Here's What You Should Know About the Top 10 Antidepressants

Medically reviewed by psychiatrist and Timberline Knolls medical director Johnny Williamson, MD.

When you’re first prescribed a new antidepressant for your mental health, you probably want to know more about what you can expect. What are the side effects? How will I know if it’s working? Or, after taking it for a few days, is my experience normal? You should always talk with your doctor before stopping or starting a medication or if you’re concerned about changes in your symptoms.

Like many people though, you might turn to the internet first to find out more — has anybody else felt this way while taking the medication? With enough digging, you can usually find the listed side effects for any medication, but not what it feels like from people who’ve been there. While every antidepressant works differently for everyone, knowing you’re not alone in your experience can be helpful.

There are many types of antidepressants, and none of them work the same for everyone. Sometimes you and your doctor will work to find a balance between an antidepressant that helps you feel better and its side effects and potential risks. The answer will be different for everyone, so knowing a little about what others experience can help when you next talk to your psychiatrist.

“We have 29 FDA approved antidepressants all with different mechanisms of action. Some are quite similar, some are quite different,” psychiatrist John J. Miller, MD, told The Mighty. “There’s always risks to the benefits and that’s why it should be an ongoing collaboration between the patient and the prescriber.”

Medication likely won’t be the only aspect of your mental health treatment, but if you and your doctor decide it’s right for you, it’s helpful to know what you might expect. That’s why we’ve rounded up 10 of the most commonly prescribed antidepressants so you can easily see what the drug is supposed to do, potential side effects and most importantly, other people’s experience taking each antidepressant. Because your voice is important, you can vote and let others know your experience taking any of these medications.

A few notes before we get started:

• The antidepressants below are ordered in alphabetical order by generic name. You can also click on the links underneath the images below to jump directly to each medication.
• All of these antidepressants are FDA approved for certain mental health conditions, but often doctors may choose to prescribe them “off-label” based on research showing it helps other conditions even though it isn’t FDA-approved for that specific use.
• Unless otherwise indicated, the antidepressants on this list take about six to eight weeks until you feel the full effect, though you may start noticing small changes after a couple of weeks.
• We asked The Mighty community to share their experience with each medication, though you may have a different experience.

What to Know About Side Effects for All Antidepressants

• To reduce your risk of side effects, your doctor may direct you to start taking this drug at a low dose and gradually increase your dose. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully.
• This isn’t a complete list of side effects for any medication and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects of it you have concerns. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
• Serotonin syndrome may occur with the use of certain medications that affect your serotonin levels, which include all the antidepressants on this list. Serotonin syndrome symptoms can range from mild to severe and may include agitation, hallucinations, fever, sweating, shivering, fast heart rate, muscle stiffness, twitching, loss of coordination, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. Seek medical attention right away if you have symptoms of serotonin syndrome.
• Antidepressant discontinuation syndrome occurs in approximately 20% of patients after abruptly stopping your antidepressant. Typical symptoms include; flu-like symptoms, insomnia, nausea, imbalance, sensory issues and hyperarousal. These symptoms usually are mild, last one to two weeks, and typically go away quickly when you restart the medical. This condition can occur with other antidepressants, so talk to your doctor before stopping your medication.
• All antidepressants may also increase suicidal thoughts. If you’re feeling suicidal, reach out to your doctor or emergency medical services right away. If you need support right now, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or reach the Crisis Text Line by texting “START” to 741741.

And don’t forget to talk with your doctor before stopping your antidepressants or if you have any questions or concerns about your medication.

Bupropion  | Citalopram | Duloxetine  | Escitalopram  | Fluoxetine

Mirtazapine | Paroxetine | Sertraline | Trazodone | Venlafaxine

Bupropion (Brand Name Wellbutrin)

Bupropion (brand name Wellbutrin) is FDA-approved for depression and seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Notably, many report bupropion has fewer sexual side effects and less weight gain than other antidepressants. Bupropion comes in three different forms, including immediate, extended and sustained-release pills. It’s also available under the brand name Zyban, which is approved for helping you quit smoking.

Side Effects

• Dry mouth, nausea, insomnia, dizziness, agitation, anxiety, trembling, sweating, tinnitus, myalgia, increased need to urinate, rash, headache, constipation, diarrhea
• Serious (but rare) side effects can include seizures (higher risk while taking with other antidepressants, insulin, tramadol), high blood pressure or triggering a manic or psychotic episode

What Bupropion Might Be Like

Citalopram (Brand Name Celexa)

Approved for treating depression, Citalopram (brand name Celexa) is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), meaning it largely works to increase the amount of the “feel-good” chemical serotonin in your brain. It’s available in both tablet and liquid form. 

Side Effects

• Headache, diarrhea, nausea, dry mouth, excessive sweating, nervousness, restless, fatigue, trouble sleeping, headache, drowsiness, and sexual issues, including decreased libido, difficulty with arousal, inability to achieve an orgasm or ejaculation, and delayed or less intensity of orgasm or ejaculation
• Serious (but rare) side effects can include seizures, vision problems, bleeding more than usual, unusual heart rhythms at higher doses

What Citalopram Might Be Like

Duloxetine (Brand Name Cymbalta)

Approved for treating depression and fibromyalgia symptoms, duloxetine (brand name Cymbalta) is a newer class of antidepressants called a selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), which also increases the amount of norepinephrine (in addition to serotonin) available in your brain, another type of neurotransmitter and hormone that can boost your mood. Duloxetine comes in extended-release pill form.

Side Effects

• Sexual difficulties, nausea, headache, diarrhea, dry mouth, extra sweating, nervousness, restless, fatigue, difficulty sleeping, irregular menstrual cycle
• Serious (but rare) side effects can include liver failure, sudden drop in blood pressure when standing up, vision problems

What Duloxetine Might Be Like

Escitalopram (Brand Name Lexapro)

Escitalopram (brand name Lexapro) is one of the top 35 most-prescribed medications in the United States as of 2018. It’s commonly used to treat depression and is also FDA-approved for generalized anxiety disorder. This SSRI is available as tablets or a liquid.

Side Effects

• Sexual difficulties, nausea, headache, diarrhea, dry mouth, extra sweating, nervousness, restless, fatigue, difficulty sleeping
• Serious (but rare) side effects can include lowered sodium in your blood, glaucoma or vision problems, unusual heart rhythms at higher doses

What Escitalopram Might Be Like

Fluoxetine (Brand Names Prozac)

Fluoxetine (brand names Prozac or Sarafem) is an SSRI approved for treating several mental health conditions, including depression, bulimia, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). It’s available from several different companies, and comes in capsules, tablets or liquid form, along with an extended-release version. 

Side Effects

• Sexual difficulties, nausea, headache, diarrhea, dry mouth, extra sweating, nervousness, restless, fatigue, difficulty sleeping
• Serious (but rare) side effects can include lowered sodium in your blood, risk of easier bleeding than usual, glaucoma or vision problems

What Fluoxetine Might Be Like

Mirtazapine (Brand Name Remeron)

Some research shows mirtazapine (brand name Remeron) might get you relief faster than other SSRI or SNRI antidepressants because it works differently. Mirtazapine is a noradrenergic and specific serotonergic antidepressant (NaSSA) that acts as a presynaptic alpha2C-antagonist and blocks serotonin receptors. This means the drug helps your norepinephrine alpha2C autoreceptors release the mood-boosting chemical norepinephrine and enhance your serotonin. It’s available in tablet form or a dissolving tablet.

Side Effects

• Feeling sedated, increased appetite, dizziness, weight gain, increased cholesterol, dry mouth, constipation
• Serious (but rare) side effects can cause the eye condition glaucoma, a low white blood cell count, confusion, trouble breathing

What Mirtazapine Might Be Like

Paroxetine (Brand Name Paxil)

Available in tablet, capsule or liquid form, paroxetine (brand name Paxil) is an SSRI, like citalopram, escitalopram, sertraline and fluoxetine. It’s approved for treating depression, several anxiety disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as well as PMDD. It is also FDA-approved to treat vasomotor symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats for moderate to severe menopausal symptoms.

Side Effects

• Sexual difficulties, nausea, headache, diarrhea, dry mouth, extra sweating, nervousness, restless, fatigue, difficulty sleeping, weight gain
• Serious (but rare) side effects can include lowered sodium in your blood, risk of easier bleeding than usual, glaucoma or vision problems

What Paroxetine Might Be Like

Sertraline (Brand Name Zoloft)

Sertraline (brand name Zoloft) is the most commonly prescribed antidepressant in the U.S., and the 14th most common drug prescribed overall in 2018. It’s an SSRI that can help if you live with conditions such as depression, PTSD, OCD, panic disorder, social anxiety and PMDD. Your doctor can prescribe it in tablet or liquid form. 

Side Effects

• Sexual difficulties, nausea, headache, diarrhea, dry mouth, extra sweating, nervousness, restless, fatigue, difficulty sleeping
• Serious (but rare) side effects can include lowered sodium in your blood, risk of more bleeding than usual, glaucoma or vision problems

What Sertraline Might Be Like

Trazodone (Generic)

Trazodone, first approved by the FDA in 1987 for depression, is a serotonin receptor antagonist and reuptake inhibitor (SARI). Some researchers believe it’s less prone to stop working after a few years of taking it, which happens for many people who take SSRIs and SNRIs. Trazodone may also have a lower risk of triggering psychosis in those diagnosed with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. Trazodone is available as a generic medication from a variety of manufacturers, most commonly in tablet form. It is also the most common medication prescribed in the U.S. to treat insomnia (which is “off label”).

Side Effects

• Blurred vision, constipation, dry mouth, low blood pressure, confusion, light-headedness, drowsiness, fatigue, headache, nervousness, nausea or vomiting, lack of coordination, and sinus congestion
• Serious (but rare) side effects can include increased risk of more bleeding than usual, glaucoma or other vision problems, a sudden drop in blood pressure when you stand up, cognitive or movement impairment, priapism (lasting, painful penis erection not caused by sexual stimulation that doesn’t go away after ejaculation)

What Trazodone Might Be Like

Venlafaxine (Brand Name Effexor)

Venlafaxine (brand name Effexor) is an SNRI. It may help you feel better if you live with depression, social anxiety disorder or panic disorder. It’s available in pill or tablet form. Some people have reported difficulty with unpleasant symptoms of withdrawal while taking venlafaxine, even after missing only one dose, so be sure to ask your doctor about its antidepressant discontinuation syndrome effects if you’re prescribed venlafaxine.

Side Effects

• Sexual difficulties, nausea, headache, diarrhea, dry mouth, extra sweating, nervousness, restless, fatigue, difficulty sleeping, blurred vision
• Serious (but rare) side effects can include lower than usual sodium levels in your blood, high blood pressure, increased heart rate, risk of more bleeding than usual, glaucoma or vision problems

What Venlafaxine Might Be Like

If you have any questions about your antidepressants, reach out to your doctor. Part of their job is to make sure you know what medications you’re taking, why and the potential risks and benefits. Advocate for yourself if you’re having a hard time getting answers, and talk to your psychiatrist before making any changes to your medications and if you experience side effects or changes in your symptoms.

“There’s always risks to the benefits and that’s why it should be an ongoing collaboration between the patient and the prescriber,” Dr. Miller said. “Any good clinician, what they should be doing with every patient, with every medicine, is informing them about the risks, benefits, side effects, long-term risks and what the patient’s goals are. And then depending upon the diagnosis and the history, creating a personal treatment plan that’s always a work in progress.”

Have you taken any of the above antidepressants? Let others in The Mighty community know how helpful you found the medications by completing the anonymous survey below.