Most doctors first prescribe Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) for depression because they are generally well-tolerated and effective for many, with common examples being sertraline (Zoloft), fluoxetine (Prozac), and escitalopram (Lexapro). If SSRIs aren't effective, doctors might try other classes like SNRIs (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors) or atypical antidepressants, often combining medication with talking therapies like CBT, especially for moderate to severe depression.
SSRIs. This group of drugs, including fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil), fluvoxamine (Luvox), citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Cipralex) and sertraline (Zoloft), is usually the first choice for treatment of depression and anxiety disorders.
In general, these antidepressants are options during pregnancy: Certain selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). SSRIs usually are an option during pregnancy. These include citalopram (Celexa), sertraline (Zoloft), escitalopram (Lexapro) and fluoxetine (Prozac).
If a GP thinks you'd benefit from taking an antidepressant, you'll usually be prescribed a modern type called a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). Examples of commonly used SSRI antidepressants are sertraline (Lustral), paroxetine (Seroxat), fluoxetine (Prozac) and citalopram (Cipramil).
Doctors often start by prescribing an SSRI. These drugs are considered safer and generally cause fewer bothersome side effects than other types of antidepressants. SSRIs include citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro), fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva), sertraline (Zoloft) and vilazodone (Viibryd).
Fluoxetine Capsules or Tablets (Depression/Mood Disorders) Fluoxetine is a medication that treats depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder and eating disorders. It increases the amount of the hormone serotonin in your brain to help regulate your mood. The brand name of this medication is Prozac®.
Do things that make you feel better. Going to a movie, gardening, or taking part in religious, social, or other activities may help. Doing something nice for someone else can also help you feel better. Get regular exercise.
For some people, an upsetting or stressful life event, such as bereavement, divorce, illness, redundancy and job or money worries, can be the cause. Different causes can often combine to trigger depression.
Your doctor might suggest that you try antidepressants if: You have tried counselling and lifestyle changes, and they haven't worked. Your symptoms are bad enough that they interfere with your daily life.
Commonly used depressants
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, also called SSRIs, are the type of antidepressant prescribed most often. They can ease symptoms of moderate to severe depression. They are relatively safe, and they typically cause fewer side effects than other types of antidepressants do.
Children of depressed mothers are six times more likely to be at risk for delayed emotional development (39) and five times more likely to be at risk for delayed language development with negative impact also on cognitive development at 6 months and 12 months and on motor development at 12 months and 18 months (39).
Finally, when taken during pregnancy or breastfeeding, there may be an increased risk for congenital disabilities associated with using Prozac compared to other SSRIs. Taking Zoloft during pregnancy tends to be the safest antidepressant option.
Long-Term Treatment – For those with severe, recurrent depression or treatment-resistant depression, antidepressants may be used for several years or indefinitely. The decision to remain on long-term medication depends on how well the medication controls symptoms and the patient's mental health history.
Unlike more common antidepressants, which target serotonin, bupropion works primarily on the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine – two chemicals that play a key role in focus, reward, and motivation. This can make it a good option for those struggling with low energy and a lack of motivation.
Avoid driving or operating machinery. Avoid caffeine, tobacco and alcohol. Drink plenty of fluids. Take your antidepressant at bedtime if your doctor approves.
Persistent sadness is one of the key symptoms of depression. Feeling overwhelmingly sad more days than not or feeling like you don't enjoy activities you once loved can be signs you may benefit from a prescribed antidepressant medication.
Friends and social life
People sometimes worry that others might be critical or make judgements about them. Lou feels it's important to be open: “I don't feel any particular shame, in fact I that the more people talk about antidepressants as a positive thing the better.”
Antidepressants can treat the symptoms of depression or other mental health problems. But they don't always deal with the causes. Doctors will often prescribe them alongside a talking therapy, to help deal with the causes of your mental health problems.
The "3 Cs of Depression" often refers to either the Cognitive Triad (negative views of self, world, and future) or the Cognitive Restructuring technique (Catch, Check, Change negative thoughts) used in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to manage depressive thinking, with Catching, Checking, and Changing helping individuals identify, question, and replace unhelpful thought patterns.
Vitamin B-12 and other B vitamins play a role in making brain chemicals that affect mood and other brain functions. Low levels of B-12 and other B vitamins and folate may be linked to depression.
Considerable evidence links the “Big Five” personality traits (neuroticism, extroversion, conscientiousness, agreeableness, and openness) with depression.
People with Depression Get Rapid Relief
Common antidepressants are slow-acting. It often takes several weeks to make a noticeable difference in how people with depression feel, says Kaplin. On the other hand, esketamine immediately impacts brain cells, offering relief from depressive symptoms within hours.
The 3-3-3 rule is a simple grounding technique for anxiety that brings you to the present moment by engaging your senses: 1) Name three things you can see, 2) Name three sounds you can hear, and 3) Move three parts of your body (like wiggling fingers/toes, rolling shoulders). This helps shift focus from overwhelming thoughts to your immediate environment, offering quick relief during panic or stress.
Research suggests that depression doesn't spring from simply having too much or too little of certain brain chemicals. Rather, there are many possible causes of depression, including faulty mood regulation by the brain, genetic vulnerability, and stressful life events.