Drug Treatment for DepressionDrug Treatment for Depression

Prescription meds that lift your mood are called antidepressants. It may take a while until you find one that's a good fit.

How Antidepressants Work

Many researchers believe that the benefits of antidepressants stem from how they affect certain brain circuits and chemicals.

Fears and Facts About Antidepressants

Many people who could benefit from an antidepressant never try one, often because of fears about them, experts say.

Questions About Antidepressants

Here are answers to common questions about antidepressants.

Signs Your Medication Isn’t Working

It’s important to know the signs that an antidepressant medication you’re taking may not be right for you.

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)What Are SSRIs?

The most common antidepressants are called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).

Celexa vs. Lexapro

Citalopram (Celexa) and escitalopram (Lexapro) are similar SSRI medications that treat depression.

Prozac vs. Lexapro

Two common drugs that can help treat depression are fluoxetine (Prozac) and escitalopram (Lexapro).

Lexapro and Alcohol

If you take Lexapro for depression, you may wonder if it’s OK to have a cocktail, beer, or glass of wine once in a while.

Tricyclic and Tetracyclic Antidepressants (TCAs)Tricyclic and Tetracyclic Antidepressants

Tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants (TCAs) were some of the first medications to treat depression.

Side EffectsWhat Are the Side Effects of Antidepressants?

Antidepressants can bring relief from many symptoms of depression. But side effects are often part of the package.

Side Effects of NDRI Antidepressants

Most NDRI side effects are mild and usually get better after you’ve taken it for a few weeks.

Managing Side Effects of Antidepressants

Side effects are one of the main reasons that people with depression stop taking their medicine during their recovery.

Stopping Antidepressants: Is It Withdrawal?

Your doctor prescribed an antidepressant. As soon as you feel better, you might assume you no longer need the medicine.