Antidepressant medication refers to a group of drugs that specifically address the chemicals in the brain that affect mood, in such a way as to alleviate depression. The medications generally work by impacting the effect that specific neurotransmitters have on the central nervous system (CNS). These neurotransmitters are Serotonin, Norepenephrine, Epenephrine, and Dopamine.
Most antidepressants can be classified into the following categories: Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI), Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRI), Tricyclic Antidepressants, and Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOI).
Common SSRIs:
- Celexa (Citalopram)
- Lexapro (Escitalopram)
- Luvox (Fluvoxamine)
- Paxil (Paroxetine)
- Prozac (Fluoxetine)
- Zoloft (sertraline)
Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRI)
Tricyclics:
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOI)
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOI) are an older class of antidepressants. MAOIs are not as readily prescribed due to the potential for life-threatening food and drug interactions. People on MAOIs must avoid foods that are high in tyramine such as black licorice, aged cheeses, and alcohol. Ingestion of these foods while on an MAOI can result in a hypertensive crisis.
MAOI antidepressants are:
- Marplan (Isocarboxazid)
- Nardil (Phenelzine)
- Parnate (Tranycypromine)
- EMSAM (selegiline) This is administered through a transdermal patch. Unlike the oral forms of MAOIs, EMSAM, when administered at the lowest dose (6mg patch), does not require food restrictions.
Other Antidepressants That Do Not Fall Into the Above Categories Are:
- Desyrel (Trazodone)
- Nefazodone this is the generic form of serzone, which is no longer available in the US.
- Remeron (Mirazepine)
- Wellbutrin (Bupropion)
