Antidepressants List

This listing is not comprehensive, but includes most medications for depression in current use in conventional medicine. Caregorized by type (drug classes or biochemical family), generic drug names are listed first followed by the trade names.

SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors)

The SSRI class has become the treatment of first choice for people suffering from depression and anxiety disorders. Compared to earlier generations of antidepressants, SSRIs are no more effective in treating depression. Their major advantages are more benign side effect profile and reduced toxicity with overdose.

Generic Brand Name
Citalopram Celexa
Escitalopram Lexapro, Cipralex
Fluoxetine Prozac, Sarafem
Fluvoxamine Luvox
Paroxetine Paxil, Paxil CR
Sertraline Zoloft


Tricyclics (TCA)

From the 1960's through the 1980's tricyclic antidepressants were the first line treatment for depression. Currently, TCAs are used as a second or third-line treatment choice.

Generic Brand Name
Amitriptyline Elavil, Endep, Levate
Amoxapine Asendin
Clomipramine Anafranil
Desipramine Norpramin, Pertofrane
Doxepin Adapin, Sinequan
Imipramine Tofranil
Maprotiline Deprilept, Ludiomil, Psymion
Mianserin Bolvidon, Norval, Tolvan
Nortriptyline Pamelor
Protriptyline Vivactil
Trimipramine Surmontil


SNRIs (Serotonin and Noradrenaline Reuptake Inhibitors)

SNRIs represent the newest class of antidepressants. These drugs have a similar mechanism of action as SSRIs, but act on the two neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine.

Generic Brand Name
Desvenlafaxine Pristiq
Duloxetine Cymbalta
Milnacipran Savella
Venlafaxine Effexor, Effexor XR


NaSSA

Mirtazapine is classified as a noradrenergic and specific serotonergic antidepressant. Compared with SSRIs, mirtazapine causes less insomnia and nausea, but more weight gain, fatigue and excessive somnolence.

Generic Brand Name
Mirtazapine Remeron


NDRIs (Norepinephrine and Dopamine Reuptake Inhibitors)

Currently bupropion, a pharmacologically unique antidepressant, is the only available NDRI.

Generic Brand Name
Bupropion Wellbutrin, Wellbutrin SR, Wellbutrin XL, Zyban


Miscellaneous
Generic Brand Name
Nefazodone
(5HT2-receptor antagonist)
Nefadar, Serzone
Trazodone
(5HT2-receptor antagonist, triazolopyridine-derivative)
Desyrel, Apo-Trazodone
Reboxetine
(Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor)
Edronax , Vestra
Tianeptine
(Serotonin reuptake enhancer )
Stablon
Buspirone
(5HT1A receptor agonist)
Buspar


MAOIs (Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors)

MAOIs are the oldest class of medications for depression, and are rarely used today as they they require strict dietary restrictions.

Generic Brand Name
Isocarboxazid Marplan
Moclobemide Manerix
Phenelzine Nardil
Tranylcypromine Parnate

Last reviewed - November 2009