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Depression Medications Overview

Depression medicines, often called antidepressants, include several different drug classes that affect brain signaling in different ways.

A clinician may recommend medication, counseling, or both, depending on symptoms, history, and treatment goals.

Quick facts

• Main classes listed by FDA: SSRIs, SNRIs, tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants, atypical antidepressants, MAOIs, the NMDA antagonist esketamine, and the GABA-A receptor positive modulator brexanolone.
• Common use: Depression; some are also used for anxiety or other conditions.
• Important rule: Do not stop a depression medicine without first talking with a healthcare provider.

What these medicines are used for

Antidepressants are prescribed to treat depression and may also be used for related mental health conditions depending on the medication and the person’s symptoms. FDA’s consumer guide notes that depression can be treated with medicine, counseling, or both.

Main medication classes ### SSRIs These are among the most commonly discussed antidepressants and include drugs such as sertraline, fluoxetine, escitalopram, paroxetine, citalopram, vortioxetine, and vilazodone.

SNRIs This class includes medications such as duloxetine, venlafaxine, levomilnacipran, and desvenlafaxine.

Tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants These are older antidepressants that may still be used in some situations but often require more caution because of side-effect burden.

Atypical antidepressants This broad group includes medications with more distinct profiles, such as trazodone, nefazodone, mirtazapine, and bupropion.

MAOIs These are less commonly used and have important food and drug interaction restrictions.

Esketamine Esketamine is an NMDA antagonist nasal spray used in a restricted clinical program and must be taken with an oral antidepressant.

Brexanolone Brexanolone is a GABA-A receptor positive modulator approved for postpartum depression in adults and given as a continuous IV infusion over 60 hours in a certified healthcare facility.

Common medication questions - How long might it take to notice change? - What side effects are most common with this class? - What should I avoid while taking it? - Is it safe in pregnancy, postpartum, or adolescence? - What happens if I miss a dose or want to stop?

Side effects and interactions FDA warns that all depression medicines may cause side effects and that supplements, herbals such as St. John’s Wort, and over-the-counter medicines can interact with antidepressants.

Safety note Do not stop an antidepressant abruptly without talking with your healthcare provider, especially if you are having side effects or concerning thoughts. FDA specifically advises patients to speak with a clinician before stopping treatment.

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Page 5: SSRIs Guide