🕷️ Crawler Inspector

URL Lookup

Direct Parameter Lookup

Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 10 (from laksa013)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa010.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://www2.hse.ie/medicines/antidepressants/about-antidepressants/\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www2.hse.ie/medicines/antidepressants/about-antidepressants/\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/medicines\/antidepressants\/about-antidepressants\/","crawl_time":1774961112,"first_indexed_time":1741737773,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"ie,hse!www2,\/medicines\/antidepressants\/about-antidepressants\/ s443","src_root_hash":"5514331230062789010","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"About antidepressants","meta_descriptions":["Antidepressants come in different types. Read about the types, their side effects and how they work."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"Antidepressants are used to treat clinical depression or stop it from coming back. You can also take them for other mental health conditions.\nAntidepressants usually come as tablets.\nClinical depression - symptoms and treatment\nHow antidepressants work\nAntidepressants work by increasing the levels of chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters.\nSome neurotransmitters can improve your mood and emotion. For example, serotonin and noradrenaline. But doctors are not very clear about how this works.\nNeurotransmitters can also disrupt pain signals sent by nerves. This may explain why some antidepressants can help ease long-term pain.\nAntidepressants may also work by boosting your immune response. This might be weaker if you have had depression for a long time.\nAntidepressants can treat the symptoms of depression. But they do not always address its causes. They're usually used with other types of therapy to treat severe depression.\nHow well antidepressants work\nMost people benefit from taking antidepressants.\nThey often relieve symptoms quickly, particularly in cases of severe depression. They may not work as well for mild depression.\nTypes of antidepressants\nThere are 4 main types of antidepressants.\nSelective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)\nSSRIs are the most commonly prescribed type of antidepressants. They cause fewer side effects than some of the others. They are also less likely to cause a serious overdose.\nExamples of SSRIs include:\ncitalopram (Ciprager, Cipramil, Citrol and Ciprotan)\nparoxetine (Parox and Seroxat)\nsertraline\n(Depreger, Lustral, Seretral, Serimel and Serlan)\nescitalopram\n(Esciprex, Escitalpro, Etalopro and Lexapro)\nfluoxetine (Prozac, Fluzac and Prozamel)\nSerotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)\nSNRIs work in a similar way to SSRIs. Some people respond better to SNRIs than to SSRIs.\nExamples of SNRIs include:\nduloxetine\n(Cymbalta, Yentreve and Loxentia)\nvenlafaxine (Efexor, Ireven, Vedixal, Venex, Venlablue, Venlafex and Venlofex)\nTricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)\nTCAs are not usually recommended as the first option for treating depression. This is because they can be more dangerous if you take more than you are prescribed. They can also cause more side effects than SSRIs and SNRIs - such as constipation, dry mouth and difficulty peeing.\nYour doctor may prescribe a TCA if you have severe depression that does not respond to other treatments.\nTCAs are also sometimes used for other conditions, such as obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD).\nExamples of TCAs include:\namitriptyline (Astilin)\nclomipramine (Anafranil)\ndosulepin (Prothiaden)\nlofepramine (Gamanil)\nSome types of TCAs such as amitriptyline are prescribed for chronic nerve pain.\nMonoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)\nMAOIs are an older type of antidepressant that are rarely used nowadays. They may cause potentially serious side effects and are usually prescribed by a specialist doctor. Tranylcypromine (Parnate) is an example of a MAOI.\nOther types of antidepressants\nThere are many other types of antidepressants. These are sometimes called atypical antidepressants.\nMirtazapine\nMirtazapine\n(Mirap, Zismirt, Zispin) is a noradrenaline and specific serotonergic antidepressant (NASSA).\nThis may be effective for some people who cannot take SSRIs. The side effects of NASSAs are similar to those of SSRIs, with fewer of the sexual problems linked to SSRIs.\nCommon side effects include dry mouth, increased appetite and weight gain, headaches and feeling sleepy.\nTrazodone\nTrazodone (Molipaxin) is a serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitor (SARI). This class of medicine is not usually the first choice of antidepressant.\nThey may be prescribed if other antidepressants have not worked or caused side effects.\nVortioxetine\nVortioxetine (Brintellix or Vortioxetine Clonmel) may be prescribed if other antidepressants have not worked.\nCommon side effects of vortioxetine include abnormal dreams, constipation, diarrhoea, dizziness, itching, nausea and vomiting.\nAgomelatine\nAgomelatine (Valdoxan or Agomelatine Viatris) is a melatonin receptor agonist and a selective serotonin-receptor antagonist. It is not usually a first choice of antidepressant. It may be prescribed if other antidepressants have not worked.\nYou will need to have your liver function checked before starting on agomlatine and while taking it.\nOther types of treatment\nThere are other types of treatments for depression. They can be used on their own or along with antidepressants. These include\ntalking therapies\nsuch as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).\nRegular exercise can also help, especially if you have mild to moderate depression.\nTreating clinical depression\nExercise and your mental health\nContent supplied by the \nNHS\n and adapted for Ireland by the HSE","attrs_markdown":"[Skip to main content](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/medicines\/antidepressants\/about-antidepressants\/#maincontent)\n\n- [Jobs](https:\/\/about.hse.ie\/jobs\/job-search\/)\n- [HSE Staff](https:\/\/healthservice.hse.ie\/staff\/)\n- [About the HSE](https:\/\/about.hse.ie\/)\n\nMenu Close\n\nToggle search Search Close\n\nRecommended links\n\n- [Medical cards](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/services\/schemes-allowances\/medical-cards\/)\n- [European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/services\/schemes-allowances\/ehic\/)\n- [Find urgent and emergency care](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/services\/urgent-emergency-care\/)\n- [Find a civil registration service](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/services\/births-deaths-and-marriages\/find-a-civil-registration-service\/)\n- [GP visit cards](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/services\/schemes-allowances\/gp-visit-cards\/gp-visit-cards\/)\n\n- [Health A to Z](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/conditions\/)\n- [Services](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/services\/)\n- [Living well](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/living-well\/)\n- [Mental health](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/mental-health\/)\n- [Pregnancy and birth](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/pregnancy-birth\/)\n- [Babies and children](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/babies-children\/)\n\n- [Jobs](https:\/\/about.hse.ie\/jobs\/job-search\/)\n- [HSE Staff](https:\/\/healthservice.hse.ie\/staff\/)\n- [About the HSE](https:\/\/about.hse.ie\/)\n\n- [Health A to Z](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/conditions\/)\n- [Services](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/services\/)\n- [Living Well](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/living-well)\n\n1. [Home](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/)\n2. [Medicines A to Z](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/medicines\/)\n3. [Antidepressants](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/medicines\/antidepressants\/)\n\n[Back to Antidepressants](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/medicines\/antidepressants\/)\n\n### Warning notification:Warning\nUnfortunately, you are using an outdated browser. Please, upgrade your browser to improve your experience with HSE. The list of supported browsers:\n\n1. [Chrome](https:\/\/www.google.com\/intl\/en_ie\/chrome\/ \"Chrome\")\n2. [Edge](https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/edge?form=MA13FJ&exp=e00 \"Edge\")\n3. [FireFox](https:\/\/www.mozilla.org\/en-US\/firefox\/new\/ \"FireFox\")\n4. [Opera](https:\/\/www.opera.com\/ \"Opera\")\n5. [Safari](https:\/\/www.apple.com\/safari\/ \"Safari\")\n\n# About antidepressants\nAntidepressants are used to treat clinical depression or stop it from coming back. You can also take them for other mental health conditions.\n\nAntidepressants usually come as tablets.\n\n[Clinical depression - symptoms and treatment](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/conditions\/clinical-depression\/)\n\n## How antidepressants work\nAntidepressants work by increasing the levels of chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters.\n\nSome neurotransmitters can improve your mood and emotion. For example, serotonin and noradrenaline. But doctors are not very clear about how this works.\n\nNeurotransmitters can also disrupt pain signals sent by nerves. This may explain why some antidepressants can help ease long-term pain.\n\nAntidepressants may also work by boosting your immune response. This might be weaker if you have had depression for a long time.\n\nAntidepressants can treat the symptoms of depression. But they do not always address its causes. They're usually used with other types of therapy to treat severe depression.\n\n## How well antidepressants work\nMost people benefit from taking antidepressants.\n\nThey often relieve symptoms quickly, particularly in cases of severe depression. They may not work as well for mild depression.\n\n## Types of antidepressants\nThere are 4 main types of antidepressants.\n\n### Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)\nSSRIs are the most commonly prescribed type of antidepressants. They cause fewer side effects than some of the others. They are also less likely to cause a serious overdose.\n\nExamples of SSRIs include:\n\n- citalopram (Ciprager, Cipramil, Citrol and Ciprotan)\n- paroxetine (Parox and Seroxat)\n- [sertraline](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/medicines\/sertraline\/) (Depreger, Lustral, Seretral, Serimel and Serlan)\n- [escitalopram](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/medicines\/escitalopram\/) (Esciprex, Escitalpro, Etalopro and Lexapro)\n- fluoxetine (Prozac, Fluzac and Prozamel)\n### Serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)\nSNRIs work in a similar way to SSRIs. Some people respond better to SNRIs than to SSRIs.\n\nExamples of SNRIs include:\n\n- [duloxetine](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/medicines\/duloxetine\/) (Cymbalta, Yentreve and Loxentia)\n- venlafaxine (Efexor, Ireven, Vedixal, Venex, Venlablue, Venlafex and Venlofex)\n### Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)\nTCAs are not usually recommended as the first option for treating depression. This is because they can be more dangerous if you take more than you are prescribed. They can also cause more side effects than SSRIs and SNRIs - such as constipation, dry mouth and difficulty peeing.\n\nYour doctor may prescribe a TCA if you have severe depression that does not respond to other treatments.\n\nTCAs are also sometimes used for other conditions, such as obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD).\n\nExamples of TCAs include:\n\n- amitriptyline (Astilin)\n- clomipramine (Anafranil)\n- dosulepin (Prothiaden)\n- lofepramine (Gamanil)\n\nSome types of TCAs such as amitriptyline are prescribed for chronic nerve pain.\n\n### Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)\nMAOIs are an older type of antidepressant that are rarely used nowadays. They may cause potentially serious side effects and are usually prescribed by a specialist doctor. Tranylcypromine (Parnate) is an example of a MAOI.\n\n## Other types of antidepressants\nThere are many other types of antidepressants. These are sometimes called atypical antidepressants.\n\n### Mirtazapine\n[Mirtazapine](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/medicines\/mirtazapine\/) (Mirap, Zismirt, Zispin) is a noradrenaline and specific serotonergic antidepressant (NASSA).\n\nThis may be effective for some people who cannot take SSRIs. The side effects of NASSAs are similar to those of SSRIs, with fewer of the sexual problems linked to SSRIs.\n\nCommon side effects include dry mouth, increased appetite and weight gain, headaches and feeling sleepy.\n\n### Trazodone\nTrazodone (Molipaxin) is a serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitor (SARI). This class of medicine is not usually the first choice of antidepressant.\n\nThey may be prescribed if other antidepressants have not worked or caused side effects.\n\n### Vortioxetine\nVortioxetine (Brintellix or Vortioxetine Clonmel) may be prescribed if other antidepressants have not worked.\n\nCommon side effects of vortioxetine include abnormal dreams, constipation, diarrhoea, dizziness, itching, nausea and vomiting.\n\n### Agomelatine\nAgomelatine (Valdoxan or Agomelatine Viatris) is a melatonin receptor agonist and a selective serotonin-receptor antagonist. It is not usually a first choice of antidepressant. It may be prescribed if other antidepressants have not worked.\n\nYou will need to have your liver function checked before starting on agomlatine and while taking it.\n\n## Other types of treatment\nThere are other types of treatments for depression. They can be used on their own or along with antidepressants. These include [talking therapies](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/mental-health\/services-support\/talk-therapy\/) such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).\n\nRegular exercise can also help, especially if you have mild to moderate depression.\n\n[Treating clinical depression](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/conditions\/clinical-depression\/treatment\/)\n\n[Exercise and your mental health](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/mental-health\/self-help\/activities\/physical-activity\/)\n\n***\nContent supplied by the [NHS](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/) and adapted for Ireland by the HSE\n\n## More in [Antidepressants](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/medicines\/antidepressants\/)\n- About antidepressants\n- [What they are used for](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/medicines\/antidepressants\/what-antidepressants-are-used-for\/)\n- [Who can and cannot take them](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/medicines\/antidepressants\/who-can-and-cannot-take-antidepressants\/)\n- [How and when to take them](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/medicines\/antidepressants\/how-and-when-to-take-antidepressants\/)\n- [Side effects](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/medicines\/antidepressants\/side-effects-of-antidepressants\/)\n### Related conditions\n- [Clinical depression](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/mental-health\/issues\/clinical-depression-psychotic-depression\/)\n- [Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/mental-health\/issues\/ocd\/)\n- [Generalised anxiety disorder](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/mental-health\/issues\/generalised-anxiety-disorder\/)\n- [Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/mental-health\/issues\/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd-symptoms\/)\n- [Panic attacks](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/mental-health\/issues\/how-to-deal-with-panic-attacks\/)\n- [Social anxiety (social phobia)](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/mental-health\/issues\/social-anxiety-social-phobia\/)\n\nPage last reviewed: 16 June 2024   \n Next review due: 16 June 2027\n\n## HSE Live - we're here to help\nMonday to Friday: 8am to 8pm   \nSaturday: 9am to 5pm   \nSunday: Closed   \nBank holidays: Closed\n\n**Freephone: [1800 700 700](tel:1800700700)**\n\n**From outside Ireland: [00 353 1 240 8787](tel:0035312408787)**\n\n- [HSE Facebook](https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/HSElive\/)\n- [HSE Instagram](https:\/\/instagram.com\/irishhealthservice)\n- [HSE TikTok](https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/@hselive)\n- [HSE YouTube](https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCoNNhGGAYkdavsSXp1iVzCg)\n- [HSE LinkedIn](https:\/\/ie.linkedin.com\/company\/health-service-executive)\n\n- [Complaints and feedback](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/complaints-feedback\/)\n- [Emergencies](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/services\/find-urgent-emergency-care\/)\n- [Cookie settings](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/medicines\/antidepressants\/about-antidepressants\/)\n\n## Support links\n- [Cookie statement](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/cookie-statement\/)\n- [Accessibility](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/accessibility-statement\/)\n- [Privacy statement](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/privacy-statement\/)\n- [Disclaimer](https:\/\/www.hse.ie\/disclaimer\/)\n\n© Health Service Executive","attrs_readable_markdown":"Antidepressants are used to treat clinical depression or stop it from coming back. You can also take them for other mental health conditions.\n\nAntidepressants usually come as tablets.\n\n[Clinical depression - symptoms and treatment](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/conditions\/clinical-depression\/)\n\n## How antidepressants work\nAntidepressants work by increasing the levels of chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters.\n\nSome neurotransmitters can improve your mood and emotion. For example, serotonin and noradrenaline. But doctors are not very clear about how this works.\n\nNeurotransmitters can also disrupt pain signals sent by nerves. This may explain why some antidepressants can help ease long-term pain.\n\nAntidepressants may also work by boosting your immune response. This might be weaker if you have had depression for a long time.\n\nAntidepressants can treat the symptoms of depression. But they do not always address its causes. They're usually used with other types of therapy to treat severe depression.\n\n## How well antidepressants work\nMost people benefit from taking antidepressants.\n\nThey often relieve symptoms quickly, particularly in cases of severe depression. They may not work as well for mild depression.\n\n## Types of antidepressants\nThere are 4 main types of antidepressants.\n\n### Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)\nSSRIs are the most commonly prescribed type of antidepressants. They cause fewer side effects than some of the others. They are also less likely to cause a serious overdose.\n\nExamples of SSRIs include:\n\n- citalopram (Ciprager, Cipramil, Citrol and Ciprotan)\n- paroxetine (Parox and Seroxat)\n- [sertraline](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/medicines\/sertraline\/) (Depreger, Lustral, Seretral, Serimel and Serlan)\n- [escitalopram](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/medicines\/escitalopram\/) (Esciprex, Escitalpro, Etalopro and Lexapro)\n- fluoxetine (Prozac, Fluzac and Prozamel)\n### Serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)\nSNRIs work in a similar way to SSRIs. Some people respond better to SNRIs than to SSRIs.\n\nExamples of SNRIs include:\n\n- [duloxetine](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/medicines\/duloxetine\/) (Cymbalta, Yentreve and Loxentia)\n- venlafaxine (Efexor, Ireven, Vedixal, Venex, Venlablue, Venlafex and Venlofex)\n### Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)\nTCAs are not usually recommended as the first option for treating depression. This is because they can be more dangerous if you take more than you are prescribed. They can also cause more side effects than SSRIs and SNRIs - such as constipation, dry mouth and difficulty peeing.\n\nYour doctor may prescribe a TCA if you have severe depression that does not respond to other treatments.\n\nTCAs are also sometimes used for other conditions, such as obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD).\n\nExamples of TCAs include:\n\n- amitriptyline (Astilin)\n- clomipramine (Anafranil)\n- dosulepin (Prothiaden)\n- lofepramine (Gamanil)\n\nSome types of TCAs such as amitriptyline are prescribed for chronic nerve pain.\n\n### Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)\nMAOIs are an older type of antidepressant that are rarely used nowadays. They may cause potentially serious side effects and are usually prescribed by a specialist doctor. Tranylcypromine (Parnate) is an example of a MAOI.\n\n## Other types of antidepressants\nThere are many other types of antidepressants. These are sometimes called atypical antidepressants.\n\n### Mirtazapine\n[Mirtazapine](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/medicines\/mirtazapine\/) (Mirap, Zismirt, Zispin) is a noradrenaline and specific serotonergic antidepressant (NASSA).\n\nThis may be effective for some people who cannot take SSRIs. The side effects of NASSAs are similar to those of SSRIs, with fewer of the sexual problems linked to SSRIs.\n\nCommon side effects include dry mouth, increased appetite and weight gain, headaches and feeling sleepy.\n\n### Trazodone\nTrazodone (Molipaxin) is a serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitor (SARI). This class of medicine is not usually the first choice of antidepressant.\n\nThey may be prescribed if other antidepressants have not worked or caused side effects.\n\n### Vortioxetine\nVortioxetine (Brintellix or Vortioxetine Clonmel) may be prescribed if other antidepressants have not worked.\n\nCommon side effects of vortioxetine include abnormal dreams, constipation, diarrhoea, dizziness, itching, nausea and vomiting.\n\n### Agomelatine\nAgomelatine (Valdoxan or Agomelatine Viatris) is a melatonin receptor agonist and a selective serotonin-receptor antagonist. It is not usually a first choice of antidepressant. It may be prescribed if other antidepressants have not worked.\n\nYou will need to have your liver function checked before starting on agomlatine and while taking it.\n\n## Other types of treatment\nThere are other types of treatments for depression. They can be used on their own or along with antidepressants. These include [talking therapies](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/mental-health\/services-support\/talk-therapy\/) such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).\n\nRegular exercise can also help, especially if you have mild to moderate depression.\n\n[Treating clinical depression](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/conditions\/clinical-depression\/treatment\/)\n\n[Exercise and your mental health](https:\/\/www2.hse.ie\/mental-health\/self-help\/activities\/physical-activity\/)\n\n***\nContent supplied by the [NHS](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/) and adapted for Ireland by the HSE","meta_canonical":null}

3. Robots.txt Check

Query:

Response:

4. Spam/Ban Check

Query:

Response:

5. Seen Status Check

ℹ️ Skipped - page is already crawled

📄

INDEXABLE

✅

CRAWLED

9 days ago

🤖

ROBOTS ALLOWED

Page Info Filters

Filter	Status	Condition	Details
HTTP status	PASS	`download_http_code = 200`	HTTP 200
Age cutoff	PASS	`download_stamp > now() - 6 MONTH`	0.3 months ago
History drop	PASS	`isNull(history_drop_reason)`	No drop reason
Spam/ban	PASS	`fh_dont_index != 1 AND ml_spam_score = 0`	ml_spam_score=0
Canonical	PASS	`meta_canonical IS NULL OR = '' OR = src_unparsed`	Not set

Page Details

Property	Value
URL	https://www2.hse.ie/medicines/antidepressants/about-antidepressants/
Last Crawled	2026-03-31 12:45:12 (9 days ago)
First Indexed	2025-03-12 00:02:53 (1 year ago)
HTTP Status Code	200
Meta Title	About antidepressants
Meta Description	Antidepressants come in different types. Read about the types, their side effects and how they work.
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Boilerpipe Text	Antidepressants are used to treat clinical depression or stop it from coming back. You can also take them for other mental health conditions. Antidepressants usually come as tablets. Clinical depression - symptoms and treatment How antidepressants work Antidepressants work by increasing the levels of chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters. Some neurotransmitters can improve your mood and emotion. For example, serotonin and noradrenaline. But doctors are not very clear about how this works. Neurotransmitters can also disrupt pain signals sent by nerves. This may explain why some antidepressants can help ease long-term pain. Antidepressants may also work by boosting your immune response. This might be weaker if you have had depression for a long time. Antidepressants can treat the symptoms of depression. But they do not always address its causes. They're usually used with other types of therapy to treat severe depression. How well antidepressants work Most people benefit from taking antidepressants. They often relieve symptoms quickly, particularly in cases of severe depression. They may not work as well for mild depression. Types of antidepressants There are 4 main types of antidepressants. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) SSRIs are the most commonly prescribed type of antidepressants. They cause fewer side effects than some of the others. They are also less likely to cause a serious overdose. Examples of SSRIs include: citalopram (Ciprager, Cipramil, Citrol and Ciprotan) paroxetine (Parox and Seroxat) sertraline (Depreger, Lustral, Seretral, Serimel and Serlan) escitalopram (Esciprex, Escitalpro, Etalopro and Lexapro) fluoxetine (Prozac, Fluzac and Prozamel) Serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) SNRIs work in a similar way to SSRIs. Some people respond better to SNRIs than to SSRIs. Examples of SNRIs include: duloxetine (Cymbalta, Yentreve and Loxentia) venlafaxine (Efexor, Ireven, Vedixal, Venex, Venlablue, Venlafex and Venlofex) Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) TCAs are not usually recommended as the first option for treating depression. This is because they can be more dangerous if you take more than you are prescribed. They can also cause more side effects than SSRIs and SNRIs - such as constipation, dry mouth and difficulty peeing. Your doctor may prescribe a TCA if you have severe depression that does not respond to other treatments. TCAs are also sometimes used for other conditions, such as obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). Examples of TCAs include: amitriptyline (Astilin) clomipramine (Anafranil) dosulepin (Prothiaden) lofepramine (Gamanil) Some types of TCAs such as amitriptyline are prescribed for chronic nerve pain. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) MAOIs are an older type of antidepressant that are rarely used nowadays. They may cause potentially serious side effects and are usually prescribed by a specialist doctor. Tranylcypromine (Parnate) is an example of a MAOI. Other types of antidepressants There are many other types of antidepressants. These are sometimes called atypical antidepressants. Mirtazapine Mirtazapine (Mirap, Zismirt, Zispin) is a noradrenaline and specific serotonergic antidepressant (NASSA). This may be effective for some people who cannot take SSRIs. The side effects of NASSAs are similar to those of SSRIs, with fewer of the sexual problems linked to SSRIs. Common side effects include dry mouth, increased appetite and weight gain, headaches and feeling sleepy. Trazodone Trazodone (Molipaxin) is a serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitor (SARI). This class of medicine is not usually the first choice of antidepressant. They may be prescribed if other antidepressants have not worked or caused side effects. Vortioxetine Vortioxetine (Brintellix or Vortioxetine Clonmel) may be prescribed if other antidepressants have not worked. Common side effects of vortioxetine include abnormal dreams, constipation, diarrhoea, dizziness, itching, nausea and vomiting. Agomelatine Agomelatine (Valdoxan or Agomelatine Viatris) is a melatonin receptor agonist and a selective serotonin-receptor antagonist. It is not usually a first choice of antidepressant. It may be prescribed if other antidepressants have not worked. You will need to have your liver function checked before starting on agomlatine and while taking it. Other types of treatment There are other types of treatments for depression. They can be used on their own or along with antidepressants. These include talking therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). Regular exercise can also help, especially if you have mild to moderate depression. Treating clinical depression Exercise and your mental health Content supplied by the NHS and adapted for Ireland by the HSE
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[Home](https://www2.hse.ie/) 2. [Medicines A to Z](https://www2.hse.ie/medicines/) 3. [Antidepressants](https://www2.hse.ie/medicines/antidepressants/) [Back to Antidepressants](https://www2.hse.ie/medicines/antidepressants/) ### Warning notification:Warning Unfortunately, you are using an outdated browser. Please, upgrade your browser to improve your experience with HSE. The list of supported browsers: 1. [Chrome](https://www.google.com/intl/en_ie/chrome/ "Chrome") 2. [Edge](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/edge?form=MA13FJ&exp=e00 "Edge") 3. [FireFox](https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/new/ "FireFox") 4. [Opera](https://www.opera.com/ "Opera") 5. [Safari](https://www.apple.com/safari/ "Safari") # About antidepressants Antidepressants are used to treat clinical depression or stop it from coming back. You can also take them for other mental health conditions. Antidepressants usually come as tablets. [Clinical depression - symptoms and treatment](https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/clinical-depression/) ## How antidepressants work Antidepressants work by increasing the levels of chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters. Some neurotransmitters can improve your mood and emotion. For example, serotonin and noradrenaline. But doctors are not very clear about how this works. Neurotransmitters can also disrupt pain signals sent by nerves. This may explain why some antidepressants can help ease long-term pain. Antidepressants may also work by boosting your immune response. This might be weaker if you have had depression for a long time. Antidepressants can treat the symptoms of depression. But they do not always address its causes. They're usually used with other types of therapy to treat severe depression. ## How well antidepressants work Most people benefit from taking antidepressants. They often relieve symptoms quickly, particularly in cases of severe depression. They may not work as well for mild depression. ## Types of antidepressants There are 4 main types of antidepressants. ### Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) SSRIs are the most commonly prescribed type of antidepressants. They cause fewer side effects than some of the others. They are also less likely to cause a serious overdose. Examples of SSRIs include: - citalopram (Ciprager, Cipramil, Citrol and Ciprotan) - paroxetine (Parox and Seroxat) - [sertraline](https://www2.hse.ie/medicines/sertraline/) (Depreger, Lustral, Seretral, Serimel and Serlan) - [escitalopram](https://www2.hse.ie/medicines/escitalopram/) (Esciprex, Escitalpro, Etalopro and Lexapro) - fluoxetine (Prozac, Fluzac and Prozamel) ### Serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) SNRIs work in a similar way to SSRIs. Some people respond better to SNRIs than to SSRIs. Examples of SNRIs include: - [duloxetine](https://www2.hse.ie/medicines/duloxetine/) (Cymbalta, Yentreve and Loxentia) - venlafaxine (Efexor, Ireven, Vedixal, Venex, Venlablue, Venlafex and Venlofex) ### Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) TCAs are not usually recommended as the first option for treating depression. This is because they can be more dangerous if you take more than you are prescribed. They can also cause more side effects than SSRIs and SNRIs - such as constipation, dry mouth and difficulty peeing. Your doctor may prescribe a TCA if you have severe depression that does not respond to other treatments. TCAs are also sometimes used for other conditions, such as obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). Examples of TCAs include: - amitriptyline (Astilin) - clomipramine (Anafranil) - dosulepin (Prothiaden) - lofepramine (Gamanil) Some types of TCAs such as amitriptyline are prescribed for chronic nerve pain. ### Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) MAOIs are an older type of antidepressant that are rarely used nowadays. They may cause potentially serious side effects and are usually prescribed by a specialist doctor. Tranylcypromine (Parnate) is an example of a MAOI. ## Other types of antidepressants There are many other types of antidepressants. These are sometimes called atypical antidepressants. ### Mirtazapine [Mirtazapine](https://www2.hse.ie/medicines/mirtazapine/) (Mirap, Zismirt, Zispin) is a noradrenaline and specific serotonergic antidepressant (NASSA). This may be effective for some people who cannot take SSRIs. The side effects of NASSAs are similar to those of SSRIs, with fewer of the sexual problems linked to SSRIs. Common side effects include dry mouth, increased appetite and weight gain, headaches and feeling sleepy. ### Trazodone Trazodone (Molipaxin) is a serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitor (SARI). This class of medicine is not usually the first choice of antidepressant. They may be prescribed if other antidepressants have not worked or caused side effects. ### Vortioxetine Vortioxetine (Brintellix or Vortioxetine Clonmel) may be prescribed if other antidepressants have not worked. Common side effects of vortioxetine include abnormal dreams, constipation, diarrhoea, dizziness, itching, nausea and vomiting. ### Agomelatine Agomelatine (Valdoxan or Agomelatine Viatris) is a melatonin receptor agonist and a selective serotonin-receptor antagonist. It is not usually a first choice of antidepressant. It may be prescribed if other antidepressants have not worked. You will need to have your liver function checked before starting on agomlatine and while taking it. ## Other types of treatment There are other types of treatments for depression. They can be used on their own or along with antidepressants. These include [talking therapies](https://www2.hse.ie/mental-health/services-support/talk-therapy/) such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). Regular exercise can also help, especially if you have mild to moderate depression. [Treating clinical depression](https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/clinical-depression/treatment/) [Exercise and your mental health](https://www2.hse.ie/mental-health/self-help/activities/physical-activity/) * Content supplied by the [NHS](https://www.nhs.uk/) and adapted for Ireland by the HSE ## More in [Antidepressants](https://www2.hse.ie/medicines/antidepressants/) - About antidepressants - [What they are used for](https://www2.hse.ie/medicines/antidepressants/what-antidepressants-are-used-for/) - [Who can and cannot take them](https://www2.hse.ie/medicines/antidepressants/who-can-and-cannot-take-antidepressants/) - [How and when to take them](https://www2.hse.ie/medicines/antidepressants/how-and-when-to-take-antidepressants/) - [Side effects](https://www2.hse.ie/medicines/antidepressants/side-effects-of-antidepressants/) ### Related conditions - [Clinical depression](https://www2.hse.ie/mental-health/issues/clinical-depression-psychotic-depression/) - [Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)](https://www2.hse.ie/mental-health/issues/ocd/) - [Generalised anxiety disorder](https://www2.hse.ie/mental-health/issues/generalised-anxiety-disorder/) - [Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)](https://www2.hse.ie/mental-health/issues/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd-symptoms/) - [Panic attacks](https://www2.hse.ie/mental-health/issues/how-to-deal-with-panic-attacks/) - [Social anxiety (social phobia)](https://www2.hse.ie/mental-health/issues/social-anxiety-social-phobia/) Page last reviewed: 16 June 2024 Next review due: 16 June 2027 ## HSE Live - we're here to help Monday to Friday: 8am to 8pm Saturday: 9am to 5pm Sunday: Closed Bank holidays: Closed Freephone: [1800 700 700](tel:1800700700) From outside Ireland: [00 353 1 240 8787](tel:0035312408787)** - [HSE Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/HSElive/) - [HSE Instagram](https://instagram.com/irishhealthservice) - [HSE TikTok](https://www.tiktok.com/@hselive) - [HSE YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoNNhGGAYkdavsSXp1iVzCg) - [HSE LinkedIn](https://ie.linkedin.com/company/health-service-executive) - [Complaints and feedback](https://www2.hse.ie/complaints-feedback/) - [Emergencies](https://www2.hse.ie/services/find-urgent-emergency-care/) - [Cookie settings](https://www2.hse.ie/medicines/antidepressants/about-antidepressants/) ## Support links - [Cookie statement](https://www2.hse.ie/cookie-statement/) - [Accessibility](https://www2.hse.ie/accessibility-statement/) - [Privacy statement](https://www2.hse.ie/privacy-statement/) - [Disclaimer](https://www.hse.ie/disclaimer/) © Health Service Executive
Readable Markdown	Antidepressants are used to treat clinical depression or stop it from coming back. You can also take them for other mental health conditions. Antidepressants usually come as tablets. [Clinical depression - symptoms and treatment](https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/clinical-depression/) ## How antidepressants work Antidepressants work by increasing the levels of chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters. Some neurotransmitters can improve your mood and emotion. For example, serotonin and noradrenaline. But doctors are not very clear about how this works. Neurotransmitters can also disrupt pain signals sent by nerves. This may explain why some antidepressants can help ease long-term pain. Antidepressants may also work by boosting your immune response. This might be weaker if you have had depression for a long time. Antidepressants can treat the symptoms of depression. But they do not always address its causes. They're usually used with other types of therapy to treat severe depression. ## How well antidepressants work Most people benefit from taking antidepressants. They often relieve symptoms quickly, particularly in cases of severe depression. They may not work as well for mild depression. ## Types of antidepressants There are 4 main types of antidepressants. ### Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) SSRIs are the most commonly prescribed type of antidepressants. They cause fewer side effects than some of the others. They are also less likely to cause a serious overdose. Examples of SSRIs include: - citalopram (Ciprager, Cipramil, Citrol and Ciprotan) - paroxetine (Parox and Seroxat) - [sertraline](https://www2.hse.ie/medicines/sertraline/) (Depreger, Lustral, Seretral, Serimel and Serlan) - [escitalopram](https://www2.hse.ie/medicines/escitalopram/) (Esciprex, Escitalpro, Etalopro and Lexapro) - fluoxetine (Prozac, Fluzac and Prozamel) ### Serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) SNRIs work in a similar way to SSRIs. Some people respond better to SNRIs than to SSRIs. Examples of SNRIs include: - [duloxetine](https://www2.hse.ie/medicines/duloxetine/) (Cymbalta, Yentreve and Loxentia) - venlafaxine (Efexor, Ireven, Vedixal, Venex, Venlablue, Venlafex and Venlofex) ### Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) TCAs are not usually recommended as the first option for treating depression. This is because they can be more dangerous if you take more than you are prescribed. They can also cause more side effects than SSRIs and SNRIs - such as constipation, dry mouth and difficulty peeing. Your doctor may prescribe a TCA if you have severe depression that does not respond to other treatments. TCAs are also sometimes used for other conditions, such as obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). Examples of TCAs include: - amitriptyline (Astilin) - clomipramine (Anafranil) - dosulepin (Prothiaden) - lofepramine (Gamanil) Some types of TCAs such as amitriptyline are prescribed for chronic nerve pain. ### Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) MAOIs are an older type of antidepressant that are rarely used nowadays. They may cause potentially serious side effects and are usually prescribed by a specialist doctor. Tranylcypromine (Parnate) is an example of a MAOI. ## Other types of antidepressants There are many other types of antidepressants. These are sometimes called atypical antidepressants. ### Mirtazapine [Mirtazapine](https://www2.hse.ie/medicines/mirtazapine/) (Mirap, Zismirt, Zispin) is a noradrenaline and specific serotonergic antidepressant (NASSA). This may be effective for some people who cannot take SSRIs. The side effects of NASSAs are similar to those of SSRIs, with fewer of the sexual problems linked to SSRIs. Common side effects include dry mouth, increased appetite and weight gain, headaches and feeling sleepy. ### Trazodone Trazodone (Molipaxin) is a serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitor (SARI). This class of medicine is not usually the first choice of antidepressant. They may be prescribed if other antidepressants have not worked or caused side effects. ### Vortioxetine Vortioxetine (Brintellix or Vortioxetine Clonmel) may be prescribed if other antidepressants have not worked. Common side effects of vortioxetine include abnormal dreams, constipation, diarrhoea, dizziness, itching, nausea and vomiting. ### Agomelatine Agomelatine (Valdoxan or Agomelatine Viatris) is a melatonin receptor agonist and a selective serotonin-receptor antagonist. It is not usually a first choice of antidepressant. It may be prescribed if other antidepressants have not worked. You will need to have your liver function checked before starting on agomlatine and while taking it. ## Other types of treatment There are other types of treatments for depression. They can be used on their own or along with antidepressants. These include [talking therapies](https://www2.hse.ie/mental-health/services-support/talk-therapy/) such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). Regular exercise can also help, especially if you have mild to moderate depression. [Treating clinical depression](https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/clinical-depression/treatment/) [Exercise and your mental health](https://www2.hse.ie/mental-health/self-help/activities/physical-activity/) *** Content supplied by the [NHS](https://www.nhs.uk/) and adapted for Ireland by the HSE
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