

The three commonly prescribed atypical antidepressants are: This group includes antidepressants that don’t fit into other medication classes. Like SSRIs, these medications can also take up to 6 weeks to start relieving symptoms. These hormones help boost alertness and focus. It works by raising levels of serotonin and norepinephrine. There are three well-known SNRIs that are FDA-approved to treat depression: While effective for treating depression, they can take up to 6 weeks to kick in. These medications are believed to work by raising the amount of serotonin - a hormone that helps regulate mood - in the brain. SSRIs are considered first-choice medications for treating depression.
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The five well-known, FDA-approved SSRIs to treat depression are: Please talk with your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information on your specific medication. Please note that we will not be discussing the risks, warnings, and drug interactions for each type of antidepressant in this article. What are the different types of antidepressants?Īntidepressants fall into one of five medication classes:īelow, we’ll discuss some well-known antidepressants and which classes they belong to. Everyone’s journey to finding the right depression treatment is unique.

And they can also treat other conditions that people sometimes have along with depression, like anxiety.īut in the end, the best antidepressant is the one that gives you the most benefits with the fewest side effects. These medications are generally better tolerated than other antidepressants. Most people will start taking either a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor ( SSRI) or a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor ( SNRI). Instead, antidepressants are typically recommended based on factors like their side effects, the cost, and whether you’ve responded favorably to a particular medication in the past. After reviewing the available research, the American Psychiatric Association (APA) found that no one antidepressant was more effective at treating depression than others. Over the years, studies have compared various antidepressants. Understanding the antidepressants that are often prescribed is important, too.
DEPRESSION MEDICATION TO TAKE AS NEEDED HOW TO
Knowing how to find the right therapist is an important step. In fact, Black Americans are 20% more likely than the general population to have more serious mental health conditions. These beliefs - combined with racial trauma and less access to healthcare - put the Black community at a higher risk for many health problems. A study from the National Mental Health Association (NMHA) found that 63% of Black adults believed that depression is a sign of personal weakness. These feelings of shame or embarrassment can stop a person from getting the help they need. Talking about mental health struggles can often carry a lot of social stigma. But only one-third of Black adults who need mental health treatment receive care. In the U.S., Black adults experience feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, and sadness more often than that of white adults. There are known healthcare disparities that historically underrepresented communities face - having less access to mental health services is one of them. Living With Depression: Surviving a Condition That Doesn’t Just Go Away Written by Natalie Pompilio Who is at a greater risk for depression?ĭepression can happen to anyone, but some groups have different risks than others.
