Antidepressant Medications

These are effective for more than depression symptoms. They are useful in the treatment of anxiety disorders, panic disorders and phobias, obsessive-compulsive behaviors (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), eating disorders, and mood symptoms affecting women around time of menses.

Tricyclic Antidepressants

Because of many side effects, newer agents have replaced these antidepressants as first-line treatments for depression. They are still prescribed since some patients do have better results with these older medicines. Most of these medications target both serotonin and norepinepherine chemical messenger systems.

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)

Patients receiving a MAOI need to follow a diet low in aged, fermented, and pickled foods, such as cheese, because of serious food-drug interactions. Over-the-counter cold and flu medications need to be avoided as well. These drugs are used if treatments with other antidepressants fail. MAOIs target all 3 chemical messenger systems linked to depression: serotonin, norepinepherine, and dopamine.

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)

These medications are considered first-line agents for most conditions treated with antidepressants. There is no difference in effectiveness between members of this group. They differ in that some are stimulating and others are sedating. There is also a difference in their likelihood to interact with other medications. These antidepressants primarily target the serotonin chemical messenger system.

Other Antidepressants

Occasionally used as first-line treatment instead of an SSRI. More commonly used if treatment with an SSRI fails or in combination. Antidepressants in this group differ in their chemical messenger targets and how they affect those targets. Even though trazodone is an antidepressant, it is more often prescribed in lower doses for insomnia.