Depression affects millions of Americans each year, making day-to-day life difficult for many. Antidepressant depression medications can often play a pivotal role in helping individuals find relief from the symptoms of depression.

At Arbor Wellness, we understand that finding the right antidepressant medication can be a journey in itself.

This comprehensive guide will help you understand antidepressant depression medications and make informed decisions about your mental health care.

Learn more about our mental health treatment programs or call us now at 629-217-2658.

What Are Antidepressants?

Antidepressants are prescription mental health medications used to treat depression. Antidepressants help restore balance to neurotransmitters in the brain, particularly serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. 

Neurotransmitters natural chemicals affect mood, emotion, and behavior. When these chemicals are imbalanced, it can lead to depression symptoms.

Antidepressants work by adjusting how these neurotransmitters function, helping to improve mood and reduce depression symptoms.

While there are many types of antidepressants, there are specific components to each that can best fit the symptoms you may be experiencing, which is often a decision made by medical professionals and doctors after a through evaluation.

Antidepressants can also be used to alleviate associated with other mental health conditions, including:

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Types of Antidepressants

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)

SSRIs work by targeting the brain’s serotonin system.

In normal brain function, serotonin is released into the space between nerve cells (synapses) to carry messages, then is reabsorbed back into the sending cell.

SSRIs prevent this reabsorption, keeping more serotonin available in the synapses. This increased serotonin availability helps improve communication between brain cells involved in mood regulation. 

Common SSRIs include:

Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)

SNRIs work on two neurotransmitter systems simultaneously. 

Like SSRIs, they prevent the reabsorption of serotonin, but they also block the reuptake of norepinephrine.

Norepinephrine plays a key role in attention, energy, and motivation. By increasing both serotonin and norepinephrine in the synapses, SNRIs can help improve both mood and energy levels. 

Common SNRIs include:

Atypical Antidepressants

These medications work through unique mechanisms that differ from traditional antidepressants:

  • Bupropion (Wellbutrin) – Wellbutrin blocks the reuptake of dopamine and norepinephrine, improving motivation, pleasure, and energy without affecting serotonin
  • Mirtazapine (Remeron) – Remeron works by blocking specific serotonin receptors while enhancing norepinephrine release, which can help with both mood and sleep
  • Vortioxetine (Trintellix) – Trintellix combines serotonin reuptake inhibition with modulation of multiple serotonin receptor types, offering benefits for both mood and cognitive function

Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs)

TCAs are an older type of antidepressant. These medications work by blocking the reuptake of both serotonin and norepinephrine, but they also affect other neurotransmitter systems, which can lead to more side effects. 

They physically block the reuptake pumps for these neurotransmitters, leading to increased availability in the synapses. Though older, TCAs remain effective for some patients, particularly those with severe depression.

Common TCAs include:

  • Amitriptyline
  • Nortriptyline (Pamelor)
  • Desipramine (Norpramin)

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)

MAOIs work by blocking the enzyme monoamine oxidase, which normally breaks down neurotransmitters like serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. 

By preventing the breakdown of these neurotransmitters, MAOIs increase their availability in the brain. 

These medications require careful dietary restrictions because they can interact dangerously with certain foods containing tyramine.

Common MAOIS include:

  • Phenelzine (Nardil)
  • Tranylcypromine (Parnate)
  • Selegiline (Emsam)

What Is The Most Commonly Prescribed Antidepressant?

Sertraline (Zoloft) is currently the most commonly prescribed antidepressant in the United States. 

Because of it’s high effectiveness, Zoloft has mild side effects, and is versatile treating both depression and anxiety. 

SSRIs as a class remain the most frequently prescribed type of antidepressant due to their safety profile and effectiveness.

Side Effects of Antidepressants

When starting antidepressant medication, it’s important to understand that side effects are common but typically temporary. 

As your body adjusts to the medication over the first few weeks of treatment, many initial side effects gradually decrease or resolve completely. Everyone responds differently to antidepressants, and not everyone will experience side effects. 

Some people may have no side effects at all, while others might experience several.

The adjustment period usually lasts 2-6 weeks, during which your body adapts to the medication. During this time, it’s essential to maintain open communication with your your psychiatrist or doctor about any side effects you experience. They can help determine if these effects are normal and temporary or if adjustments to your antidepressant if necessary.

Common side effects may include:

  • Nausea and digestive issues (usually improving within the first week)
  • Sleep changes (insomnia or drowsiness)