Antidepressant medications for depression help millions of men and women live happier, healthier lives. Depression is a common mental health condition that can deeply affect people's personal and professional lives; unfortunately, many don't seek treatment, or they're not prescribed the right medication for their needs. That said, people who struggle from depressive episodes are finding hope from recently approved antidepressants along with previously prescribed therapies. Here, we will review the top three newest depression medications along with other types and classes of antidepressant drugs that help scores of people every day. Read on for the latest information about depression medication treatments.
The newest depression medications to gain FDA approvals are Rexulti (brexpiprazole), Brintellix (vortioxetine) and Fetzima (levomilnacipran). The most recent of these three to be approved by the FDA was brexpiprazole, which was given the green light in the summer of 2015.
Brexpiprazole, sold under the brand name Rexulti, is an atypical antipsychotic medication that stabilizes mood and clarifies thinking by regulating dopamine and serotonin levels in the brain. This new antidepressant is an add-on therapy for people with major (or clinical) depression, and it is also FDA approved for the treatment of schizophrenia.
Vortioxetine, sold under the brand name Brintellix, is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor that was recently approved by the FDA for the treatment of major depression. People who are prescribed this medication might see improvement in their depression symptoms after just one week. However, missing dosages can result in a heightening of serious side effects.
Levomilnacipran, sold under the brand name Fetzima, was approved by the FDA for treating major depressive disorder. It is a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor that must be taken once per day without food. Like with other medications for depression, people who take this medication must be careful about not missing doses.
When a person with depression starts taking antidepressants, the first type prescribed is usually a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor. These medications, called SSRIs, include popular brands such as Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft and Celexa. Doctors prefer these depression medications because they are less likely to cause unpleasant side effects, even when taken in larger doses.
This class of antidepressant medications, known as SNRIs, block the brain's absorption of serotonin and norepinephrine. This affects changes in brain chemistry to allow for more stable moods. This medications are also used for treating anxiety and chronic pain disorders.
Atypical antidepressants change the levels of dopaine, norepinephrine, serotonin and other chemicals in the brain to alter brain chemistry and improve the symptoms of depression. These medications are different than most other classes of antidepressants.
Cyclic antidepressants, which include both tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants, have been prescribed by doctors longer than most other classes of depression medications. They're often tried after other medications have failed; doctors prefer other options because cyclic antidepressants are known to cause more severe side effects. Some of the most well-known brands of cyclic medications are Pamelor andd Vivactil.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors, or MAOIs, include drugs such as Parnate, Nardil and Marplan. These antidepressants are also prescribed when other options have failed. Like cyclic drugs, these medications can cause serious side effects. People who use these medications must also adhere to regimented diets to avoid complications.