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They can also help to treat social anxiety disorder, other anxiety disorders, and seasonal affective disorder. They work by correcting chemical imbalances of neurotransmitters in the brain. Experts believe these are responsible for changes in mood and behavior. This article will cover the different types of antidepressants, how they work, their side effects, other uses, and alternative options. Types Share on PinterestblackCAT/Getty ImagesDoctors tend to divide antidepressants into different types. These include: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors SSRIs SSRIs are a first-line treatment option for depression. Examples of SSRIs include:citalopram (Celexa)escitalopram (Lexapro)fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem)fluvoxamine (Luvox)paroxetine (Paxil)sertraline (Zoloft) Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors SNRIs SNRIs are a newer class of antidepressant compared with SSRIs. However, they work in a similar way. Doctors may prescribe SNRIs for:attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)anxiety disordersmenopausal symptomsfibromyalgiachronic neuropathic pain Examples of SNRIs include:duloxetine (Cymbalta)venlafaxine (Effexor XR)desvenlafaxine (Pristiq) Tricyclic antidepressants TCAs Doctors may recommend TCAs for depression, fibromyalgia, some types of anxiety, and chronic pain. Examples include:amitriptylineamoxapineclomipramine (Anafranil)desipramine (Norpramin)doxepin (Sinequan)imipramine (Tofranil)nortriptyline (Pamelor)protriptyline (Vivactil)trimipramine (Surmontil) Monoamine oxidase inhibitors MAOIs Due to their adverse side effects and drug-drug interactions, doctors do not typically suggest MAOIs as a first-line treatment option for depression. However, they may be an option if SSRIs do not work for depression. Examples include:phenelzine (Nardil)tranylcypromine (Parnate)isocarboxazid (Marplan)selegiline (Emsam, Eldepryl) Noradrenaline and specific serotoninergic antidepressants NaSSAs Doctors use NaSSAs to treat anxiety disorders and depression. Examples include mianserin (Tolvon) and mirtazapine (Remeron, Avanza, Zispin). Side effects It is important to note that all drugs have side effects. Different antidepressants have different side effects. However, not everyone will experience them. SSRIs and SNRIs SSRIs and SNRIs can lead to:nausea and anxiety for the first couple of weeks, according to 2010 researchindigestionheadachesexual dysfunction SNRIs can also cause an increase in blood pressure. A person with a serious heart condition should not take the SNRI venlafaxine. TCAs TCAs may have the following side effects:dry mouthtremorfast heartbeatconstipationinsomniaweight gain MAOIs MAOIs can interact with other drugs. For example, if a person combined an MAOI with an SSRI, it could lead to serotonin syndrome. Serotonin syndrome is a serious condition in which a person has too much serotonin in their body. MAOIs can also lead to:dry mouthdiarrheanauseadrowsinessconstipationdizzinessinsomnialightheadednesssexual dysfunction MAOIs prevent the breakdown of tyramine. If a person consumes foods that contain tyramine, such as sausages, fish, and overripe fruit, it can lead to a hypertensive crisis. This is a severe increase in blood pressure that can lead to a stroke. NaSSAs These antidepressants can lead to side effects similar to SSRIs and SNRIs. They can also cause drowsiness and weight gain. However, they are less likely to cause sexual dysfunction, according to 2010 research. Rarer side effects Suicide prevention If you know someone at immediate risk of self-harm, suicide, or hurting another person:Ask the tough question: “Are you considering suicide?”Listen to the person without judgment.Call 911 or the local emergency number, or text TALK to 741741 to communicate with a trained crisis counselor.Stay with the person until professional help arrives.Try to remove any weapons, medications, or other potentially harmful objects. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, a prevention hotline can help. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours a day at 988. During a crisis, people who are hard of hearing can use their preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988. Click here for more links and local resources. Rarer side effects of antidepressants include:Suicidal thoughts: Some studies have found that young adults and children may be at a higher risk of suicidal thoughts when they first start taking antidepressants. If side effects are very unpleasant, or if they include thinking about suicide, the person should speak with a doctor straight away.Withdrawal symptoms: Some people who take SSRIs and SNRIs experience some withdrawal symptoms when they stop taking the medication. Withdrawal symptoms can last for 1–2 weeks, and can include:anxietydizzinessnightmares or vivid dreamselectric shock-like sensations in the bodyflu-like symptomsabdominal pain Uses Doctors recommend antidepressants to treat:depression and major depressive disordergeneralized anxiety disorderpanic attackschronic painOCDpost-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)social anxiety disorder Effectiveness Antidepressants tend to be effective. However, everyone responds to medication differently. According to the Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care, 40–60% of people who took an SSRI or SNRI for depression noticed some symptom relief within 6–8 weeks. The research notes that the more severe the depression, the greater the benefits of antidepressants may be. Finding the best option There are many types of antidepressants. They all work differently and have different benefits, risks, and side effects. A person should speak with a doctor about their individual circumstances. The doctor will help them find the best treatment option for them. In pregnancy and nursing The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) note that there is a link between taking SSRIs during pregnancy and congenital abnormalities. However, this risk is very low. For some people, the risks associated with stopping the medication are higher than those associated with continuing taking it. If a person is pregnant and wishes to continue or begin taking antidepressants, they should speak with a doctor. Tiny amounts of some antidepressants can enter breast milk. However, the CDC states that most will have no impact on milk supply or the child’s well-being. Alternative options People may wish to try the following: Therapy People with depression may wish to undergo therapy. Types of therapy that can help to treat depression include:cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)interpersonal therapyproblem-solving therapy Learn more about available mental health resources. St John s wort Hypericum, made from the herb St John s wort, may help some people with depression. It is available over the counter as a supplement. However, there are some possible risks associated with taking hypericum:If combined with certain antidepressants, it can lead to a potentially life threatening increase in serotonin.It can worsen symptoms of bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.It might reduce the efficacy of some prescription medications, including antidepressants, birth control pills, some heart medications, warfarin, and some therapies for HIV and cancer. It is important for a person to tell a doctor or pharmacist if they plan on taking St John s wort. Light box People who experience seasonal affective disorder may benefit from light therapy. This involves sitting in front of a light box first thing in the morning for 30–45 minutes. Diet and exercise The CDC notes that regular physical activity can reduce a person’s risk of depression. People may wish to try three exercise sessions per week for 12–24 weeks. Learn more about exercise as a treatment option for depression. People may also benefit from eating a balanced, nutritious diet consisting of fresh and whole foods. They may wish to avoid refined and processed foods. Learn more about foods to eat with depression. How do antidepressants work While different antidepressants work in different ways, they all affect neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters are chemicals brain cells use to communicate with each other. According to a 2021 article, antidepressants work in the following ways:SSRIs: These reduce the amount of serotonin the brain absorbs. This makes it easier for the brain cells to send and receive messages, leading to more stable moods.SNRIs: These raise the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. These neurotransmitters play a key role in stabilizing mood.TCAs: These regulate the amount of serotonin and norepinephrine the brain absorbs. This helps to reduce feelings of anxiety and depression.MAOIs: These target the brain enzyme monoamine oxidase, which helps to break down neurotransmitters such as serotonin. This can lead to more stabilized moods and less anxiety. How long will it take for them to take effect According to the United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS), people may begin to feel the benefits of the antidepressants after 1–2 weeks if the person has not missed a dose. Some people may stop taking them because they believe the medications are not working. However, it is important to keep taking the medication exactly as their doctor has prescribed. If a person has not felt any benefit after 4 weeks, they should speak with a doctor. How long does treatment last According to the NHS, doctors will typically suggest a person takes antidepressants for at least 6 months. People should take their antidepressants exactly as their doctor has prescribed. Summary Antidepressants can help relieve symptoms of conditions such as depression and anxiety disorders. They work by correcting the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain. Examples of antidepressants include SSRIs, SNRIs, TCAs, and NaSSAs. MAOIs may also be an option, though doctors prescribe these less often due to the risk of adverse side effects. It can take several weeks for antidepressants to start working, and people may experience side effects. Alternatives to antidepressants include therapy, diet and exercise, and St John s wort. However, depression is a serious condition that may need medical treatment. Anyone who experiences the symptoms of depression should speak with a doctor. Last medically reviewed on June 28, 2022DepressionMental HealthPsychology / Psychiatry 14 sourcescollapsedMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.Antidepressants. (2010).https://www.nhs.uk/ipgmedia/national/Royal%20College%20of%20Psychiatrists/Assets/Antidepressants.pdfChu, A., et al. (2022). Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK554406/Courtet, P., et al. (2017). Antidepressants and suicide risk in depression.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5608853/Depression: How effective are antidepressants? (2020).https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK361016/Finding and learning about side effects (adverse reactions). (2021).https://www.fda.gov/drugs/information-consumers-and-patients-drugs/finding-and-learning-about-side-effects-adverse-reactionsGabriel, M., et al. (2017). Antidepressant discontinuation syndrome.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5449237/Key findings-A closer look at the link between specific SSRIS and birth defects. (2020).https://www.cdc.gov/pregnancy/meds/treatingfortwo/features/ssrisandbirthdefects.htmlLaban, T. S., et al. (2022). Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI).https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539848/Murri, M. B., et al. (2018). Physical exercise in major depression: Reducing the mortality gap while improving clinical outcomes.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6335323/Overview - Antidepressants. (2021).https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/talking-therapies-medicine-treatments/medicines-and-psychiatry/antidepressants/overview/Postpartum depression. (2021).https://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/breastfeeding-special-circumstances/maternal-or-infant-illnesses/postpartum-depression.htmlSeasonal affective disorder. (n.d.).https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/seasonal-affective-disorder/index.shtmlSheffler, Z. M., et al. (2021). Antidepressants.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538182/St. John's wort and depression: In depth. (2017).https://nccih.nih.gov/health/stjohnswort/sjw-and-depression.htmFEEDBACK:Medically reviewed by Nicole Washington, DO, MPH — By Christian Nordqvist and Amanda Barrell — Updated on June 28, 2022 Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? 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