder and anxiety disorders such as social anxiety disorder and panic disorder. It’s also occasionally prescribed off-label to treat premature ejaculation (PE). [Sertraline](https://www.forhers.com/blog/zoloft-overview) was first approved by the FDA for use as a treatment for depression in 1991. As of 2018, not only was sertraline the most commonly prescribed SSRI antidepressant, but it was also the [most widely used psychiatric medication](https://www.forhers.com/blog/sertraline-faqs-25-common-questions-answered) in the United States. - Vilazodone (Viibryd®) is a slightly newer medication [used](https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2020/022567s021lbl.pdf) to treat depression. Because it’s only been around for a relatively short amount of time (it was approved in 2011), vilazodone is less widely used for treating depression than other SSRIs. - Vortioxetine (Trintellix®) gained [its FDA approval](https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2020/204447s020lbl.pdf) in 2013. Because Trintellix is a newer SSRI on the market, it's not available as an affordable generic, and so it's not yet considered a first-line treatment. [Online Mental Health](https://www.forhers.com/psychiatry) #### More for your mind Start now Learn more ![Hers medication bottle](https://cloudinary.forhims.com/image/upload/v1722957748/2024%20Blog%20CTA%20Updates/Hers/Mental%20Health/Blog-Hers-CVRUpdate-MH-CTA-MoreForYourMind.png) [Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)](https://www.forhers.com/blog/full-list-antidepressants-ssri-snri#serotonin-norepinephrine-reuptake-inhibitors-snris) Copy Link Serotonin–norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, or SNRIs, are a common type of antidepressant used to treat depression, as well as some anxiety and nerve pain disorders. SNRIs work similarly to SSRIs by blocking the reabsorption of serotonin to increase the level of this neurotransmitter that’s active in your brain and body. But they perform a sort of dual function by also blocking the reabsorption of a different neurotransmitter — norepinephrine. Low levels of norepinephrine have been closely linked to depression symptoms like difficulty concentrating, lethargy and issues related to your sleep-wake cycle. Despite their dual action, SNRIs have not been shown to be substantially superior to SSRIs. Nevertheless, some people who don’t respond to an SSRI will do well on an SNRI. SNRI drugs are widely prescribed throughout the United States to treat depression accompanied by chronic pain. Like SSRIs, the side effects of SNRIs are generally mild and often disappear after several weeks of use. ### List of SNRIs Numerous SNRI antidepressants are currently [prescribed to treat depression](https://www.forhers.com/blog/depression-medications), as well as other mood disorders. They include: - Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq®) has been [used](https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2018/021992s042lbl.pdf) as a treatment for depression since its approval in 2008. It may also be prescribed off-label to treat certain symptoms in menopausal women, such as hot flashes. - [Duloxetine (Cymbalta®)](https://www.forhers.com/psychiatry/duloxetine) is [prescribed](https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2020/021427s053lbl.pdf) to treat depression and generalized anxiety disorder. Duloxetine has become one of the most widely prescribed medications in the United States since it was approved by the FDA in 2004. It’s also approved by the FDA for the treatment of fibromyalgia, chronic musculoskeletal pain and diabetic peripheral neuropathy. - Levomilnacipran (Fetzima®) is a relatively new medication [used](https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2019/204168s006lbl.pdf) to treat depression. It was first approved by the FDA in 2009. - [Venlafaxine (Effexor®)](https://www.forhers.com/psychiatry/venlafaxine) is prescribed to treat depression and — in its extended-release form — is also used to treat anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder and panic disorder. Venlafaxine may be used off-label to treat other conditions such as diabetic neuropathy, fibromyalgia, complex pain syndromes and premenstrual dysphoric disorder, and as a preventive medication for migraines. Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs) Tricyclic antidepressants, or TCAs, are an [older class of antidepressants](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557791/). They first came onto the market in the mid-20th century as treatments for depression and [certain anxiety and pain disorders](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537225/). TCAs increase the amounts of serotonin and norepinephrine in your brain, and are about equally as effective as SSRIs. However, they’re used much less commonly these days due to their higher risk of side effects and drug interactions. Tricyclic antidepressants are occasionally [used](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557791/) as second-line antidepressants when newer treatments such as SSRIs or SNRIs don’t work or cause unwanted side effects. Since some tricyclic antidepressant drugs have sedating effects, they may be used in very low doses off-label as sleep aids for people who struggle with insomnia. If you’re prescribed a tricyclic antidepressant, it’s important to be aware of the side effects of antidepressants in this class, as well as their potential drug interactions — check out our complete guide to [depression medications](https://www.forhers.com/blog/depression-medications) for more on using them safely. ### List of Tricyclic Antidepressants Currently, a variety of [tricyclic antidepressants](https://www.forhers.com/blog/tricyclic-antidepressants-guide) are used to treat depression, anxiety disorders and other conditions. They include: - Amitriptyline (Elavil®) is FDA-approved for the treatment of depression in adults. Off-label, it may be prescribed to treat everything from sleep disorders to chronic pain to PTSD. - [Desipramine](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470581/) (Norpramin®) is prescribed to treat depression. Desipramine is slightly less likely to cause certain side effects compared to other tricyclic antidepressants. It may also be prescribed off-label to treat neuropathic pain, bulimia nervosa, irritable bowel syndrome and several other conditions. - Doxepin is prescribed to treat depression and certain forms of anxiety. It may also be used off-label to treat other conditions, such as migraines and neuropathic pain. At a much lower dose, doxepin is approved for use as a sleeping pill sold under the [brand name](https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2020/022036s006lbl.pdf) Silenor®. It was once sold as Sinequan®, but this was discontinued. - Imipramine (Tofranil®) is [used](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557656/) as a treatment for depression and, occasionally, as a second-line medication to treat depression with [melancholic](https://www.forhers.com/blog/melancholic-depression) and atypical features. It can also be used to treat bedwetting in children, and may be used off-label for panic disorder and neuropathic pain. - [Nortriptyline](https://www.forhers.com/blog/nortriptyline-for-depression) (Pamelor®) is [another](https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2019/018013s064lbl.pdf) TCA used to treat depression, but is also [prescribed off-label](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482214/) for chronic pain, myofascial pain, orofacial pain, diabetic neuropathy and postherpetic neuralgia (a potential complication of shingles). - Protriptyline treats depression, and is [also used to treat](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499828/) certain forms of anxiety, as well as headaches and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Protriptyline may also be prescribed off-label for treatment-resistant depression, [sleep apnea](https://www.forhers.com/blog/sleep-apnea-and-anxiety), cocaine dependence, as a local anesthetic and as a support medication for people trying to quit smoking. It was previously sold under the brand name Vivactil®, but this has since been discontinued. [Tetracyclic Antidepressants (TeCAs)](https://www.forhers.com/blog/full-list-antidepressants-ssri-snri#tetracyclic-antidepressants-te-cas) Copy Link Tetracyclic antidepressants (TeCAs) are another older class of antidepressants. They were introduced in the 1970s and 1980s and work similarly to tricyclic antidepressants. Like other antidepressants, tetracyclic antidepressants work by increasing the levels of certain neurotransmitters (including serotonin and norepinephrine) affected in people with depression or anxiety disorders. While they’re less commonly used for depression than newer antidepressants such as SSRIs and SNRIs, some tetracyclic antidepressants are used to treat people who have depression at the same time as issues such as anxiety or difficulty sleeping. ### Mirtazapine (Remeron®) Mirtazapine (Remeron®) is a TeCA used to treat depression. It’s also used off-label as a treatment for headaches and migraines, insomnia and anxiety disorders. [Rx Available](https://www.forhers.com/psychiatry) #### Feeling better is possible Start now Learn more ![Woman with blonde hair smiling](https://cloudinary.forhims.com/image/upload/v1722957747/2024%20Blog%20CTA%20Updates/Hers/Mental%20Health/Blog-Hers-CVRUpdate-MH-CTA-FeelingBetterIsPossible.png) [Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)](https://www.forhers.com/blog/full-list-antidepressants-ssri-snri#monoamine-oxidase-inhibitors-maois) Copy Link Monoamine oxidase inhibitors, or MAOIs, are another older class of antidepressants first introduced in the 1950s. MAOIs work by blocking the enzyme monoamine oxidase, which breaks down neurotransmitters such as serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine and tyramine. By stopping these chemicals from being broken down, MAOIs help to increase neurotransmitter levels in the brain — it’s basically like unplugging a Roomba and letting the dust collect, except the dust is crucial neurotransmitters that you need for better mental health. Although MAOIs are effective, they have a considerable risk of interacting with other medications and with certain foods — foods that contain tyramine, for example, can potentially cause a sudden, life-threatening increase in blood pressure when mixed with MAOIs. Because of this, people who use MAOIs need to carefully monitor not just their use of different medications, but also their diet. That’s one of the main reasons that MAOIs are rarely used today except in certain circumstances, such as when other medications for depression aren’t effective. ### List of Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors [MAOIs](https://www.forhers.com/blog/maoi-drugs) prescribed to treat certain forms of depression include the following: - Phenelzine (Nardil®) is prescribed to treat depression, treatment-resistant depression, social anxiety disorder and certain anxiety disorders, such as panic disorder and social anxiety disorder. - Isocarboxazid (Marplan®) is used to treat depression in people who haven’t shown improvement with other antidepressants. - Selegiline (Emsam®) is a transdermal patch prescribed to treat depression. It’s also sold in pill form — under brand names Eldepryl® and Zelapar® — as a combination therapy with the drugs levodopa and carbidopa to help people manage symptoms of Parkinson's disease. - Tranylcypromine (Parnate®) is prescribed for treatment-resistant depression and may also be used off-label for treatment-resistant anxiety disorders, including social anxiety disorder and panic disorder. [Other Antidepressants](https://www.forhers.com/blog/full-list-antidepressants-ssri-snri#other-antidepressants) Copy Link As much as we’d like to keep this list neat and tidy, some antidepressants don’t fit clearly into the drug classes listed above. Medications like this may be referred to as “atypical” antidepressants and include: - [Bupropion (generic for Wellbutrin XL®)](https://www.forhers.com/psychiatry/bupropion) is an atypical antidepressant often used to treat depression and seasonal affective disorder. It’s also approved for smoking cessation under the brand name Zyban®. In some cases, [bupropion](https://www.forhers.com/drugs/info/buproprion) may be used off-label to treat sexual dysfunction caused by other antidepressants. Unlike SSRIs and SNRIs, bupropion doesn’t increase serotonin, so it doesn’t have the side effects, like sexual dysfunction, caused by excessive serotonin. It primarily boosts the neurotransmitter dopamine, which can lead to more energy, motivation, and interest. The disadvantage is that it doesn’t treat anxiety. Check out our [bupropion side effect guide](https://www.forhers.com/blog/bupropion-side-effects) for more on that use and other quirks of this medication. - Trazodone, sold under the brand name Desyrel®, is rarely used to treat MDD. Trazodone is most often prescribed off-label to help people with insomnia. - Esketamine (Spravato®) is a nasal spray antidepressant with limited approval by the FDA for treatment-resistant depression and MDD in adults. - Some atypical antidepressants, such as nefazodone, opipramol, agomelatine and others, may be used to treat certain forms of depression but are either discontinued or not approved in the United States. [Mental Health Treatment](https://www.forhers.com/psychiatry) #### Feel-good results Start now Learn more [Antidepressants List: Which Is Right for Me?](https://www.forhers.com/blog/full-list-antidepressants-ssri-snri#antidepressants-list-which-is-right-for-me) Copy Link The reality of medicine in the modern era is that while it’s helpful to know everything we’ve shared with you here, you don’t need to memorize all of these facts before accepting a prescription for a new antidepressant. A healthcare professional will be able to help you navigate questions and concerns and, if necessary, manage any side effects. Whether you’re about to start a new medication or just beginning your depression treatment journey, what’s important for you now is to talk to someone about what you’re dealing with. The major takeaways that will help you speed up the process are: - There are many different types of antidepressants on the market today, and each one may help different people in different ways. - Older medications tend to cause more side effects for the average user, but may also offer benefits if first line medications like SSRIs don’t work for you. - Side effects from all antidepressants can affect anyone, so if you’re struggling with anything from (mild) dry mouth to (serious) suicidal thoughts, talk to your healthcare provider immediately. - If you’re feeling depressed, it’s essential that you get the help you need. Our mental health resources provide effective strategies from licensed therapists that you can use to understand, recognize and help alleviate the symptoms of depression and anxiety. If you’d like to talk to a professional, you can also talk to a licensed psychiatry provider via our online therapy. You’ll receive a personalized treatment plan and, if appropriate, receive [depression medication online](https://www.forhers.com/psychiatry) to help you treat your symptoms and take control of your mental health. ### Related Drug Comparisons \| \| \| \|---\|---\| \| [Adderall vs. Lexapro](https://www.forhers.com/drugs/compare/adderall-vs-lexapro) \| [Cymbalta vs. Prozac](https://www.forhers.com/drugs/compare/cymbalta-vs-prozac) \| \| [Buspirone vs. Xanax](https://www.forhers.com/drugs/compare/buspirone-vs-xanax) \| [Cymbalta vs. Zoloft](https://www.forhers.com/drugs/compare/cymbalta-vs-zoloft) \| \| [Cymbalta vs. Lexapro](https://www.forhers.com/drugs/compare/cymbalta-vs-lexapro) \| [Lexapro vs. Prozac](https://www.forhers.com/drugs/compare/lexapro-vs-prozac) \| \| [Lexapro vs. Wellbutrin](https://www.forhers.com/drugs/compare/lexapro-vs-wellbutrin) \| [Lexapro vs. Zoloft](https://www.forhers.com/drugs/compare/lexapro-vs-zoloft) \| \| [Prozac vs. Zoloft](https://www.forhers.com/drugs/compare/prozac-vs-zoloft) \| [Sertraline vs. Zoloft](https://www.forhers.com/drugs/compare/sertraline-vs-zoloft) \| ### 12 Sources Hims & Hers has strict sourcing guidelines to ensure our content is accurate and current. We rely on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We strive to use primary sources and refrain from using tertiary references. Fayez R, Gupta V. Imipramine. \[Updated 2022 Jul 16\]. In: StatPearls \[Internet\]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557656/. Saef MA, Yilanli M, Saadabadi A. Protriptyline. \[Updated 2022 Aug 8\]. In: StatPearls \[Internet\]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499828/. Merwar G, Gibbons JR, Hosseini SA, et al. Nortriptyline. \[Updated 2023 Feb 12\]. In: StatPearls \[Internet\]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482214/. Moraczewski J, Aedma KK. Tricyclic Antidepressants. \[Updated 2022 Nov 21\]. In: StatPearls \[Internet\]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557791/. Thour A, Marwaha R. Amitriptyline. \[Updated 2023 Feb 16\]. In: StatPearls \[Internet\]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537225/. Chu A, Wadhwa R. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors. \[Updated 2023 Feb 12\]. In: StatPearls \[Internet\]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK554406/. Highlights of prescribing information symptoms associated with ... (n.d.-b). https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda\_docs/label/2008/022235lbl.pdf. Sussex Publishers. (n.d.). Number One reason ssris take four to six weeks to work. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/the-superhuman-mind/201702/number-one-reason-ssris-take-four-six-weeks-work. Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. (n.d.). Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (ssris) information. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/information-drug-class/selective-serotonin-reuptake-inhibitors-ssris-information. U.S. National Library of Medicine. (n.d.-c). Commonly prescribed antidepressants and how they work \\| NIH MedlinePlus Magazine. MedlinePlus. https://magazine.medlineplus.gov/article/commonly-prescribed-antidepressants-and-how-they-work. U.S. National Library of Medicine. (n.d.-a). Antidepressants. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/antidepressants.html. Pamelor - Food and Drug Administration. (n.d.-d). https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda\_docs/label/2019/018013s064lbl.pdf. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment. Learn more about our editorial standards [here](https://www.forhers.com/editorial-standards). [Daniel Z. Lieberman, MD](https://www.forhers.com/medical-experts/daniel-lieberman-dr) ## Education - Doctor of Medicine - [New York University Grossman School of Medicine](https://med.nyu.edu/), 1992 - Bachelor of Arts - [St. John’s College](https://www.sjc.edu/), 1985 ## Training - Internship & Residency - [New York University Grossman School of Medicine](https://med.nyu.edu/), 1996 ## Medical Licenses - District of Columbia, 1996 - Maryland, 2022 - Virginia, 2022 ## Board Certifications - [American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology](https://abpn.org/), Psychiatry, 1997 - [American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology](https://abpn.org/), Addiction Psychiatry, 1998 ## Other Certificates & Certifications - [Stanford Online, AI in Healthcare Specialization Certificate](https://www.coursera.org/account/accomplishments/specialization/NZTXVOQOOPWX), 2025 - [Stanford Online, Machine Learning Specialization Certificate](https://www.coursera.org/account/accomplishments/specialization/7F3HDP76SDK3), 2024 ## Affiliations & Memberships - [American Psychiatric Association](https://www.psychiatry.org/) ## Specialties & Areas of Focus - Mental Health ## Years of Experience - 33 ## Previous Work Experience - Professor and Vice Chair - Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, [George Washington University](https://www.gwu.edu/), 1996–2022 ## Publications & Research - Title: A neurotransmitter approach to the trolley problem - Published in: OBM Neurobiology - Date: 2019 - URL: <https://www.lidsen.com/journals/neurobiology/neurobiology-03-02-030> - Title: An automated internet application to help patients with bipolar disorder track social rhythm stabilization - Published in: Psychiatric Services - Date: 2011 - URL: <https://psychiatryonline.org/doi/10.1176/ps.62.11.pss6211_1267> - Title: Enhancing adherence to mood charting with an online version of the NIMH Life Chart - Published in: Annals of General Psychiatry - Date: 2010 - URL: <https://annals-general-psychiatry.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1744-859X-9-S1-S11> - Title: The role of gender in single versus married patients with bipolar disorder - Published in: Comprehensive Psychiatry - Date: 2010 - URL: <https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0010440X0900128X> - Title: Evaluation of the stability and validity of participant samples recruited over the Internet - Published in: CyberPsychology and Behavior - Date: 2008 - URL: <https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/cpb.2007.0254> - Title: Pathways to change: The effect of a Web application on treatment interest - Published in: The American Journal on Addictions - Date: 2008 - URL: <https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1080/10550490802138525> ## Media Mentions & Features - Washington Post, [Why do passengers freak out on airplanes? Science might have the answer.](https://www.washingtonpost.com/video/national/why-do-passengers-freak-out-on-airplanes-science-might-have-the-answer/2018/05/11/00592b2e-5531-11e8-a6d4-ca1d035642ce_video.html) - CNN, [The dangers of self-radicalization](https://www.cnn.com/videos/us/2013/05/03/lead-danger-of-self-radicalization-gwu-dan-lieberman.cnn) - Associated Press, [MillerCoors Tapping Into Millenials](http://youtu.be/Jvv6VNjrgN0) - Time, [Hook Me Up: Are IV Clinics for You?](https://healthland.time.com/2013/01/15/hook-me-up-are-iv-clinics-for-you/) - The Washington Post, [Holiday drinking can be hard on your health, but you can take precautions](https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/holiday-drinking-can-be-hard-on-your-health-but-you-can-take-precautions/2012/12/14/e3543bae-42d0-11e2-8e70-e1993528222d_story.html) - Le Figaro (France), [Daniel Z. Lieberman: «La dopamine nous pousse à acheter en nous promettant le bonheur» (Daniel Z. Lieberman: “Dopamine drives us to buy by promising us happiness”)](https://www.lefigaro.fr/sciences/daniel-z-lieberman-la-dopamine-nous-pousse-a-acheter-en-nous-promettant-le-bonheur-20220211) - Men’s Health (Spain), [Cómo la dopamina influye en nuestro cerebro y determina nuestra vida (How dopamine influences our brain and determines our lives).](https://www.menshealth.com/es/salud-bienestar/a38087703/dopamina-determina-nuestra-vida/) - El Mundo (Spain), [Dopamina, la sustancia que domina tu vida: a quién votas, con quién te acuestas y cuánto dinero ganas (Dopamine, the substance that dominates your life: who you vote for, who you sleep with and how much money you make)](https://www.elmundo.es/papel/historias/2021/10/20/6170319121efa04a3c8b4591.html) - Vice, [No One Owes You an Explanation About Their Vaccine](https://www.vice.com/en/article/4ad9gw/dont-ask-people-why-theyre-eligible-for-the-covid-vaccine) - CNBC, [The psychological reason it’s so hard to work today after the riot — and how to cope](https://www.cnbc.com/2021/01/07/how-to-cope-with-emotions-like-fear-and-anxiety-after-us-capitol-riot.html) - Today, [Are we ever going to shake hands again?](https://www.today.com/health/when-will-it-be-ok-shake-hands-how-should-you-t177562) - Business Insider, [The reason why we self-sabotage is because our brains are wired to resist the things we want most in life](https://www.businessinsider.com/brain-resist-what-you-want-most-how-to-change-2019-10) - Forbes, [The Must-Read Brain Books Of 2018](https://www.forbes.com/sites/daviddisalvo/2018/12/30/the-must-read-brain-books-of-2018/) - Daily Mail, [Why a day in the office wears you out: Sitting for hours using only our brains 'creates a chemical imbalance' - but these tips may help you feel more energized.](http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-6140683/Office-jobs-using-brains-tire-creating-chemical-imbalance-expert-explains.html) - U.S. News & World Report, [How Your Secrets Can Damage and Maybe Even Kill You](http://health.usnews.com/wellness/mind/articles/2017-06-26/how-your-secrets-can-damage-and-maybe-even-kill-you) ## Why I Practice Medicine - I practice medicine because I believe that mental health is the foundation of a meaningful life. When people suffer psychologically, it touches every part of their existence—from relationships to work to the simple ability to feel joy. Because it can be so difficult for people who are suffering to find good mental health care, my mission has been to expand access through technology, so that no one is left behind. ## Hobbies & Interests - I like to write in my spare time. I’ve written two nonfiction titles, [Spellbound: Modern Science, Ancient Magic, and the Hidden Potential of the Unconscious Mind](https://www.amazon.com/Spellbound-Science-Ancient-Potential-Unconscious/dp/1637741324) and the international bestseller, [The Molecule of More: How a Single Chemical in Your Brain Drives Love, Sex, and Creativity--and Will Determine the Fate of the Human Race](https://www.amazon.com/Molecule-More-Chemical-Creativity_and-Determine/dp/1948836580) ## Professional Website or Profile - danielzlieberman.com ## LinkedIn - <https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielzlieberman/> [Read more](https://www.forhers.com/medical-experts/daniel-lieberman-dr) #### Related Articles [How To Get Antidepressants Written by Hadley Mendelsohn Published October 15, 2024](https://www.forhers.com/blog/how-to-get-antidepressants) [Switching Antidepressants: What to Expect Written by Geoffrey C. Whittaker Published November 16, 2023](https://www.forhers.com/blog/switching-antidepressants-what-to-expect) [How to Get Antidepressants Without Insurance Written by Rachel Sacks Published April 30, 2025](https://www.forhers.com/blog/how-to-get-antidepressants-without-insurance) ### Related Conditions [![Anxiety](https://cloudinary.forhims.com/image/upload/v1723575819/cms/hers/condition%20guides/Hers-ConditionGuide-HubCard-MH-Anxiety.png)](https://www.forhers.com/conditions/anxiety) [Anxiety](https://www.forhers.com/conditions/anxiety) Anxiety is common, but what is anxiety, really? It’s a feeling of worry, fear, or mental tension. If you have an anxiety disorder, this feeling can be overwhelming and may get worse over time. There are many different types of anxiety disorders and, luckily, many different treatments. [![Depression](https://cloudinary.forhims.com/image/upload/v1723575818/cms/hers/condition%20guides/Hers-ConditionGuide-HubCard-MH-Depression.png)](https://www.forhers.com/conditions/depression) [Depression](https://www.forhers.com/conditions/depression) Depression is a common but serious mental health disorder that can cause persistent feelings of sadness, worthlessness, or hopelessness. Its effects can be devastating. Depression can interfere with your ability to fulfill day-to-day responsibilities at home, at work, or in school. [![OCD](https://cloudinary.forhims.com/image/upload/v1745787463/cms/hers/condition%20guides/Hers-ConditionGuide-HubCard-MH-OCD.png)](https://www.forhers.com/conditions/obsessive-compulsive-disorder-ocd) [OCD](https://www.forhers.com/conditions/obsessive-compulsive-disorder-ocd) Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition marked by recurring obsessive thoughts and difficult-to-control, compulsive behaviors. [![PTSD](https://cloudinary.forhims.com/image/upload/v1733319240/cms/hers/condition%20guides/Hers-ConditionGuide-HubCard-MH-PTSD.png)](https://www.forhers.com/conditions/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd) [PTSD](https://www.forhers.com/conditions/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd) Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition characterized by unusually large shifts in an individual’s mood, concentration, energy and activity level. [![Bipolar Disorder](https://cloudinary.forhims.com/image/upload/v1725452659/cms/hers/condition%20guides/Hers-ConditionGuide-HubCard-MH-BipolarDisorder_1.png)](https://www.forhers.com/conditions/bipolar-disorder) [Bipolar Disorder](https://www.forhers.com/conditions/bipolar-disorder) Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition characterized by unusually large shifts in an individual’s mood, concentration, energy and activity level. 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Readable Markdown	Antidepressants: the most common prescription medication among cool people like artists, fictional type As, film protagonists and yourself. If you’ve been diagnosed with depression, your healthcare provider may have suggested antidepressant medication to relieve symptoms like sadness, emptiness, insomnia, fatigue and more. Antidepressants work by [changing](https://medlineplus.gov/antidepressants.html) the balance of certain neurotransmitters in your brain, but which ones they affect and how they affect them varies from one antidepressant to another — and there are many different classes of antidepressants. You’re almost certain to be overwhelmed by the variety (we often are), and for people navigating the management of a depressive disorder, it can be quite difficult to sort through the effects, side effects and performance of these drugs. Help is on the way. To make it easier to understand this wide world of treatments, we’ve covered the most common types of antidepressants below, including: - Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) - Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) - Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) - Tetracyclic antidepressants (TeCAs) - Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) - Others that don’t fit into the above categories We’ve included information about popular brand names, the conditions for which each medication is typically prescribed, the potential side effects and the amount of time it may take for each antidepressant to start providing relief. So let’s jump right into our list of antidepressants, starting with the most common antidepressants on the market today: SSRIs. [Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors](https://www.forhers.com/blog/ssri-drugs-overview-types), or SSRIs, are indeed the [most common type](https://magazine.medlineplus.gov/article/commonly-prescribed-antidepressants-and-how-they-work) of antidepressant prescribed in the United States, and they have been ranked number one for several decades. First developed in the 1970s, SSRIs are so popular because they’re generally effective and have fewer drug interactions, safety issues and side effects than older antidepressants. Because of this, it’s common for healthcare professionals to use SSRIs as [first-line treatments for depression](https://www.aafp.org/afp/2010/0515/p1205.html). [Some SSRIs](https://www.fda.gov/drugs/information-drug-class/selective-serotonin-reuptake-inhibitors-ssris-information) are also prescribed to treat mental health issues like anxiety disorders and other mood disorders. Serotonin regulates certain aspects of your mood, including feelings of happiness, and SSRIs increase the amount of serotonin in your brain by [blocking your brain cells](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK554406/) from reabsorbing (or reuptaking) existing serotonin. Most of the time, SSRIs produce a [noticeable improvement](https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/the-superhuman-mind/201702/number-one-reason-ssris-take-four-six-weeks-work) in people affected by depression within about two to four weeks. If you’ve recently been [diagnosed](https://www.forhers.com/blog/can-you-self-diagnose-depression) with a form of [depression](https://www.forhers.com/blog/depression-types-symptoms-causes-more), it’s very likely that your healthcare provider will discuss using an SSRI first. SSRIs may cause certain side effects — for more on this check out our complete guide to the [side effects of SSRIs](https://www.forhers.com/blog/side-effects-of-ssri). Now, onto the list. ### List of SSRIs Currently, several different SSRI antidepressants are used to treat depression, [anxiety disorders](https://www.forhers.com/blog/anxiety-disorders-overview) and other conditions. They include: - [Citalopram (Celexa®)](https://www.forhers.com/psychiatry/citalopram)is an SSRI used to treat depression. It was first approved in 1998 by the FDA. [Citalopram](https://www.forhers.com/blog/what-is-celexa) is one of the most commonly prescribed medications in the United States. - [Escitalopram (Lexapro®)](https://www.forhers.com/psychiatry/escitalopram) is [used](https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2020/021323s052,021365s037lbl.pdf) to treat depression and generalized anxiety disorder in adults. It was approved by the FDA as a treatment for major depressive disorder (MDD) in 2002 and later as a treatment for generalized anxiety disorder. As with many other SSRIs, [escitalopram](https://www.forhers.com/blog/lexapro-escitalopram-overview) is one of the most commonly prescribed medications in the United States. - [Fluoxetine (Prozac®)](https://www.forhers.com/psychiatry/fluoxetine) is [used](https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2020/018936s109lbl.pdf) to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), [panic disorder](https://www.forhers.com/blog/what-is-panic-disorder) and bulimia nervosa (an eating disorder). It’s also used in combination with other medications to treat depressive episodes in people with bipolar disorder and treatment-resistant depression. Under the brand name Prozac, [fluoxetine](https://www.forhers.com/blog/prozac-fluoxetine-overview) was the first SSRI to receive approval from the FDA in the United States, in 1987. Today, it remains one of the most widely prescribed medications in the United States. - Fluvoxamine (Luvox®) is slightly [different](https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2008/022235lbl.pdf) from other SSRIs, which are primarily used to treat depression. Instead, fluvoxamine is typically prescribed to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder. Fluvoxamine may also be prescribed to treat certain anxiety disorders, such as social anxiety disorder, and can be prescribed as an off-label medication to treat depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). - [Paroxetine (Paxil®)](https://www.forhers.com/psychiatry/paroxetine)is [used](https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2017/020710s038lbl.pdf) to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, PTSD and several anxiety disorders, including social anxiety disorder (SAD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and panic disorder. It may also be prescribed off-label for premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). [Paroxetine](https://www.forhers.com/blog/paxil-paroxetine-overview) was approved by the FDA in 2001. As with other SSRIs, it’s a common medication that’s one of the most widely used prescription drugs in the country. - [Sertraline (Zoloft®)](https://www.forhers.com/psychiatry/sertraline) is [used](https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2017/019839s091lbl.pdf) to treat depression, OCD, PTSD, premenstrual dysphoric disorder and anxiety disorders such as social anxiety disorder and panic disorder. It’s also occasionally prescribed off-label to treat premature ejaculation (PE). [Sertraline](https://www.forhers.com/blog/zoloft-overview) was first approved by the FDA for use as a treatment for depression in 1991. As of 2018, not only was sertraline the most commonly prescribed SSRI antidepressant, but it was also the [most widely used psychiatric medication](https://www.forhers.com/blog/sertraline-faqs-25-common-questions-answered) in the United States. - Vilazodone (Viibryd®) is a slightly newer medication [used](https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2020/022567s021lbl.pdf) to treat depression. Because it’s only been around for a relatively short amount of time (it was approved in 2011), vilazodone is less widely used for treating depression than other SSRIs. - Vortioxetine (Trintellix®) gained [its FDA approval](https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2020/204447s020lbl.pdf) in 2013. Because Trintellix is a newer SSRI on the market, it's not available as an affordable generic, and so it's not yet considered a first-line treatment. ![Hers medication bottle](https://cloudinary.forhims.com/image/upload/v1722957748/2024%20Blog%20CTA%20Updates/Hers/Mental%20Health/Blog-Hers-CVRUpdate-MH-CTA-MoreForYourMind.png) Serotonin–norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, or SNRIs, are a common type of antidepressant used to treat depression, as well as some anxiety and nerve pain disorders. SNRIs work similarly to SSRIs by blocking the reabsorption of serotonin to increase the level of this neurotransmitter that’s active in your brain and body. But they perform a sort of dual function by also blocking the reabsorption of a different neurotransmitter — norepinephrine. Low levels of norepinephrine have been closely linked to depression symptoms like difficulty concentrating, lethargy and issues related to your sleep-wake cycle. Despite their dual action, SNRIs have not been shown to be substantially superior to SSRIs. Nevertheless, some people who don’t respond to an SSRI will do well on an SNRI. SNRI drugs are widely prescribed throughout the United States to treat depression accompanied by chronic pain. Like SSRIs, the side effects of SNRIs are generally mild and often disappear after several weeks of use. ### List of SNRIs Numerous SNRI antidepressants are currently [prescribed to treat depression](https://www.forhers.com/blog/depression-medications), as well as other mood disorders. They include: - Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq®) has been [used](https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2018/021992s042lbl.pdf) as a treatment for depression since its approval in 2008. It may also be prescribed off-label to treat certain symptoms in menopausal women, such as hot flashes. - [Duloxetine (Cymbalta®)](https://www.forhers.com/psychiatry/duloxetine) is [prescribed](https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2020/021427s053lbl.pdf) to treat depression and generalized anxiety disorder. Duloxetine has become one of the most widely prescribed medications in the United States since it was approved by the FDA in 2004. It’s also approved by the FDA for the treatment of fibromyalgia, chronic musculoskeletal pain and diabetic peripheral neuropathy. - Levomilnacipran (Fetzima®) is a relatively new medication [used](https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2019/204168s006lbl.pdf) to treat depression. It was first approved by the FDA in 2009. - [Venlafaxine (Effexor®)](https://www.forhers.com/psychiatry/venlafaxine) is prescribed to treat depression and — in its extended-release form — is also used to treat anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder and panic disorder. Venlafaxine may be used off-label to treat other conditions such as diabetic neuropathy, fibromyalgia, complex pain syndromes and premenstrual dysphoric disorder, and as a preventive medication for migraines. Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs) Tricyclic antidepressants, or TCAs, are an [older class of antidepressants](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557791/). They first came onto the market in the mid-20th century as treatments for depression and [certain anxiety and pain disorders](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537225/). TCAs increase the amounts of serotonin and norepinephrine in your brain, and are about equally as effective as SSRIs. However, they’re used much less commonly these days due to their higher risk of side effects and drug interactions. Tricyclic antidepressants are occasionally [used](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557791/) as second-line antidepressants when newer treatments such as SSRIs or SNRIs don’t work or cause unwanted side effects. Since some tricyclic antidepressant drugs have sedating effects, they may be used in very low doses off-label as sleep aids for people who struggle with insomnia. If you’re prescribed a tricyclic antidepressant, it’s important to be aware of the side effects of antidepressants in this class, as well as their potential drug interactions — check out our complete guide to [depression medications](https://www.forhers.com/blog/depression-medications) for more on using them safely. ### List of Tricyclic Antidepressants Currently, a variety of [tricyclic antidepressants](https://www.forhers.com/blog/tricyclic-antidepressants-guide) are used to treat depression, anxiety disorders and other conditions. They include: - Amitriptyline (Elavil®) is FDA-approved for the treatment of depression in adults. Off-label, it may be prescribed to treat everything from sleep disorders to chronic pain to PTSD. - [Desipramine](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470581/) (Norpramin®) is prescribed to treat depression. Desipramine is slightly less likely to cause certain side effects compared to other tricyclic antidepressants. It may also be prescribed off-label to treat neuropathic pain, bulimia nervosa, irritable bowel syndrome and several other conditions. - Doxepin is prescribed to treat depression and certain forms of anxiety. It may also be used off-label to treat other conditions, such as migraines and neuropathic pain. At a much lower dose, doxepin is approved for use as a sleeping pill sold under the [brand name](https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2020/022036s006lbl.pdf) Silenor®. It was once sold as Sinequan®, but this was discontinued. - Imipramine (Tofranil®) is [used](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557656/) as a treatment for depression and, occasionally, as a second-line medication to treat depression with [melancholic](https://www.forhers.com/blog/melancholic-depression) and atypical features. It can also be used to treat bedwetting in children, and may be used off-label for panic disorder and neuropathic pain. - [Nortriptyline](https://www.forhers.com/blog/nortriptyline-for-depression) (Pamelor®) is [another](https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2019/018013s064lbl.pdf) TCA used to treat depression, but is also [prescribed off-label](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482214/) for chronic pain, myofascial pain, orofacial pain, diabetic neuropathy and postherpetic neuralgia (a potential complication of shingles). - Protriptyline treats depression, and is [also used to treat](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499828/) certain forms of anxiety, as well as headaches and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Protriptyline may also be prescribed off-label for treatment-resistant depression, [sleep apnea](https://www.forhers.com/blog/sleep-apnea-and-anxiety), cocaine dependence, as a local anesthetic and as a support medication for people trying to quit smoking. It was previously sold under the brand name Vivactil®, but this has since been discontinued. Tetracyclic antidepressants (TeCAs) are another older class of antidepressants. They were introduced in the 1970s and 1980s and work similarly to tricyclic antidepressants. Like other antidepressants, tetracyclic antidepressants work by increasing the levels of certain neurotransmitters (including serotonin and norepinephrine) affected in people with depression or anxiety disorders. While they’re less commonly used for depression than newer antidepressants such as SSRIs and SNRIs, some tetracyclic antidepressants are used to treat people who have depression at the same time as issues such as anxiety or difficulty sleeping. ### Mirtazapine (Remeron®) Mirtazapine (Remeron®) is a TeCA used to treat depression. It’s also used off-label as a treatment for headaches and migraines, insomnia and anxiety disorders. [Rx Available](https://www.forhers.com/psychiatry) #### Feeling better is possible ![Woman with blonde hair smiling](https://cloudinary.forhims.com/image/upload/v1722957747/2024%20Blog%20CTA%20Updates/Hers/Mental%20Health/Blog-Hers-CVRUpdate-MH-CTA-FeelingBetterIsPossible.png) Monoamine oxidase inhibitors, or MAOIs, are another older class of antidepressants first introduced in the 1950s. MAOIs work by blocking the enzyme monoamine oxidase, which breaks down neurotransmitters such as serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine and tyramine. By stopping these chemicals from being broken down, MAOIs help to increase neurotransmitter levels in the brain — it’s basically like unplugging a Roomba and letting the dust collect, except the dust is crucial neurotransmitters that you need for better mental health. Although MAOIs are effective, they have a considerable risk of interacting with other medications and with certain foods — foods that contain tyramine, for example, can potentially cause a sudden, life-threatening increase in blood pressure when mixed with MAOIs. Because of this, people who use MAOIs need to carefully monitor not just their use of different medications, but also their diet. That’s one of the main reasons that MAOIs are rarely used today except in certain circumstances, such as when other medications for depression aren’t effective. ### List of Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors [MAOIs](https://www.forhers.com/blog/maoi-drugs) prescribed to treat certain forms of depression include the following: - Phenelzine (Nardil®) is prescribed to treat depression, treatment-resistant depression, social anxiety disorder and certain anxiety disorders, such as panic disorder and social anxiety disorder. - Isocarboxazid (Marplan®) is used to treat depression in people who haven’t shown improvement with other antidepressants. - Selegiline (Emsam®) is a transdermal patch prescribed to treat depression. It’s also sold in pill form — under brand names Eldepryl® and Zelapar® — as a combination therapy with the drugs levodopa and carbidopa to help people manage symptoms of Parkinson's disease. - Tranylcypromine (Parnate®) is prescribed for treatment-resistant depression and may also be used off-label for treatment-resistant anxiety disorders, including social anxiety disorder and panic disorder. As much as we’d like to keep this list neat and tidy, some antidepressants don’t fit clearly into the drug classes listed above. Medications like this may be referred to as “atypical” antidepressants and include: - [Bupropion (generic for Wellbutrin XL®)](https://www.forhers.com/psychiatry/bupropion) is an atypical antidepressant often used to treat depression and seasonal affective disorder. It’s also approved for smoking cessation under the brand name Zyban®. In some cases, [bupropion](https://www.forhers.com/drugs/info/buproprion) may be used off-label to treat sexual dysfunction caused by other antidepressants. Unlike SSRIs and SNRIs, bupropion doesn’t increase serotonin, so it doesn’t have the side effects, like sexual dysfunction, caused by excessive serotonin. It primarily boosts the neurotransmitter dopamine, which can lead to more energy, motivation, and interest. The disadvantage is that it doesn’t treat anxiety. Check out our [bupropion side effect guide](https://www.forhers.com/blog/bupropion-side-effects) for more on that use and other quirks of this medication. - Trazodone, sold under the brand name Desyrel®, is rarely used to treat MDD. Trazodone is most often prescribed off-label to help people with insomnia. - Esketamine (Spravato®) is a nasal spray antidepressant with limited approval by the FDA for treatment-resistant depression and MDD in adults. - Some atypical antidepressants, such as nefazodone, opipramol, agomelatine and others, may be used to treat certain forms of depression but are either discontinued or not approved in the United States. The reality of medicine in the modern era is that while it’s helpful to know everything we’ve shared with you here, you don’t need to memorize all of these facts before accepting a prescription for a new antidepressant. A healthcare professional will be able to help you navigate questions and concerns and, if necessary, manage any side effects. Whether you’re about to start a new medication or just beginning your depression treatment journey, what’s important for you now is to talk to someone about what you’re dealing with. The major takeaways that will help you speed up the process are: - There are many different types of antidepressants on the market today, and each one may help different people in different ways. - Older medications tend to cause more side effects for the average user, but may also offer benefits if first line medications like SSRIs don’t work for you. - Side effects from all antidepressants can affect anyone, so if you’re struggling with anything from (mild) dry mouth to (serious) suicidal thoughts, talk to your healthcare provider immediately. - If you’re feeling depressed, it’s essential that you get the help you need. Our mental health resources provide effective strategies from licensed therapists that you can use to understand, recognize and help alleviate the symptoms of depression and anxiety. If you’d like to talk to a professional, you can also talk to a licensed psychiatry provider via our online therapy. You’ll receive a personalized treatment plan and, if appropriate, receive [depression medication online](https://www.forhers.com/psychiatry) to help you treat your symptoms and take control of your mental health. ### Related Drug Comparisons \| \| \| \|---\|---\| \| [Adderall vs. Lexapro](https://www.forhers.com/drugs/compare/adderall-vs-lexapro) \| [Cymbalta vs. Prozac](https://www.forhers.com/drugs/compare/cymbalta-vs-prozac) \| \| [Buspirone vs. Xanax](https://www.forhers.com/drugs/compare/buspirone-vs-xanax) \| [Cymbalta vs. Zoloft](https://www.forhers.com/drugs/compare/cymbalta-vs-zoloft) \| \| [Cymbalta vs. Lexapro](https://www.forhers.com/drugs/compare/cymbalta-vs-lexapro) \| [Lexapro vs. Prozac](https://www.forhers.com/drugs/compare/lexapro-vs-prozac) \| \| [Lexapro vs. Wellbutrin](https://www.forhers.com/drugs/compare/lexapro-vs-wellbutrin) \| [Lexapro vs. Zoloft](https://www.forhers.com/drugs/compare/lexapro-vs-zoloft) \| \| [Prozac vs. Zoloft](https://www.forhers.com/drugs/compare/prozac-vs-zoloft) \| [Sertraline vs. Zoloft](https://www.forhers.com/drugs/compare/sertraline-vs-zoloft) \| 12 Sources Hims & Hers has strict sourcing guidelines to ensure our content is accurate and current. We rely on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We strive to use primary sources and refrain from using tertiary references. Fayez R, Gupta V. Imipramine. \[Updated 2022 Jul 16\]. In: StatPearls \[Internet\]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557656/. Saef MA, Yilanli M, Saadabadi A. Protriptyline. \[Updated 2022 Aug 8\]. In: StatPearls \[Internet\]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499828/. Merwar G, Gibbons JR, Hosseini SA, et al. Nortriptyline. \[Updated 2023 Feb 12\]. In: StatPearls \[Internet\]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482214/. Moraczewski J, Aedma KK. Tricyclic Antidepressants. \[Updated 2022 Nov 21\]. In: StatPearls \[Internet\]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557791/. Thour A, Marwaha R. Amitriptyline. \[Updated 2023 Feb 16\]. In: StatPearls \[Internet\]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537225/. Chu A, Wadhwa R. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors. \[Updated 2023 Feb 12\]. In: StatPearls \[Internet\]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK554406/. Highlights of prescribing information symptoms associated with ... (n.d.-b). https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda\_docs/label/2008/022235lbl.pdf. Sussex Publishers. (n.d.). Number One reason ssris take four to six weeks to work. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/the-superhuman-mind/201702/number-one-reason-ssris-take-four-six-weeks-work. Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. (n.d.). Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (ssris) information. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/information-drug-class/selective-serotonin-reuptake-inhibitors-ssris-information. U.S. National Library of Medicine. (n.d.-c). Commonly prescribed antidepressants and how they work \\| NIH MedlinePlus Magazine. MedlinePlus. https://magazine.medlineplus.gov/article/commonly-prescribed-antidepressants-and-how-they-work. U.S. National Library of Medicine. (n.d.-a). Antidepressants. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/antidepressants.html. Pamelor - Food and Drug Administration. (n.d.-d). https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda\_docs/label/2019/018013s064lbl.pdf.
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