Increasing levels of neurotransmitters can also disrupt pain signals sent by nerves. This may explain why some antidepressants can help with long-term pain. How Antidepressants work

Although antidepressants can treat depression symptoms, they don’t always address its causes. This is why they’re usually used along with therapy.

How to take antidepressants

Antidepressants are usually taken in tablet form. If you’re prescribed antidepressants, you’ll usually start on a low dose.

Antidepressants usually need to be taken for 7 to 14 days before the benefits are felt.

If you take antidepressants for 4 weeks and don’t feel any benefit, speak to your healthcare professional.

If you get some mild side effects early on, you should continue to take your antidepressants. These side effects usually wear off quickly. If you experience any severe side effects, you should let your specialist know.

A course of treatment usually lasts for 6 months. Some people with depression that keeps coming back may be advised to take them for longer.

Types of Antidepressants & How They Work

 

1. SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors)

 

• Examples: Fluoxetine (Prozac), Sertraline (Zoloft), Escitalopram (Lexapro)

 

• How They Work: Block serotonin reabsorption, leaving more available in the brain.

 

• Best For: Depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD.

 

• Side Effects: Nausea, insomnia, sexual dysfunction.

 

 

2. SNRIs (Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors)

 

• Examples: Venlafaxine (Effexor), Duloxetine (Cymbalta)

 

• How They Work: Increase both serotonin and norepinephrine levels.

 

• Best For: Depression, chronic pain, fibromyalgia.

 

• Side Effects: Increased blood pressure, sweating, dizziness.

 

 

3. Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs)

 

• Examples: Amitriptyline, Nortriptyline

 

• How They Work: Affect serotonin & norepinephrine (older, less selective).

 

• Best For: Severe depression, nerve pain (off-label).

 

• Side Effects: Drowsiness, dry mouth, heart risks (rare).

 

 

4. MAOIs (Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors)

 

• Examples: Phenelzine (Nardil), Tranylcypromine (Parnate)

 

• How They Work: Block an enzyme that breaks down neurotransmitters.

 

• Best For: Treatment-resistant depression.

 

• Side Effects: Dangerous food/drug interactions (e.g., aged cheese, certain meds).

 

 

5. Atypical Antidepressants

 

• Examples: Bupropion (Wellbutrin), Mirtazapine (Remeron)

 

• How They Work: Unique mechanisms (e.g., Bupropion boosts dopamine).

 

• Best For: Depression with fatigue (Bupropion) or insomnia (Mirtazapine).

 

• Side Effects: Weight gain (Mirtazapine), seizures (Bupropion in high doses).