Prescription Drugs Used to Treat Depression

Depression is a very common mental health condition characterized by feelings of sadness, hopelessness, restlessness and irritability. Symptoms range from very mild to extremely severe. A variety of prescription drugs are used to treat depression.

Zoloft

Zoloft is an antidepressant classified as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). Zoloft works by increasing a patient's serotonin levels, and is generally prescribed for adults with mild to moderate depression symptoms.

Prozac

Prozac is another SSRI commonly prescribed to treat depression. As of 2009, Prozac was the only SSRI approved to be prescribed for children as young as 7 years old.

Wellbutrin

Wellbutrin treats depression by affecting the reuptake of serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine. Wellbutrin is sometimes used to treat patients who also suffer from seasonal affective disorder (SAD) or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Cymbalta

Cymbalta, classified as a selective serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SSNRI), acts by affecting the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine. Cymbalta is typically used to treat adults with major depression.

Side Effects

Common side effects of antidepressant medications include gastrointestinal (GI) distress, nausea, insomnia, sexual dysfunction and agitation.

References

• UMM: Depression Medications
• NIH: Medications Used to Treat Depression

Resources

• Mayo Clinic: Depression Treatments and Drugs
• HelpGuide.org: Antidepressants