A few facts for you according to the folks from The Anxiety and Depression Association of America and the National Institute of Mental Health: In 2020, an estimated 14.8 million U.S. adults aged 18 or older experienced at least one major depressive episode over the last year. And generally, more than 40 million Americans (that’s almost 20 percent of the adult population!) are affected by an anxiety disorder of some kind.
It’s no surprise then that Lexapro is one of the most recognizable drug names of our modern era. Escitalopram, a less recognizable term, is the generic name for this common prescription antidepressant.
Used correctly over the long term, escitalopram may wind up being one of your best friends. But like your actual best friends, your relationship with it will depend on what we in the mental health business like to call “gained experiences” — the good ones and the not-so-good ones, too.
Like other antidepressants — and medications in general — it can cause a range of side effects that you should be aware of before using this medication. Below, we dive into the how, what, and why of escitalopram to help you understand if it’s the right path.
What Is Escitalopram (Lexapro) Used For?
Both brand name Lexapro and generic escitalopram are considered SSRIs, or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, a class of medications commonly used to treat major depressive disorder, anxiety disorders and other psychological conditions.
Other popular SSRIs include:
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Citalopram (Celexa)
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Fluoxetine (Prozac)
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Paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva)
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Sertraline (Zoloft)
As an SSRI antidepressant, escitalopram is commonly prescribed to treat depression. The FDA also approves it for the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).
It’s sometimes prescribed off-label to treat conditions such as bulimia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, bipolar disorder, premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and panic disorder (characterized by frequent panic attacks).
Compared to older antidepressants like monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), SSRIs like escitalopram tend to be safer and less likely to cause side effects or dangerous drug interactions.
And whereas serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs, like duloxetine) impact both serotonin and norepinephrine levels, SSRIs focus specifically on serotonin.
How Does Lexapro Work?
Your body naturally produces chemicals that make you feel good (thanks, brain!). One particular chemical, serotonin, is believed to be especially important in the regulation of our moods — which is why you may have heard it referred to as the “feel good” neurotransmitter.
In fact, “normal” levels of serotonin are not only important for maintaining a stable mood, but also for regulating appetite and our ability to sleep.
While there’s no one definitive “cause” of depression, one thing researchers have picked up on over time is that low serotonin levels may be associated with it.
Escitalopram works like other SSRIs — by inhibiting your brain’s reuptake of the neurotransmitter serotonin. In other words, it stops your brain from absorbing serotonin after it’s released. The result is higher levels of serotonin in your brain, which are believed to be associated with less doom and gloom, and more sunshiney days.
Escitalopram Onset of Action: How Long Does It Take To Work?
As is often the case with medications, escitalopram doesn’t start working immediately.
It’s possible that escitalopram can take several weeks to start working as a treatment for depression and anxiety disorders and you may not notice any improvements right away.
When and How To Take Escitalopram
You can take escitalopram at any time of day — morning or night — but it’s best to be consistent. Find the best time of day for you and try to stick to it.
If you’re wondering, “Should you take Lexapro with food?” the answer — according to the FDA — is, essentially, “do your thing.” You can take escitalopram after eating a meal or on an empty stomach.
If you forget to take escitalopram (it happens!) and remember on the same day, take the next dose as soon as you remember. If you forget and only remember the next day, it’s best to just skip the missed dose and take the medication once per day, as normal. So, no doubling up!
Store your meds in a closed container at room temperature and away from heat, moisture and direct light.
Escitalopram Half-Life
Escitalopram has a half-life of 27 to 32 hours. In other words, if you take a dose of 10mg of Lexapro, only 5mg will remain in your bloodstream after 27 to 32 hours.
Suppose you’re prescribed escitalopram at a normal dose for treating depression or an anxiety disorder and stop taking it (with the guidance of your healthcare provider!). In that case, it’ll take approximately seven to nine days to exit your body completely.
Escitalopram Dosages
Escitalopram comes in tablet and liquid oral solution form. In tablet form, it’s available in three different strengths: 5mg, 10mg and 20mg tablets. For depression, escitalopram is normally prescribed at a dosage of 10mg to 20mg, taken one time per day.
For generalized anxiety disorder and other anxiety disorders, escitalopram is prescribed from 10mg to 20mg per day.
Based on your symptoms and individual response to the medication, your provider will decide the correct dose of escitalopram for you — and may adjust your dosage of escitalopram over time.
If you ever accidentally take too much escitalopram and experience symptoms such as an overly fast heart rate, vomiting, dizziness, seizures, sedation or shaking, seek help immediately.
If, after a few weeks, it feels like escitalopram isn’t “working,” don’t just stop taking the medication suddenly. Never stop taking the medication or adjust your dosage without speaking to your healthcare provider first.
Reach out to your provider, tell them what’s going on and make a decision together. They’ll either work with you to find a different dosage of escitalopram or may even recommend another medication entirely — not only is that okay, but it’s also common. Finding the right treatment for your unique situation can take some time and patience, but trust us when we say this: it’s worth it.
Escitalopram (Lexapro) Side Effects
As with any medication, escitalopram may cause a range of potential side effects. These side effects are common to all SSRIs, and most are minor and temporary. But some can be serious — especially during the first weeks of use, and doubly especially for those under the age of 25 or those with a history of seizures or mania.
The most important thing is keeping an open line of communication with your healthcare provider — not just in the first weeks of taking Lexapro, but throughout your treatment.
During the first week of taking escitalopram, your healthcare provider will likely want to monitor Lexapro side effects.
Potential side effects of escitalopram include:
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Dry mouth
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Increased sweating
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Dizziness
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Nausea
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Diarrhea
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Constipation
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Indigestion
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Abdominal pain
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Flu-like symptoms
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Fatigue
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Insomnia or trouble sleeping
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Somnolescence (drowsiness)
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Reduced appetite
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Bedroom problems like decreased libido (reduced interest in intercourse)
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Rhinitis and sinusitis
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Eye pain and angle-closure glaucoma
Of these side effects, more common ones include nausea, insomnia, tiredness and decreased libido.
Often, they improve over several weeks as your body gets used to taking something new. Symptoms like insomnia can be mediated by making a few smart adjustments to your routine. For example, if you’re prone to insomnia, try taking escitalopram in the morning.
In rare cases, it’s possible to have a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to escitalopram.
In rare cases, people taking escitalopram may be advised to take a benzodiazepine along with the medication for the first few weeks, as benzodiazepines can help reduce the early adverse effects of SSRIs and make the adjustment period easier.
According to a 2008 study, taking an SSRI with a benzodiazepine can help regulate anxiety quickly. It can also help patients deal with the agitation that can occur when you first start taking an SSRI.
Some research also suggests that SSRIs and benzodiazepines can be paired to treat GAD and help you adjust to taking an SSRI. Benzodiazepines are not intended for long-term use because of the potential for addiction. So, after a few weeks, your healthcare provider will likely wean you off of any benzodiazepines.
It’s worth noting, however, that this isn’t standard practice and only applies to a small number of people who take escitalopram or Lexapro.
Other Common Side Effects of Escitalopram You May Be Wondering About
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Weight gain. In general, large-scale studies do tend to show that long-term use of antidepressants is associated with weight gain side effects. However, study data on escitalopram and weight changes is very limited, with no definitive studies showing that it does or doesn’t cause changes in weight. Some research, such as this small-scale study conducted in 2007, has found that escitalopram is effective in reducing weight in obese and overweight people with eating disorders.
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Bedroom side effects. Anorgasmia (difficulty experiencing climax) is a noted side effect of Lexapro. In women, clinical trials of escitalopram for depression found that roughly two to six percent of users reported experiencing it.
Withdrawal Symptoms Associated with Escitalopram
The most important thing to remember about taking escitalopram or any prescription medication, really, is to make sure not to make any sudden changes to your dosage and to let your healthcare provider know how you’re feeling as you begin treatment.
The most common withdrawal symptoms associated with escitalopram include:
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Paresthesias (prickling, tingling sensation on the skin)
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Irritability
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Headache
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Nausea
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Feeling dizzy
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Vomiting
What About Serotonin Syndrome?
In rare cases, there is a risk of serotonin syndrome when you increase the dose of certain medications or start taking a new drug.
Serotonin syndrome is a potentially life-threatening drug reaction that causes the body to have too much serotonin. It can be caused by certain drug interactions, as well as drinking alcohol while taking a medication like Lexapro.
The signs and symptoms of Serotonin Syndrome include:
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Agitation or restlessness
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Insomnia
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Dilated pupils
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Loss of muscle coordination or twitching muscles
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Muscle rigidity
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Tremor
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Heavy sweating
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Diarrhea
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Headache
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Shivering
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Goosebumps
Severe serotonin syndrome can be life-threatening. Signs include:
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High fever
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Confusion
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Seizures
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High blood pressure
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Irregular heartbeat
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Rapid heart rate
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Unconsciousness
If you experience any signs or symptoms that might indicate you have serotonin syndrome, you need to seek medical treatment immediately.
Lexapro Black Box Warning
All antidepressants, including Lexapro (escitalopram), carry a “black box” warning from the FDA that lists potentially serious side effects and provides important safety information about the medication.
This warning states that antidepressant medications are associated with an increased risk for thoughts of death and/or behavior in children and/or young adults. For many antidepressants, this risk is highest during the first few weeks and months of treatment.
If you’re prescribed escitalopram or any other type of antidepressant and experience a worsening of symptoms or an increase in thoughts of death, contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible.
Escitalopram Interactions
Escitalopram can interact with a variety of medications, including both over-the-counter medications and prescription drugs. It’s also possible for escitalopram to interact with certain supplements, herbal products and vitamins.
To avoid interactions, tell your healthcare provider about any medications, supplements, vitamins and other health products you use before taking escitalopram. Pay close attention to the safety instructions provided with escitalopram regarding drug interactions.
Common medications it may interact with include:
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Monoamine oxidase inhibitors, or MAOIs, including phenelzine, isocarboxazid, tranylcypromine, selegiline and others.
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Other antidepressants, including other SSRIs, SNRIs and tricyclic antidepressants
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Antipsychotic and antianxiety medications such as pimozide and benzodiazepines, and anticonvulsants like gabapentin
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Sleep aids such as zolpidem
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Lithium
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Opioid painkillers, like tramadol.
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Amino acids, such as tryptophan
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Stimulants
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Linezolid
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Over-the-counter treatments for depression such as St. John’s wort
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NSAIDs, naproxen and aspirin
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Blood thinners and anticoagulants, like warfarin, due to risk of abnormal bleeding
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Triptans and medications used to treat migraines like sumatriptan
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Water pills
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Methylene blue
If you have a history of heart problems — such as QT prolongation and heart rhythm disturbance — you should talk to your healthcare provider before taking escitalopram.
You should also speak to your healthcare provider if you’re pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
Escitalopram has a category C rating from the FDA, which means animal studies have found that it may cause problems for unborn children, but that there is insufficient study data regarding its effects on a human fetus during pregnancy. There are also considerations regarding Lexapro and breastfeeding. A small amount of escitalopram may pass into your breast milk, which may be hazardous to your baby, although in most studies, the small amount of escitalopram that may be present in breast milk appears unlikely to cause any long-term harmful effects for babies.
Still, depending on your needs and overall health, your healthcare provider may recommend making changes to your use of escitalopram during pregnancy.
To Escitalopram or Not to Escitalopram?
A few things to remember as you consider whether escitalopram is right for you:
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To avoid any dangerous interactions, be sure to disclose all of your current medications to your medical provider.
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Similarly, make sure to tell your provider if you’re pregnant, might become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
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Once prescribed, escitalopram may take some time to start working. Don’t go rogue and start adjusting your dosage. Always speak to your doctor before making any changes.
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During the first several weeks of taking escitalopram, as your body is getting used to the new medication, you may experience an array of side effects.
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While serious side effects exist, most are mild and tend to subside after several weeks.
This article originally appeared on ForHers.com and was syndicated by MediaFeed.org.
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Your Guide to the 6 Most Common Types of Depression Medications
Maybe you’re neck-deep in a two-week funk you just can’t seem to shake, or perhaps you’ve been struggling with severe depression for years. No matter how long it lasts, depression can feel downright isolating when you’re going through it. But no matter how lonely you feel, you’re not alone.
The reality is, roughly 21 million adults in the U.S. experienced a major depressive episode in 2021. There’s good news, though. Depression is highly treatable.
Along with mental health resources like talk therapy and support groups, medication for depression — also known as antidepressants — can be an extremely effective tool for improving your symptoms as well as your overall quality of life.
With the guidance of a healthcare provider, you can learn what your options are and choose the best one for your unique needs.
There’s no “best” depression medication for everyone — and you don’t necessarily need to have depression to benefit from medication. In fact, antidepressants are often used as a first-line treatment for anxiety disorders. Some medications share similar effects, while others work differently to target symptoms.
So it’s only natural to wonder, How do I know what medication is best for me?
It’s entirely dependent on the individual (and is something your provider can help you determine). Still, it’s helpful to have a general understanding of what the most common medications are for treating depression, how they work and what side effects of antidepressants you should be aware of.
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Antidepressants are a class of medications used very commonly to treat depression. In fact, nearly 13 percent of people 12 and over in the U.S. used antidepressants in 2017, according to the American Psychological Association.
Symptoms of depression include feeling sad, a sense of hopelessness, losing interest in things you once enjoyed, trouble sleeping and weight gain or loss. Some people experience short-term depression following a specific life event (like losing a job or the death of a loved one) and for others, the mental health condition lasts years.
But no matter the circumstances, antidepressants can make a big difference if you’re struggling. They work to regulate your mood and reduce symptoms by targeting certain neurotransmitters (aka brain chemicals) like serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine.
The most common types of antidepressants include:
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Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
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Serotonin–norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
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Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)
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Dopamine reuptake inhibitors (DRIs) and norepinephrine–dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NDRIs)
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Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
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Tetracyclic antidepressants (TeCAs)
The above list may (understandably) seem a little overwhelming, but don’t fret. We’ll break down how each kind of antidepressant works and the most common prescription medications associated with each one — some of which may even sound familiar.
(Related: How To Get Antidepressants)
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Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors work by boosting your serotonin levels. Serotonin, a brain messenger that you might know as the “happy hormone” (along with dopamine and others), helps regulate your mood as well as other functions like memory, social behavior and sleep. SSRIs are part of a newer class of medications and tend to be better tolerated than the older TCAs or MAOIs.
In addition to different types of depression, like major depressive disorder (MDD), SSRIs are prescribed by healthcare providers to treat a wide range of other psychiatric disorders. This includes post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), social anxiety disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
The most common SSRIs are:
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Fluoxetine (Prozac)
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Sertraline (Zoloft)
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Escitalopram (Lexapro)
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Paroxetine (Paxil)
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Fluvoxamine (Luvox or Faverin)
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Citalopram (Celexa or Cipramil)
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Fluoxetine, sold under the name (Prozac), is one of the most popular antidepressants prescribed in the U.S. While commonly prescribed to treat depression, it’s also used for treating panic disorder, OCD, premenstrual dysphoric disorder and eating disorders like bulimia.
For depression, the starting dose for fluoxetine is usually 20 milligrams per day. Research shows it typically takes four to six weeks to fully feel its impact.
Fluoxetine has common side effects, like many antidepressants, and some people who take this drug have trouble concentrating. Depending on how it makes you feel, it may be best to opt out of activities like driving when first taking fluoxetine.
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Sertraline, sold under the name Zoloft, is similar to fluoxetine in that it’s also an SSRI used to treat depression and other mental health conditions like social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, OCD, PTSD and premenstrual dysphoric disorder.
Per the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), sertraline is approved to be taken at 25 to 200 milligrams per day. Like other SSRIs, the dosage may change depending on how you feel and what your symptoms are.
Similarly, when it comes to treating depression, sertraline, like other antidepressants, can take four to eight weeks — although sometimes longer — in order to fully feel its effects.
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Escitalopram, sold under the name Lexapro, is most commonly used to treat depression and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).
According to a 2018 review, escitalopram is one of the most effective and tolerable antidepressants on the market. Beyond depression and anxiety, it’s also occasionally prescribed off-label to help treat symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder syndrome.
Like many SSRIs, escitalopram is meant for daily use. It’s usually prescribed at 10 milligrams with a maximum recommended dosage of 20 milligrams. You may be unsurprised to learn that it takes anywhere from four to eight weeks for escitalopram to do everything it’s capable of, although most people start to notice initial positive effects of antidepressants in about two weeks.
Escitalopram and SSRIs have lower toxicity profiles than older antidepressants (we’ll get to these below). But they’ve been linked to more negative side effects, such as insomnia, arousal dysfunction, increased sweating and nausea.
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Paroxetine, sold under the name Paxil, isn’t prescribed as often as fluoxetine, sertraline or escitalopram. But it’s still one of the most widely prescribed antidepressants in the country.
Not only is paroxetine used to treat depression, social anxiety disorder, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, panic disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder, but it can also be used in low doses to treat menopausal symptoms like hot flashes.
When it comes to dosages for depression, providers typically start patients at 20 milligrams a day, with a maximum dosage of 50 milligrams. IParoxetine is intended to be used daily, although, like most SSRIs, it can take as many as eight weeks to fully work.
As far as side effects go, there’s a range. But one 2016 review suggests that paroxetine may be one of the least safe antidepressants. Of course, as with any medication, consult with your healthcare provider about any concerns you have.
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Fluvoxamine, sold under the name Luvox or Faverin, is an SSRI commonly used to treat OCD in adults and children 8 and older. It’s also sometimes prescribed off-label for major depressive disorder, social anxiety disorder, PTSD, panic disorder and eating disorders such as bulimia nervosa and binge-eating disorder.
It’s typically recommended that adults start with 50 milligrams at bedtime, with increases of 50 milligrams every four to seven days as tolerated — but not to exceed 300 milligrams per day.
Fluvoxamine has similar side effects to other SSRIs, and it can take anywhere from six to eight weeks to feel its maximum effects. There are more serious side effects, like low sodium blood levels and an increased risk of bleeding, however rare.
It’s also important to note that fluvoxamine shouldn’t be taken with or within six weeks of taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), which we’ll dive into soon.
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Citalopram, sold under the name Celexa or Cipramil, is an SSRI designed to treat both mild and severe depression. Additionally, it can also be used to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder, eating disorders, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, alcoholism, panic attacks (and panic disorder), social anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder and even some neuropathic pain related to diabetes.
Healthcare providers tend to start patients at a 20-milligram dose once a day, potentially increasing to 40 milligrams per day as the maximum dose. A larger dose increases the risk of adverse side effects, like abnormal bleeding, serotonin syndrome and heart issues.
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Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors are very similar to SSRIs in that they’re also responsible for increasing serotonin levels. However, they double up by targeting a neurotransmitter called norepinephrine.
Norepinephrine helps regulate your sleep-wake cycle, stimulates your cardiovascular system and is involved in your body’s fight-or-flight response, among other tasks. Low norepinephrine is linked to symptoms like lethargy and concentration issues.
By simultaneously targeting serotonin andnorepinephrine, SNRIs can be effective in treating both depression and anxiety, particularly if SSRIs as a treatment hasn’t already been successful. However, in most cases, SSRIs are just as effective as SNRIs.
Some of the most common SNRIs are:
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Duloxetine (Cymbalta)
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Venlafaxine (Effexor)
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Levomilnacipran (Fetzima)
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Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq and Khedezla)
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Duloxetine, sold under the name Cymbalta, is an SNRI that helps manage symptoms of MDD, GAD, diabetic peripheral neuropathy, fibromyalgia and chronic musculoskeletal pain. It’s also prescribed off-label for stress urinary incontinence and chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy.
Duloxetine is one of the most commonly used prescription medications in the U.S. Patients with depression are usually prescribed 40 to 60 milligrams per day, with a potential increase of up to 120 milligrams daily.
While most side effects tend to be mild, there’s always a risk of more serious ones.
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Venlafaxine, sold under the name Effexor, is another common SNRI prescribed to those with depression, social anxiety and cataplexy, which can cause sudden muscle weakness. When prescribed off-label, venlafaxine can also be used to treat neuropathic pain and certain menopause symptoms.
For targeting depression, four six to eight weeks is the typical time it takes for venlafaxine to reach its full effectbegin to work. The starting dose is usually 75 milligrams, but it can be increased to a maximum safe dose of 225 milligrams daily.
Similar to SNRIs, venlafaxine can come with a mixed bag of side effects, although the most common ones tend to be temporary and on the mild side.
While they work similarly, the biggest difference between Cymbalta and Effexor is how they’re administered when it comes to treating psychiatric conditions.
Cymbalta is primarily used to treat GAD and MDD, but it can also help with neuropathic pain. Effexor, on the other hand, is most known for treating major depression, social anxiety disorder, certain types of neuropathy, hot flashes, migraines and PTSD.
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Levomilnacipran, sold under the name Fetzima, is a newer SNRI antidepressant. It got an FDA seal of approval in 2009 as an approved treatment for MDD, but it’s not typically prescribed to treat anxiety or chronic pain conditions.
Since it’s still relatively new, levomilnacipran may not be as commonly prescribed as duloxetine or older antidepressants. It tends to be prescribed at a dosage of 40 to 120 milligrams per day.
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Desvenlafaxine, sold under the names Pristiq and Khedezla, is an SNRI used primarily to treat major depressive disorder in adults. It can also be prescribed off-label to treat hot flashes for women going through menopause.
Research shows that although the FDA hasn’t approved desvenlafaxine for this age group, it can potentially treat MDD among treatment-resistant teenagers.
The recommended starting dose is 50 milligrams, with the maximum dose of desvenlafaxine being 400 milligrams. It may interfere with other medications and shouldn’t be taken with (or within two weeks of taking) MAOIs.
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Milnacipran, sold under the name Savella, is an outlier in this group of medications. While it’s an SNRI, it hasn’t been approved by the FDA to treat depression.
Instead, it’s used to treat fibromyalgia, a chronic condition involving muscle and tissue pain in the body. Milnacipran is typically taken twice a day.
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Tricyclic antidepressants are a type of antidepressant introduced in the 20th century. They’re some of the first prescription medications to be approved by the FDA for use. Some people still use TCAs, though generally not for depression. These days, it’s typically prescribed as a sleeping pill or for neuropathic pain. However, if you’re experiencing depression and SSRIs or SNRIs aren’t effective, your healthcare provider might suggest TCAs as an alternative.
Common TCA depression medications include:
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Amitriptyline (Elavil)
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Doxepin (Silenor)
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Amoxapine
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Clomipramine
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Desipramine
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Imipramine
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Nortriptyline
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Protriptyline
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Trimipramine
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Amitriptyline, sold under the name Elavil, is a tricyclic antidepressant used to treat depression, especially when other medications aren’t effective. It’s also used to treat certain forms of chronic and neuropathic pain.
Amitriptyline tends to be a more alternative prescription treatment, but it’s still prescribed to millions of people each year. Currently, amitriptyline is a generic drug that isn’t available as a brand-name medication.
Similar to other TCAs, amitriptyline is more likely to cause certain side effects than newer medications. A study by JAMA Psychiatry found that amitriptyline is one of the depression medications most commonly linked to weight gain.
Due to its side effects, amitriptyline isn’t commonly used as a first-line treatment for depression.
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Another well-known TCA is doxepin, sold under the name Silenor. Doxepin is rarely used to treat depression and anxiety disorders. It can also be used to treat skin conditions like hives, atopic dermatitis and other conditions associated with skin pruritus (when used topically).
It’s also commonly used as a low-dose sleeping pill to help with acute and chronic insomnia.
Formally introduced in the 1960s, like other TCAs, doxepin is an older medication that isn’t typically a first choice in treating depression.
Other TCAs are out there that people still use. Although due to their risk of side effects, they’re rarely used for depression and anxiety.
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At present, only one norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor is approved by the FDA to treat depression: bupropion (Wellbutrin). It boosts the concentration of norepinephrine and dopamine neurotransmitters throughout the brain.
NDRIs are a newer class of antidepressants and tend to have fewer side effects than other antidepressants.
DRIs tend to treat conditions like narcolepsy, ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder) and lethargy. They can also be used as a smoking cessation treatment and might be helpful in treating obesity and binge-eating disorder.
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Making their debut in the 1950s, monoamine oxidase inhibitors are a type of antidepressant primarily prescribed in the past to treat major depressive disorder, social phobia, panic disorder and nervous system disorders.
Though use has decreased over the past few decades as newer antidepressants have been swapped in, MAOIs are still prescribed in some cases. For example, in rare cases your healthcare provider might recommend an MAOIs if you’ve been diagnosed with a depressive disorder but aren’t feeling better despite using an SSRI plus other treatments.
MAOIs can be an effective medication option, but they’re very likely to cause severe side effects that could affect your daily life.
(Related: Wellbutrin vs Adderall: Differences and Similarities)
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There’s no shortage of MAOI medications, including many older ones that are no longer prescribed. MAOIs approved by the FDA to treat depression include:
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Isocarboxazid (Marplan)
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Phenelzine (Nardil)
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Selegiline (Emsam)
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Tranylcypromine (Parnate)
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As you might’ve guessed, tetracyclic antidepressants are yet another older class of antidepressants. Entering the fold in the 1970s, they not only sound similar to tricyclic antidepressants but also act similarly.
Like TCAs, TeCAs were once widely prescribed, but their demand has slowed down. They’re still occasionally used to treat cases of depression that don’t respond to other medications.
There are various TeCAs to choose from, but mirtazapine (Remeron) wins the “Most Popular” superlative. In addition to depression, certain TeCAs may also help treat anxiety disorders, panic disorder, PTSD, OCD, schizophrenia and insomnia.
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Depression can be debilitating, but antidepressants can give you the life jacket you didn’t know you needed. Don’t wait until you feel like you’re underwater before seeking help.
With guidance from a healthcare professional, be it your primary care provider or a psychiatrist, you can find a treatment plan best suited to your needs.
In the meantime, remember:
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Depression looks different to everyone — and so does medication. There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to depression, and the same applies to antidepressants. What works for your friend, teacher or mailman may not work for you — and that’s okay. Everyone’s brain is different, so it makes sense that there’s no “magic pill” everyone can use.
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Opening up helps. Whether it’s reaching out to a loved one, trying talk therapy or joining anonymous support groups, opening up about your struggles can make you feel less alone and help you cope. And if you don’t want to get out of bed, online therapy is an excellent strategy that requires minimal physical effort.
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Practice self-care. Taking care of your needs is pivotal for feeling better. Self-care looks different to everyone, so focus on what makes you feel good, whether it’s breaking a sweat, journaling or surrounding yourself with friends you can lean on.
This article originally appeared on ForHers.com and was syndicated by MediaFeed.org.
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Featured Image Credit: fizkes/istockphoto.
