Drugs to Treat Mental Illness
There are several different types of drugs available to treat mental illnesses. Some of the most commonly used are antidepressants, anti-anxiety, anti-psychotic, mood stabilizing, and stimulant medications.
What Drugs Are Used To Treat Depression?
When treating depression, several drug options are available. Some of the most commonly used include:
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil, Celexa, Lexapro, Luvox, and Viibryd
Selective serotonin & norepinephrine inhibitors (SNRIs), such as Effexor, Cymbalta, Khedezla, Pristiq, and Fetzima
Novel serotonergic drugs such as Brintellix
Older tricyclic antidepressants, such as Elavil, Pamelor, Sinequan, and Imipramine
Dopaminergic drugs such as Wellbutrin
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), such as Nardil, Parnate, and Emsam
Tetracyclic antidepressants that are noradrenergic and specific serotonergic antidepressants (NaSSAs), such as Remeron
Your health care provider can determine which medication is right for you. Remember that medications usually take 4 to 6 weeks to become fully effective. And if one drug does not work, there are many others to try.