Updated November 08, 2005.

Question: What medications are used to treat depression?

Answer:

There are several types of antidepressant medications used to treat depressive disorders.

These include newer medications-chiefly the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)-the tricyclics, and the monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).

SSRIs-and other newer medications that affect neurotransmitters such as dopamine or norepinephrine-generally have fewer side effects than tricyclics.

Sometimes the doctor will try a variety of antidepressants before finding the most effective medication or combination of medications. Sometimes the dosage must be increased to be effective.

Detailed information on medications used to treat depression