Antidepressants

Antidepressants are medications primarily used for treating depression. Examples of this type of drug include SSRIs, SNRIs, and monamine oxidase inhibitors. Since there are so many different kinds to choose from, it is important to consult with your healthcare provider to find the most appropriate medication for your particular situation. Common side effects reported with antidepressants include sleep changes, sexual problems, and appetite changes.

Living with Depression

What Are Antidepressants?

As you might guess, antidepressants are medications used to treat depression. There are many different types of antidepressants, each with unique advantages and disadvantages. Some of these medications are used to treat a wide variety of conditions, some of which are completely unrelated to depression.

(Click Antidepressant Uses for more information on what they are used for, including possible off-label uses.)

Types of Antidepressants

There are several types of antidepressants available to treat depression. These include newer medications, such as:

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
Tricyclic antidepressants
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
Miscellaneous other antidepressants.

It is not uncommon for a healthcare provider to try a variety of antidepressants before finding the most effective and best tolerated medication (or combination of medications) for a patient.

(Click Types of Antidepressants for more information. See List of Antidepressants for a list of each different type of antidepressant.)

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