A Straightforward Guide to Common Antidepressants in the USA | List of Antidepressants

 

Table of Contents:

• Types of Antidepressants and Examples
• Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
• Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)
• Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs)
• Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)
• Atypical Antidepressants
• Newer and Emerging Treatments
• Most Commonly Prescribed Antidepressants in the U.S. (2023 data)
• Important Notes
• FAQ

A Straightforward Guide to Common Antidepressants in the USA

Did you know that millions of people in the United States use antidepressant medication every year? If you wonder about the common medications used to treat depression, here is a straightforward rundown of the main types and some popular pills within each group, based on trusted medical sources.

Types of Antidepressants and Examples

Antidepressants fall into several broad categories. Each category acts on brain chemistry in a slightly different way.

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)

These are the pills doctors prescribe most often. They function by raising serotonin levels in the brain. Serotonin helps lift mood. Doctors pick SSRIs first because they usually cause fewer and milder unwanted effects compared to other classes.

Common SSRIs include:

• Fluoxetine (Prozac)
• Sertraline (Zoloft)
• Escitalopram (Lexapro)
• Paroxetine (Paxil)
• Citalopram (Celexa)

These drugs normally require about two weeks to start working and up to four to eight weeks for the full effect.

Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)

SNRIs target both serotonin and norepinephrine neurotransmitters. Doctors use them for depression, anxiety, as well as sometimes pain in the nerves.

Examples include:

• Venlafaxine (Effexor XR)
• Duloxetine (Cymbalta)
• Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq)

Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs)

These are older antidepressants. They work well but often cause more unwanted effects. Therefore, doctors usually prescribe them when newer drugs fail to help.

Examples:

• Amitriptyline
• Nortriptyline
• Imipramine

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)

This is another older category. Doctors typically save MAOIs for depression that does not respond to other treatment, because MAOIs require certain food restrictions and cause unwanted effects.

Examples include:

• Phenelzine (Nardil)
• Tranylcypromine (Parnate)

Atypical Antidepressants

These pills do not fit well into the other groups. They often work through unique paths.

Some popular ones are:

• Bupropion (Wellbutrin) – often used for depression and to help stop smoking
• Mirtazapine (Remeron)
• Vortioxetine (Trintellix)

Newer and Emerging Treatments

The FDA recently approved some novel antidepressants. These offer new choices, especially for severe cases or specific issues like postpartum depression.

For example:

• Esketamine (Spravato), a nasal spray for severe depression. Doctors approve its use with oral antidepressants.
• Exxua (Gepirone), approved in 2023, offers a new way of working with fewer unwanted effects.
• Zuranolone (Zurzuvae), a pill for postpartum depression, represents another recent advance.

Most Commonly Prescribed Antidepressants in the U.S. (2023 data)

These drugs see wide use because they work well and people generally tolerate them:

• Sertraline (Zoloft)
• Trazodone
• Fluoxetine (Prozac)
• Escitalopram (Lexapro)
• Bupropion (Wellbutrin)

Important Notes

You should keep these points in mind:

• Antidepressants need several weeks to show their full benefits.
• Unwanted effects differ by drug and person. They sometimes include upset stomach, weight change, sexual problems, dizziness, in addition to sleep trouble.
• Always talk to a doctor for personal advice. Discuss risks, benefits, next to possible drug interactions with them.

FAQ

Why do SSRIs get prescribed first most often?

SSRIs are often the first choice because they typically cause fewer and milder unwanted effects compared to older antidepressant classes. They are effective for many people dealing with depression and anxiety.

How long do I need to wait to feel the full effect of the medicine?

You usually need about two weeks for the drug to start working. The full positive effect usually takes between four to eight weeks to appear.

Are newer antidepressants always better than older ones?

Not necessarily. While newer antidepressants sometimes have fewer unwanted effects or target specific conditions (like postpartum depression), older drugs like TCAs, also MAOIs are still very effective for people whose depression does not respond to newer treatments. The best choice depends on your specific needs, body, along with symptoms.

Resources & References:

1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_investigational_antidepressants
2. https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/depression/best-antidepressant-medication
3. https://conscioushealthcenter.com/anti-depression-medication-list-common-options-alternative-treatments-at-conscious-health/
4. https://www.helpguide.org/mental-health/depression/antidepressant-medication
5. https://lifestance.com/blog/2025-new-antidepressant-medications/
6. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/24795-ssri
7. https://www.definitivehc.com/resources/healthcare-insights/top-antidepressants-by-prescription-volume
8. https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/treatments/medications
9. https://www.fda.gov/patients/fda-expert-panels/fda-expert-panel-selective-serotonin-reuptake-inhibitors-ssris-and-pregnancy-07212025