• August 19, 2022
• Center for Developmental Psychiatry

What Are the Different Types of Depression Medication?

More than 20 million Americans have faced depression. Mental health has become a far more prevalent topic in recent years and this is a good thing.

Depression is a treatable mental condition. If you or a loved one experiences depression or mental anxiety, there is help available.

Depression medication does help, it is not a gimmick. Reactions may vary, but medication has changed lives for the better. Many people have improved significantly due to proactive treatment.

Continue to read to learn more about depression and what depression medications are available to you.

Depression is a Serious Matter, Do Not Take It Lightly

Depression is a real condition. It is not a figment of the imagination or an attempt to receive sympathy or pity as some may believe.

For years, people thought of depression as a taboo subject. Many individuals viewed depression in a flawed perception. They saw it as something one puts on himself/herself and can easily control. This mentality had alarming consequences.

Back in the mid-20th century, people with depression often felt they could not share their inner feelings with the people they trusted the most. In turn, they held their emotions internally and kept their depression a secret.

When one holds strong feelings inside for an extensive period of time, this only magnifies such feelings. In turn, numerous people who have suffered from depression have taken their own lives.

Unfortunately, there are still countless people who are ashamed of their depression and do not take action. They feel scared to talk about their feelings or believe their loved ones will not be able to accept their depression.

Over 40 million Americans committed suicide in 2020. Depression is indeed a very real thing.

The recent surge of mental health awareness has only made treatment more accessible. Depression medication can and has saved lives.

Types of Depression Medication

There are numerous types of depression medication. Below we highlight some of the most popular depression medications available.

Often, depression treatment composes of both medication and counseling. You or a loved one’s treatment plan will be dictated by a medical professional.

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors, often known as SSRIs, are a widely used medication for depression. Popular SSRIs include Paxil, Zoloft, and Prozac. One of the benefits of SSRIS is that they have limited side effects in comparison to other depression medications.

SSRIs help decrease depression by increasing the amount of serotonin one has in his/her brain.

Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors

Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRI) are another common anti-depressant. This medication is often prescribed to individuals who suffer from anxiety as well.

Common SNRIs include Pristiq, Cymbalta, and Effexor. Similar to SSRIS, Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors increase the amount of serotonin in one’s brain. They additionally increase the amount of noradrenaline as well.

Norepinephrine and Dopamine Reuptake Inhibitors

Norepinephrine and Dopamine Reuptake Inhibitors are a modern treatment used for a variety of conditions including depression, anxiety, and seasonal affective disorder. Additional conditions include bipolar disorder, and ADHD.

There is only one main brand of NDRIs and it is called Wellbutrin. NDRIS help individuals with the above conditions by increasing the levels of active norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain.

Tricyclic Antidepressants

Tricyclic Antidepressants have a considerable history. In fact, they were a pioneering depression treatment. First used in the late 1950s, tricyclic antidepressants led the way for medications such as SSRIs and SNRIs.

Tricyclic antidepressants have more potential side effects than other treatments. Some of these side effects include blurred vision and an increased heart rate. This is why tricyclic antidepressants are used on a case-by-case basis. Some recognizable brands include Tofranil and Pamelor.

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors were the first anti-depressant treatment approved by the FDA.  Similar to tricyclic antidepressants, they were introduced in the 1950s. They paved the way for modern depression medication.

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors have many side effects. They are not as safe as newer alternatives. In turn, these medications are seldom used. They are still available if a prescriber feels that they are the best fit for a patient.

Popular brands of Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors include Parnate, Marplan, and Nardil.

Non-Competitive N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptor Antagonists

Non-Competitive N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptor Antagonists are a fairly new depression medication. They are often used only if other treatments are not sufficient.

One of the most prominent medications in this class is Esketamine. Esketamine brands include Ketanest and Spravato. Patients who are prescribed Esketamine must take the medication as a nasal spray.

Importantly, Esketamine works in conjunction with an oral medication. Patients cannot just take Esketamine alone.

Esketamine and other non-competitive N-Methyl-D-Aspartate receptor antagonists have a history of abuse. This is why they must be given in a professional medical setting with monitoring.

Learn More About Life-Changing Treatment Today

At the Center for Developmental Psychiatry, we treat children, teenagers, and adults every day. We have seen the effects of depression and a variety of mental health conditions firsthand.

Our team is dedicated to helping you or a loved one through this mental health journey. We understand it is difficult to take this first step.

Trust us, it’s worth it. We do what we do because we have seen the impact it makes on lives.

There is hope! Recovery is far from impossible.

Do not be afraid to take action. Being proactive is essential with mental health. Depression medication can have great results.

To learn more about the Center for Developmental Psychiatry and our treatment programs, please reach out to our team today.