Depression can be quite challenging to treat. Treating depression should consist of cognitive behavioral therapy (counseling), and in more severe cases where counseling does not adequately treat it, antidepressant medications are warranted. But what is the best antidepressant for you?
Discovering the best antidepressant for you is a unique journey that may require time and effort. Each person is different, and everyone responds to medications in their own way. Not all antidepressant medications work the same (mechanism of action), so you—in collaboration with your doctor—might need to explore various options to find the one that suits you best.
Types of Antidepressants
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
SSRIs work by increasing the level of a molecule known as serotonin between cells in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that helps brain cells communicate, and low levels are associated with depression. SSRIs are often the first drugs prescribed for depression (first-line antidepressants). Examples of SSRIs include:
- Prozac (fluoxetine)
- Zoloft (sertraline HCl)
- Cipramil (citalopram)
- Priligy (dapoxetine)
- Cipralex (escitalopram)
- Faverin (fluvoxamine)
- Seroxat (paroxetine)
- Lustral (sertraline)
- Brintellix (vortioxetine)
Serotonin Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)
SNRIs are prescribed when SSRIs alone are not enough. Norepinephrine is another neurotransmitter. Examples include:
- Effexor (venlafaxine)
- Cymbalta (duloxetine)
- Pristiq (desvenlafaxine)
Atypical Antidepressants
These increase levels of dopamine as well as serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. Examples include:
- Wellbutrin (bupropion)
- Desyrel (trazodone)
- Remeron (mirtazapine)
Tricyclic Antidepressants
These increase levels of serotonin and norepinephrine while blocking levels of another neurotransmitter, acetylcholine, in the brain. Examples include:
- Norpramin (desipramine)
- Tofranil (imipramine)
- Pamelor (nortriptyline)
Conclusion
Unfortunately, there is no simple test to determine which medication will be most effective for any individual patient. What complicates the issue further is that most antidepressants take at least a few weeks to start showing an effect on someone’s mood. A helpful way to more objectively decide if a therapy is effective is to start a ‘mood journal,’ which is a diary where you write down daily how you feel.
You could even create a mood scale, e.g., between 1-10, to observe how and if things change over time. Remember, depression is not an in-the-moment feeling; it is an abnormally depressed mood over some time.
Remember, finding the best antidepressant for you often involves some degree of trial and error. But once you find the right medication, it can significantly brighten your life, offering hope and a path toward a brighter future.
How Can QuickMD Help?
QuickMD is here to assist you in your journey toward finding the right antidepressant. We offer comprehensive online counseling services and can prescribe antidepressants online, all from the comfort of your home. The best part? No insurance is needed. We’re here to make your treatment process as convenient and accessible as possible.
