Trying to make it through the day when you’re struggling with depression can feel impossible. Some people need antidepressant medicine to keep their depression symptoms in check.
Many adults struggling with depression have tried some antidepressants, and maybe some people have found they don’t work well.
Today we’re breaking down some of the most effective new antidepressants. Talk to your doctor about some of these medications to see what would be right for you.
Most Effective New Antidepressants
SSRIs
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are commonly prescribed to start. These are medications with relatively few noted side effects and are largely considered unlikely to have complications. SSRIs, notably, tend to be prescribed at higher doses by doctors due to their lower side effect risks.
The most common types of SSRIs are fluoxetine, sertraline, escitalopram, citalopram and paroxetine. Brand names of this variety include Prozac, Zoloft, Lexapro, Celexa and Paxil. Note that these medications do, in fact, have side effects, they just don’t have as many as other antidepressants.
SNRIs
Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, like Cymbalta, Fetzima, Effexor XR and Pristiq are similar to SSRIs. These medications are notable for their lower amounts of potential side effects, though doctors don’t often begin by prescribing these medications. Typically, those who want these medications ask about them directly from their doctor.
Tricyclic Antidepressants
Medicines like nortriptyline, doxepin, imipramine and desipramine often have more reported side effects. These antidepressants can lead to side effects such as an increase in suicidal thoughts, nausea, insomnia or blurred vision. Usually these are only prescribed if other antidepressants are having no effect on the patient.
MAOIs
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors are notable because their side effects can be extreme. These are normally prescribed as a last resort if every other type of antidepressant on this list simply isn’t cutting it.
These medicines, like Nardil and Parnate, can be dangerous in combinations with certain foods. Certain cheeses, wines and even birth control can have lethal side effects in some people, so they require close consideration by the patient and doctor.
Atypical Antidepressants
Medicines like Remeron, Trintellix, Aplenzin and Wellbutrin are uncommon antidepressants. They are not prescribed in very high numbers, so they’re unlikely to be in the conversation with your doctor. Typically these are prescribed if other medicines haven’t worked and your doctor would rather you not start a regiment of MAOIs.