Top 10 Antidepressant Drugs & Their Effects and Side Effects

  1. Duloxetine (Cymbalta): This medication is a serotonin-norepinephrine
  2. reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) that works by increasing the amount of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. It is used to treat depression, anxiety, and chronic pain. Side effects may include nausea, dry mouth, constipation, and fatigue1.

  3. Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq): This medication is also an SNRI that works by increasing the amount of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. It is used to treat depression. Side effects may include nausea, headache, dizziness, and insomnia1.

  4. Vilazodone (Viibryd): This medication is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and partial agonist of the serotonin 5-HT1A receptor that works by increasing the amount of serotonin in the brain. It is used to treat depression. Side effects may include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and insomnia1.

  5. Citalopram (Celexa): This medication is an SSRI that works by increasing the amount of serotonin in the brain. It is used to treat depression and anxiety. Side effects may include nausea, dry mouth, and drowsiness1.

  6. Sertraline (Zoloft): This medication is also an SSRI that works by increasing the amount of serotonin in the brain. It is used to treat depression, OCD, panic disorder, and PTSD. Side effects may include nausea, diarrhea, and sexual dysfunction1.

  7. Fluoxetine (Prozac): This medication is an SSRI that works by increasing the amount of serotonin in the brain. It is used to treat depression, OCD, bulimia nervosa, and panic disorder. Side effects may include nausea, diarrhea, and sexual dysfunction1.

  8. Trazodone (Desyrel): This medication is a serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitor (SARI) that works by increasing the amount of serotonin in the brain. It is used to treat depression and insomnia. Side effects may include drowsiness, dizziness, and dry mouth1.

  9. Escitalopram (Lexapro): This medication is an SSRI that works by increasing the amount of serotonin in the brain. It is used to treat depression and anxiety. Side effects may include nausea, dry mouth, and drowsiness1.

  10. Paroxetine (Paxil, Paxil CR): This medication is an SSRI that works by increasing the amount of serotonin in the brain. It is used to treat depression, OCD, panic disorder, and PTSD. Side effects may include nausea, dry mouth, and drowsiness1.

  11. Venlafaxine (Effexor, Effexor XR): This medication is an SNRI that works by increasing the amount of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. It is used to treat depression, anxiety, and panic disorder. Side effects may include nausea, dry mouth, and dizziness1.

 

 

How Exercise Affects Depression 

Exercise can be an effective way to manage depression. Research has shown that regular exercise can help improve mood, reduce anxiety, and alleviate other health problems . Exercise releases endorphins, which are natural chemicals in the brain that can help improve mood 1. It can also help take your mind off worries and negative thoughts that feed depression and anxiety 1.

According to a study, regular moderate-intensity aerobic exercise had a significant antidepressant effect in people with depression and major depressive disorder 2. Another study found that exercise leads to a 22% higher likelihood of remission from depression compared with a person’s usual treatment 2. Exercise changes areas of the brain linked to depression, reduces inflammation, decreases the release of stress hormones, and promotes antioxidant effects in the body 3. All of which can help people living with depression 3.

 

 

 

You're not alone

Remember that it’s okay to ask for help. There are people who care about you and want to support you. If you’re struggling with depression, consider reaching out to a mental health professional or a support group. You don’t have to go through this alone.

“You are not alone.” Depression can make you feel like you’re the only one going through it, but it’s important to remember that many people struggle with depression. You are not alone in this.