“What are the common types of antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs?”
I have depression. If medication is recommended, what are the common types of antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs, and what are their potential side effects?
5 Answers
Councelor/TherapistPsychologist
Great question!
Common Types of Antidepressants:
SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors)
Examples: Prozac, Zoloft, Lexapro
These medicines help the brain have more serotonin, a chemical that helps with mood.
Possible side effects: upset stomach, trouble sleeping, headaches, feeling more nervous at first, and sometimes lower interest in sex or trouble with sexual performance.
SNRIs (Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors)
Examples: Cymbalta, Effexor
These also help with serotonin and another chemical called norepinephrine, which helps with energy and focus.
Possible side effects: same as SSRIs, plus sweating, dry mouth, or higher blood pressure. These can also cause sexual side effects like lower interest in sex.
Atypical Antidepressants
Examples: Wellbutrin, Remeron
These work in different ways to help with mood and energy.
Possible side effects: dry mouth, changes in weight, or sleep problems. Wellbutrin usually does not cause sexual side effects and may actually improve them.
Common Anti-Anxiety Medications:
SSRIs and SNRIs
These are also used to treat anxiety, not just depression. They can take a few weeks to start helping.
Side effects are the same as above.
Benzodiazepines
Examples: Xanax, Ativan, Valium
These help you feel calm very quickly. They are usually only used for short periods of time.
Possible side effects: sleepiness, dizziness, and they can be habit-forming if used too long.
Buspirone
This medicine is used for worry and does not usually cause addiction.
Possible side effects: dizziness or nausea.
Final Thoughts:
These medicines can help with depression and anxiety, but they may take a few weeks to work. Everyone is different, so each medication can affect people in different ways, and sometimes it takes a few tries to find the one that works best for you. If you're ever thinking about these meds, it's important to talk to a doctor. They can help pick what’s safest and best for you.
Common Types of Antidepressants:
SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors)
Examples: Prozac, Zoloft, Lexapro
These medicines help the brain have more serotonin, a chemical that helps with mood.
Possible side effects: upset stomach, trouble sleeping, headaches, feeling more nervous at first, and sometimes lower interest in sex or trouble with sexual performance.
SNRIs (Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors)
Examples: Cymbalta, Effexor
These also help with serotonin and another chemical called norepinephrine, which helps with energy and focus.
Possible side effects: same as SSRIs, plus sweating, dry mouth, or higher blood pressure. These can also cause sexual side effects like lower interest in sex.
Atypical Antidepressants
Examples: Wellbutrin, Remeron
These work in different ways to help with mood and energy.
Possible side effects: dry mouth, changes in weight, or sleep problems. Wellbutrin usually does not cause sexual side effects and may actually improve them.
Common Anti-Anxiety Medications:
SSRIs and SNRIs
These are also used to treat anxiety, not just depression. They can take a few weeks to start helping.
Side effects are the same as above.
Benzodiazepines
Examples: Xanax, Ativan, Valium
These help you feel calm very quickly. They are usually only used for short periods of time.
Possible side effects: sleepiness, dizziness, and they can be habit-forming if used too long.
Buspirone
This medicine is used for worry and does not usually cause addiction.
Possible side effects: dizziness or nausea.
Final Thoughts:
These medicines can help with depression and anxiety, but they may take a few weeks to work. Everyone is different, so each medication can affect people in different ways, and sometimes it takes a few tries to find the one that works best for you. If you're ever thinking about these meds, it's important to talk to a doctor. They can help pick what’s safest and best for you.
Common antidepressants: SSRIs (e.g., fluoxetine), SNRIs (e.g., venlafaxine).
Common anti-anxiety drugs: benzodiazepines (e.g., lorazepam), buspirone. Side effects may include drowsiness, dizziness, or weight gain. For more information, please contact your mental health provider or, if you are in Texas, schedule an appointment with Mid Cities Psychiatry.
Common anti-anxiety drugs: benzodiazepines (e.g., lorazepam), buspirone. Side effects may include drowsiness, dizziness, or weight gain. For more information, please contact your mental health provider or, if you are in Texas, schedule an appointment with Mid Cities Psychiatry.
I cannot talk about medication as it is out of my scope. I suggest talking to a medical doctor such as your primary care physician or a psychiatrist.
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A psychiatrist will go over your symptoms with you and make recommendations regarding medications. Often it takes a few adjustments before finding the right medication regime.
