Depression affects millions worldwide, and for many, the first treatment offered is prescription medication, most included in this anti-depression medication list. While antidepressants can be helpful for some people, others may find limited relief, unwanted side effects, or the need for long-term use that doesn’t align with their goals. At Conscious Health, we believe in exploring effective alternatives, including Spravato® (esketamine) treatment, TMS therapy, and medication management with the aim of tapering off psychiatric drugs when possible.
Anti-Depression Medication List by Category
Table 1 – Common Anti-Depression Medication Names
| Category | Medication Name (Brand) | Primary Use | Common Side Effects |
| SSRIs | Fluoxetine (Prozac®), Sertraline (Zoloft®), Escitalopram (Lexapro®), Paroxetine (Paxil®) | Major depression, anxiety disorders | Nausea, weight changes, sexual dysfunction |
| SNRIs | Venlafaxine (Effexor XR®), Duloxetine (Cymbalta®), Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq®) | Depression, anxiety, nerve pain | Sweating, insomnia, dizziness |
| Atypical Antidepressants | Bupropion (Wellbutrin®), Mirtazapine (Remeron®), Vortioxetine (Trintellix®) | Depression, seasonal affective disorder | Dry mouth, appetite changes, vivid dreams |
| TCAs | Amitriptyline, Nortriptyline, Imipramine | Depression, nerve pain, migraine prevention | Drowsiness, dry mouth, constipation |
| MAOIs | Phenelzine (Nardil®), Tranylcypromine (Parnate®) | Treatment-resistant depression | Food/drug interactions, dizziness |
Manic Depression (or Bipolar Depression) Medications List
Table 2 – Bipolar Depression Medication Names
| Medication Type | Examples | Primary Purpose | Potential Side Effects |
| Mood Stabilizers | Lithium, Lamotrigine (Lamictal®) | Reduce mood swings, prevent mania/depression cycles | Tremor, thirst, weight gain |
| Atypical Antipsychotics | Quetiapine (Seroquel®), Lurasidone (Latuda®), Olanzapine (Zyprexa®) | Manage bipolar depression and mania | Sedation, weight gain, metabolic changes |
| Adjunct Antidepressants | SSRIs or SNRIs (used cautiously) | Address depressive episodes in bipolar disorder | Risk of triggering mania, GI upset |
Anxiety and Depression Medication List
Table 3 – Anxiety and Depression Medication Names
| Class | Examples | Why Prescribed | Notable Risks |
| SSRIs | Escitalopram (Lexapro®), Paroxetine (Paxil®) | Treat both anxiety disorders and depression | Sexual side effects, withdrawal symptoms |
| SNRIs | Duloxetine (Cymbalta®), Venlafaxine (Effexor XR®) | Address depression with anxiety or nerve pain | High blood pressure, insomnia |
| Atypicals | Bupropion (Wellbutrin®) | Depression with low energy and motivation | Anxiety aggravation in some patients |
Conscious Health’s Approach: Beyond the Prescription
At Conscious Health, we recognize that for many, antidepressants offer only partial or temporary relief. Our medication management services for treatment resistant depression focus on careful evaluation, dose adjustments, and, when appropriate, tapering protocols to reduce or eliminate the need for daily psychiatric medication.
We specialize in innovative, non-drug treatments for depression, including:
- Spravato® (Esketamine) Nasal Spray – FDA-approved for treatment-resistant depression, works differently than traditional SSRIs/SNRIs.
- TMS Therapy (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) – Non-invasive brain stimulation with lasting benefits for many patients.
Our ultimate goal is to help patients regain stability and live medication-free whenever possible.
Risks and Limitations of Depression Medications
- Potential for side effects (weight gain, sexual dysfunction, sleep disturbances)
- Withdrawal symptoms if stopped abruptly
- Limited efficacy for some individuals
- Risk of emotional blunting or loss of motivation
FAQs About Anti-Anxiety Medications
Are depression medications always necessary?
Not always. Some patients respond well to therapy, lifestyle changes, or advanced treatments like TMS and Spravato®.
Can you stop taking antidepressants once you start?
Yes, but it should be done gradually and under medical supervision to avoid withdrawal effects.
Is Spravato® better than traditional antidepressants?
Spravato® works differently, targeting the glutamate system, and may help when other medications fail.
What is the best medication for bipolar depression?
Mood stabilizers like lithium or lamotrigine are often first-line treatments, sometimes combined with atypical antipsychotics.
Sources
- National Institute of Mental Health. (2024). Antidepressant Medications for Depression. Retrieved from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/mental-health-medications
- Mayo Clinic. (2024). Antidepressants: Selecting One That’s Right for You. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/in-depth/antidepressants/art-20046273
- FDA. (2024). Spravato® (Esketamine) Approval and Use. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov
- Conscious Health Center. (2025). Our Approach to Medication Management. Retrieved from https://conscioushealthcenter.com
- Kirsch, I., Deacon, B. J., Huedo-Medina, T. B., Scoboria, A., Moore, T. J., & Johnson, B. T. (2008). Initial severity and antidepressant benefits: A meta-analysis of data submitted to the Food and Drug Administration. PLoS Medicine, 5(2), e45. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmed.0050045
- Rush, A. J., Trivedi, M. H., Wisniewski, S. R., et al. (2006). Acute and longer-term outcomes in depressed outpatients requiring one or several treatment steps: A STAR*D report. American Journal of Psychiatry, 163(11), 1905–1917. https://doi.org/10.1176/ajp.2006.163.11.1905
- Berlim, M. T., & Turecki, G. (2007). Definition, assessment, and staging of treatment-resistant refractory major depression: A review of current concepts and methods. Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, 52(1), 46–54. https://doi.org/10.1177/070674370705200109
