Drugs Used to Treat Mental Disorders

What Drugs Are Used to Treat Depression?

When treating depression, several drugs are available. Some of the most commonly used include: 

• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil, Celexa, Lexapro, and Luvox. 
• Selective serotonin & norepinephrine inhibitors (SNRIs), such as Effexor, Cymbalta, Remeron, and Pristiq.
• Older tricyclic antidepressants, such as Elavil, Pamelor, Senequan, and Imiparmin. 
• Dopaminergic drugs such as Wellbutrin and Trazadone.
• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), such as Nardil, Parnate, and Emsam.

Your health care provider can determine which medication is right for you. Remember that medications usually take 4 to 8 weeks to become fully effective. And if one medication does not work, there are many others to try.

In some cases, a combination of antidepressants may be necessary. Sometimes an antidepressant combined with a different type of medication, such as a mood stabilizer (like lithium) or anti-anxiety drug, is the most effective treatment.

Side effects vary, depending on what type of medication you are taking, and may improve once your body adjusts to the medication.

If you decide to stop taking your antidepressants, it is important that you gradually reduce the dose over a period of several weeks. Quitting antidepressants abruptly can cause withdrawal symptoms. It is important to discuss quitting (or changing) medications with your health care provider first.

What Medications Are Used to Treat Anxiety Disorders?

Antidepressants, particularly the SSRIs, may also be effective in treating many types of anxiety disorders.

Other anti-anxiety drugs include the benzodiazepines, such as Valium, Ativan and Xanax. These drugs do carry a risk of addiction so they are not as desirable for long-term use. Other possible side effects include drowsiness, poor concentration, and irritability.