antidepressive

Antidepressive, more commonly referred to as antidepressants, are a class of medications used to treat depressive disorders and several other conditions. They work by altering brain neurotransmitters such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine to help improve mood, energy, sleep, and overall functioning.

The major classes include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as fluoxetine, sertraline, citalopram, escitalopram, and paroxetine; serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) such as venlafaxine, duloxetine, and desvenlafaxine; tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) such as amitriptyline and nortriptyline; monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) such as phenelzine and tranylcypromine; and atypical antidepressants such as bupropion, mirtazapine, trazodone, vortioxetine, and vilazodone. Each class has different mechanisms and side effect profiles, and many patients require a trial-and-switch approach before finding an effective option. MAOIs, in particular, require dietary restrictions to avoid dangerous interactions.

Antidepressants can be prescribed for major depressive disorder and persistent depressive disorder and are also used off-label for anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, chronic pain, and sleep disturbances. Onset of effect typically takes several weeks, and dose adjustments are common.

Common concerns include side effects such as sexual dysfunction, weight changes, gastrointestinal symptoms, and sleep disturbances. In younger patients, there is ongoing attention to suicidality risk, especially early in treatment. With appropriate monitoring, many individuals experience meaningful relief from symptoms and improved quality of life.