Classes and names of psychotropic drugs
Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy. and names of psychotropic drugs HEALTHLINE RESOURCETRANSFORM: Health EquityWe believe in health equity—the equal opportunity for everyone to live their healthiest life. We are clarifying health inequities and creating a healthier world—for everyone.ClassExamplesTypical antipsychoticschlorpromazine (Thorazine);fluphenazine (Prolixin);haloperidol (Haldol);perphenazine (Trilafon);thioridazine (Mellaril) Atypical antipsychoticsaripiprazole (Abilify); clozapine (Clozaril);iloperidone (Fanapt);olanzapine (Zyprexa);paliperidone (Invega);quetiapine (Seroquel);risperidone (Risperdal);ziprasidone (Geodon) Anti-anxiety agentsalprazolam (Xanax);clonazepam (Klonopin);diazepam (Valium);lorazepam (Ativan) Stimulantsamphetamine (Adderall, Adderall XR);dexmethylphenidate (Focalin, Focalin XR); dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine);lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse);methylphenidate (Ritalin, Metadate ER, Methylin, Concerta) Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants citalopram (Celexa);escitalopram (Lexapro);fluvoxamine (Luvox);paroxetine (Paxil); sertraline (Zoloft) Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) antidepressants atomoxetine (Strattera);duloxetine (Cymbalta); venlafaxine (Effexor XR); desvenlafaxine (Pristiq) Monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) antidepressantsisocarboxazid (Marplan);phenelzine (Nardil);tranylcypromine (Parnate);selegiline (Emsam, Atapryl, Carbex, Eldepryl, Zelapar) Tricyclic antidepressantsamitriptyline;amoxapine;desipramine (Norpramin); imipramine (Tofranil);nortriptyline (Pamelor); protriptyline (Vivactil) Mood stabilizers carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Tegretol, Tegretol XR); divalproex sodium (Depakote);lamotrigine (Lamictal);lithium (Eskalith, Eskalith CR, Lithobid) What Is a Psychotropic Drug?Fast factsUsesDrug tableMajor classesRisksDrug interactionsLegal issuesEmergencyBottom lineA psychotropic describes any drug that affects behavior, mood, thoughts, or perception. It’s an umbrella term for a lot of different drugs, including prescription drugs and commonly misused drugs.We’ll focus on prescription psychotropics and their uses here.The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)?National Survey on Drug Use and Health?data found that in 2018, 47 million adults over age 18 reported a mental health condition.This is around 1 in 5 adults in the United States. More than 11 million reported serious mental illness.Mental health and well-being affect our daily lives. Psychotropic medications can be an important part of the tools available to help keep us well.Fast facts about psychotropic drugsPsychotropics are a broad category of drugs that treat many different conditions.They work by adjusting levels of brain chemicals, or neurotransmitters, like dopamine, gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA), norepinephrine, and serotonin.There are five major classes of legal psychotropic medications:anti-anxiety agentsantidepressantsantipsychoticsmood stabilizersstimulantsSome can cause very serious side effects and have special monitoring requirements by healthcare providers.Why are psychotropic drugs prescribed?Some conditions psychotropics treat include:anxietydepressionschizophreniabipolar disordersleep disordersThese medications work by altering neurotransmitters to improve symptoms. Each class works a bit differently, but they have some similarities, too.The type or class of medication a doctor prescribes depends on the individual and specific symptoms. Some medications require regular use for several weeks to see benefits.Let’s look closer at psychotropic drugs and their uses.Major classes of psychotropic drugs, their uses, and side effectsWe’ll briefly cover the classes and some of the symptoms psychotropics treat.Always talk to your doctor about the specific symptoms you’re experiencing. They’ll find the best treatment options available to help you feel better.This includes nonmedication options, such as cognitive behavioral therapy.Some medications, such as antipsychotic medications, may take up to?2 weeksTrusted Source?to help with symptom relief. It’s important to give the medicine a chance to work before stopping it.Anti-anxiety agentsAnti-anxiety agents, or anxiolytics, can treat different types of anxiety disorder, including social phobia related to public speaking. They can also treat:sleep disorderspanic attacksstressHow they workThis class is known as?benzodiazepines (BZD)Trusted Source. They’re recommended for short-term use. BZDs work by increasing GABA levels in the brain, which causes a relaxing or calming effect. They have serious side effects, including dependence and withdrawal.Side effectsSide effects of BZDs include:dizzinessdrowsinessconfusionloss of balancememory problemslow blood pressureslow breathingCautionThese medications may be habit-forming if used long term. They’re not recommended for more than a few weeks.SSRI antidepressantsSSRIs are mainly used to treat different types of?depression. Among them are major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder.Depression is more than feeling sad for a few days. It’s persistent symptoms that last for weeks at time. You may also have physical symptoms, like sleep issues, lack of appetite, and body aches.How they workSSRIs work by increasing the amount of serotonin available in the brain. SSRIs are the first choice of treatment for many types of depression.Side effectsSide effects of SSRIs include:dry mouthnauseavomitingdiarrheapoor sleepweight gainsexual disordersCautionSome SSRIs can cause elevated heart rate. Some can increase your risk for bleeding if you’re also using blood thinning medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin or warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven).SNRI antidepressantsHow they workSNRIs help treat depression but work a bit differently than SSRIs. They increase both dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain to improve symptoms. SNRIs might work better in some people if SSRIs haven’t brought improvement.Side effectsSide effects of SNRIs include:headachedizzinessdry mouthnauseaagitationsleep problemsappetite issuesCautionThese drugs can increase blood pressure and heart rate. Your liver function must be monitored while on these medications as well.MAOI antidepressantsThese drugs are older and aren’t used very often today.How they workMAOIs improve symptoms of depression by increasing dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin levels in the brain.Side effectsSide effects of MAOIs include:nauseavomitingdizzinessdiarrheadry mouthweight gainCautionMAOIs taken with certain foods that have the chemical tyramine can increase blood pressure to dangerous levels. Tyramine is found in many kinds of cheese, pickles, and some wines.Tricyclic antidepressantsThese are one of the oldest classes of antidepressants still available on the market. They’re reserved for use when newer medications haven’t been effective.How they workTricyclics increase the amount of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain to improve mood.Doctors also use tricyclics off-label to treat other conditions. Off-label use means a drug is used for a condition that doesn’t have Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for that condition.Off-label uses for tricyclics include:panic disordermigrainechronic painobsessive-compulsive disorderSide effectsSide effects include:dry mouthdizzinessdrowsinessnauseaweight gainCautionCertain groups should avoid tricyclics. This includes people with:glaucomaenlarged prostatethyroid issuesheart problemsThese medications can raise blood sugar. If you have diabetes, you may have to carefully monitor your sugar levels.Typical antipsychoticsThese drugs treat symptoms associated with schizophrenia. They may also be used for other conditions.How they workTypical antipsychotics block dopamine in the brain. The first antipsychotic drug in this class, chlorpromazine, was introduced more than?60 years agoTrusted Source. It’s still in use today.Side effectsSide effects of antipsychotic drugs include:blurred visionnauseavomitingtrouble sleepinganxietydrowsinessweight gainsexual problemsCautionThis class of drugs causes movement-related disorders called?extrapyramidal?side effects. These can be serious and long lasting. They include:tremorsuncontrolled facial movementsmuscle stiffnessproblems moving or walkingAtypical antipsychoticsThese are the?next generationTrusted Source?of medications used to treat schizophrenia.How they workThese drugs work by blocking brain chemicals dopamine D2 and serotonin 5-HT2A receptor activity.Doctors also use atypical antipsychotics to treat symptoms of:bipolar disorderdepressionTourette syndromeSide effectsAtypical antipsychotics have some?serious side effectsTrusted Source. These include an increased risk of:diabeteshigh cholesterol levelsheart muscle–related problemsinvoluntary movements, including muscle spasms, tremorsstrokeSide effects of atypical antipsychotics include:dizzinessconstipationdry mouthblurred visionweight gainsleepinessCautionAripiprazole (Abilify), clozapine (Clozaril), and quetiapine (Seroquel) have a black box warning for specific safety concerns. There’s a risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in people under the age of 18 who take one of these medications.Mood stabilizersDoctors use these drugs to treat depression and other mood disorders, like bipolar disorder.How they workThe exact way mood stabilizers work isn’t well understood yet. Some researchers believe these medications calm specific areas of the brain that contribute to the mood changes of bipolar disorder and related conditions.Side effectsSide effects of mood stabilizers include:dizzinessnauseavomitingtirednessstomach problemsCautionThe kidneys remove lithium from the body, so kidney function and levels of lithium must be regularly checked. If you have poor kidney function, your doctor may need to adjust your dose.StimulantsThese drugs mainly treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).How they workStimulants increase dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. The body can develop dependence if used long term.Side effectsSide effects of stimulants include:problems with sleeppoor appetiteweight lossCautionStimulants can increase heart rate and blood pressure. They may not be the best option if you have heart or blood pressure problems.Risks and black box warnings for psychotropicsThe FDA requires?boxed warningsTrusted Source?for certain medications or classes of medications. These can be for three main reasons:The risk of a dangerous adverse reaction must be weighed over its benefits before use.A dose adjustment might be needed for safe prescribing.A specific group of people, such as children or pregnant women, might need special monitoring for safe use.Here are a few drugs and classes with boxed warnings. This isn’t a full list of warnings. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about specific drug side effects and risks:Aripiprazole (Abilify) and quetiapine (Seroquel) aren’t FDA approved for use in anyone under age 18 due to the of risk suicidal thoughts and behavior.Antipsychotic medication use in older adults with dementia-related psychosis can increase the risk of death.Antidepressants can worsen suicidal thoughts and behavior in children and adolescents.Stimulant drugs may cause dependence and addiction.Benzodiazepines taken with opioid medications can increase the risk of overdose.Clozapine (Clozaril) can cause?agranulocytosis, a serious blood disorder. You need to have blood work done to monitor your white blood cell count. It can also cause seizures as well as heart and breathing problems, which can be life threatening.Avoid mixing psychotropic drugs with alcohol. Some classes, like BZDs, antidepressants, and antipsychotic medications, have greater sedating effects with alcohol. This can create problems with balance, awareness, and coordination. It can also slow or stop breathing, which may be life threatening.Drug interactionsPsychotropic drugs have many interactions with other drugs, food, alcohol, and over-the-counter (OTC) products. Always tell your doctor and pharmacist all the medications and supplements you’re taking to avoid adverse reactions.Stimulant drugs like amphetamine interact with:SSRIsSNRIsMAOIstricyclicslithiumCombining these drugs can cause a serious reaction called?serotonin syndrome. If you need to take both types of medications, your doctor will modify the doses to avoid adverse interactions.SPECIAL WARNINGS FOR CHILDREN, PREGNANT ADULTS, AND OLDER ADULTSChildren.?Some psychotropic drugs have a higher risk of side effects in children and aren’t FDA approved for use in children. Your doctor will discuss risks versus benefits of specific medications.Pregnancy.?There’s limited information on the use of psychotropics during pregnancy. The benefits and risks must be carefully considered for each person and each drug. Certain drugs, such as BZDs and lithium, are harmful during pregnancy. Some SSRIs can increase the risk of birth defects. SNRI use in the 2nd trimester can cause withdrawal symptoms in babies.?Your doctor must carefully monitor you and your baby if you’re using any psychotropics.Older adults.?Certain drugs can take longer for your body to clear if your liver or kidney aren’t working well. You may be taking more medications, which can interact or increase the risk of side effects or adverse reactions. Your dose might need an adjustment. Before starting any new medications, be sure to discuss all your medications, including OTC drugs and supplements, with your doctor.Legal issues surrounding psychotropic drugsBZDs and stimulants are controlled substances because they can cause dependence and have the potential for misuse.Never share or sell your prescription medications. There are federal penalties for selling or?illegally buying?these medications.These medications can also cause dependence and lead to substance use disorders.If you or a loved one is at risk for self-harm, reach out to the?National Suicide Prevention Lifeline?at 800-273-TALK for help.For support and to learn more about substance use disorders, reach out to these organizations:Narcotics Anonymous (NA)National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)When to seek emergency carePsychotropic medications can have serious side effects. In some people, side effects can be severe.SEEK EMERGENCY TREATMENTCall your doctor or 911 right away if you have any of these symptoms:your symptoms are getting worse (depression, anxiety, mania)thoughts of suicidepanic attacksagitationrestlessnessinsomniaincreased heart rate and blood pressurefeeling irritable, angry, violentacting impulsively and any other dramatic changes in behaviorseizuresThe bottom linePsychotropics cover a very large category of drugs that are used to treat many different types of symptoms.They all work by adjusting neurotransmitter levels to help you feel better.The medication your doctor prescribes depends on many factors, like your age, other health conditions you may have, other medications you’re using, and your past medication history.Not all medications work right away. Some take time. Be patient, and talk to your doctor if your symptoms are getting worse.Discuss all treatment options, including cognitive behavioral therapy, with your healthcare provider to develop the best care plan for you.Last medically reviewed on November 6, 2019Medically reviewed by?Alan Carter, Pharm.D.?—?Written by? HYPERLINK "" Malini Ghoshal, RPh, MS?on November 6, 2019Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.Depression. (2018).nimh.health/topics/depression/index.shtmlDepression: FDA-approved medications may help. (2017).consumers/consumer-updates/depression-fda-approved-medications-may-helpGuina J, et al. (2018). Benzodiazepines I: Upping the care on downers: The evidence of risks, benefits and alternatives.?DOI:10.3390/jcm7020017Haddad PM, et al. (2018). The acute efficacy of antipsychotics in schizophrenia: A review of recent meta-analyses.?DOI:10.1177/2045125318781475Mayo Clinic Staff. (2019). Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).diseases-conditions/depression/in-depth/ssris/art-20044825Mental health medications. (2016).nimh.health/topics/mental-health-medications/index.shtmlMurray R, et al. (2017). Atypical antipsychotics: Recent research findings and applications to clinical practice: Proceedings of a symposium presented at the 29th Annual European College of Neuropsychopharmacology Congress, 19 September 2016, Vienna, Austria.?DOI:10.1177/2045125317693200O’Conner NR. (2010). FDA boxed warnings: How to prescribe drugs safely.ncbi.nlm.pubmed/20112888?dopt=AbstractSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2019). Key substance use and mental health indicators in the United States: Results from the 2018 National Survey on Drug Use and Health.data/sites/default/files/cbhsq-reports/NSDUHNationalFindingsReport2018/NSDUHNationalFindingsReport2018.pdfA Guide to Common Antidepressant Side EffectsSSRIsSNRIsTCAsMAOIsSARIsAtypicalChartSuicide riskTakeawayWhat are antidepressants?Antidepressant medications are a first-choice option for treating?major depressive disorder (MDD), according to guidelines from the?American Psychiatric Association. They can also help to treat anxiety conditions, including?generalized anxiety disorder.There are different types of antidepressants, based on how they work within the brain. Some are better for treating certain conditions and symptoms. But they all come with potential side effects.Generally, each type causes somewhat different side effects, but there can still be some variance within a single type.People can also respond differently to antidepressants. Some people may have no troubling side effects, while others may have one or more serious side effects. This is why you may need to try a few different medications before you find the right fit.Here’s a look at the main types of antidepressants and some of the side effects commonly associated with them. If you take a certain type, you probably won’t experience all of the side effects associated with it. You might also experience other side effects, including some serious ones, that aren’t listed here.Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)?SSRIs?affect serotonin, which is a neurotransmitter that plays a role in many things, including your mood. Neurotransmitters act as chemical messengers within your body.When your brain releases serotonin, some of it is used to communicate with other cells, and some of it goes back into the cell that released it. SSRIs decrease the amount of serotonin that goes back into the cell that released it, leaving more available in your brain to communicate with other cells.Experts aren’t completely sure about the role serotonin plays in depression. But many believe that low levels of serotonin are a contributing factor.SSRI antidepressants include:citalopram?(Celexa)escitalopram?(Lexapro)paroxetine?(Brisdelle, Paxil, Pexeva)fluoxetine?(Prozac)fluvoxaminesertraline?(Zoloft)SSRIs are the most common choice for treating MDD, but they can also help with:generalized anxiety disorderpanic disordersocial anxiety disorderpremenstrual dysphoric disorderpost-traumatic stress disorderobsessive-compulsive personality disorderhot flashesCommon side effectsThe more common side effects of SSRIs include:headachesnauseatrouble sleepingdizzinessdiarrheaweakness and fatigueanxietystomach upsetdry mouthsexual problems such as low sex drive, erectile dysfunction, or ejaculation problemsSSRIs are more likely than some antidepressants to cause sexual side effects. They can also increase appetite, potentially leading to weight gain.Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)??Like SSRIs,?SNRIs?are often used to treat MDD. Similar to SSRIs, SNRIs prevent cells in your brain from reabsorbing certain neurotransmitters. This leaves more of them available to communicate with other cells.In the case of SNRIs, the neurotransmitters affected are serotonin and norepinephrine.SNRI antidepressants include:desvenlafaxine?(Khedezla, Pristiq)duloxetine?(Cymbalta)levomilnacipran (Fetzima)milnacipran (Savella)venlafaxine (Effexor XR)SNRIs are often used to treat depression, but they can also help with:nerve damage caused by diabetesfibromyalgiageneralized anxiety disorderhot flashesCommon side effectsThe more common side effects of SNRIs include:headachesnauseainsomniadrowsinessdry mouthdizzinessloss of appetiteconstipationsexual problems such as low sex drive, erectile dysfunction, or ejaculation problemsweakness and fatiguesweatingSNRIs can cause sexual side effects, but not as often as SSRIs. Some people who take SNRIs may also gain weight, but weight loss is more common.In some cases, people taking SNRIs may notice increased blood pressure.Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)?TCAs?are an older group of antidepressants. Like SNRIs, they help to increase levels of norepinephrine and serotonin your brain. But they also decrease the effects of another neurotransmitter called acetylcholine.This impact on acetylcholine increases the risk of certain side effects. As a result, TCAs are typically only used if SSRIs and SNRIs don’t work well for you.Some common TCAs include:amitriptyline?(Elavil)clomipramine?(Anafranil)desipramine?(Norpramin)doxepinimipramine?(Tofranil)nortriptyline?(Pamelor)In addition to treating depression, many TCAs are used for other conditions, including:nerve pain caused by shinglesnerve damage caused by diabetessocial anxiety disorderfibromyalgiamigraine headachebedwetting in childrenCommon side effectsThe more common side effects of TCAs include:headachesdry mouthblurred visiondigestive issues, such as stomach upset, nausea, and constipationdizzinessdrowsinesstrouble sleepingmemory problemsfatigueweight gainsexual problems such as low sex drive, erectile dysfunction, or ejaculation problemstrouble urinatingfast heart ratesweatingThe side effects of TCAs are similar to those of SSRIs and SNRIs, but they tend to occur more frequently and can be more bothersome.TCAs are also much more likely to cause certain side effects, including:dry mouthblurred visionconstipationtrouble urinatingweight gaindrowsinessIn rare cases, TCAs can also cause potentially dangerous heart-related side effects, such as:low blood pressure when standing uphigh blood pressureabnormal heart rate or arrhythmiaMonoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)?Like TCAs,?MAOIs?are an older group of medications. Today, they’re not commonly used for depression, but your healthcare provider might suggest them if others aren’t offering relief.MAOIs work by preventing your body from breaking down certain neurotransmitters. This causes an increase in your levels of serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine.Some common MAOIs include:isocarboxazid (Marplan)phenelzine (Nardil)tranylcypromine (Parnate)selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam)In addition to depression, some MAOIs are used for other conditions. Phenelzine and tranylcypromine are sometimes used for panic disorder and social anxiety. Selegiline is used for Parkinson’s mon side effectsThe more common side effects of MAOIs include:low blood pressurenauseaheadachesdrowsinessdizzinessdry mouthweight gainstomach painconfusiondiarrhearunny nosesexual problems such as low sex drive, erectile dysfunction, or ejaculation problemsMAOIs are more likely to cause low blood pressure than other antidepressants. These medications can also interact with?foods containing tyramine?and cause dangerously high blood pressure.Serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitors (SARIs)?SARIs are also known as serotonin modulators or phenylpiperazine antidepressants. They’re sometimes considered atypical antidepressants because they work differently. SARIs can help treat:depressionanxietypanic disorderLike most other antidepressants, SARIs help to increase the amount of available serotonin — and sometimes other neurotransmitters — in your brain. But they do so in different ways from other antidepressants.Some SARIs include:nefazodonetrazodone?(Oleptro)Common side effectsThe more common side effects of SARIs include:drowsinessdry mouthheadachesdizzinessnauseafatiguevomitingblurred visiondiarrheaconstipationlow blood pressureconfusionMany people taking SARIs experience drowsiness or sleepiness. This makes them a potentially good option for people with insomnia, especially if they also have depression.Atypical antidepressants?Some antidepressants simply don’t fit into any of the main group, usually because of the way they work. These are known as atypical antidepressants.Bupropion (Wellbutrin)Unlike most other antidepressants,?bupropion?doesn’t increase serotonin. Instead, it works to increase norepinephrine and dopamine. It’s sometimes classified as a norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor.In addition to being used for depression, bupropion is also used to help people quit smoking.The more common side effects of bupropion include:trouble sleepingheadachesirritability or agitationdry mouthconstipationloss of appetiteweight lossnauseavomitingsweatingdizzinessanxietyCompared with other antidepressants, bupropion is less likely to cause weight gain. In fact, weight loss is a common side effect.Bupropion is also less likely to cause sexual problems. As a result, it’s sometimes prescribed alongside other antidepressants to reduce their sexual side effects.But it’s more likely than some other antidepressants to cause insomnia and anxiety. In rare cases, bupropion can cause seizures, especially when used in high doses.Mirtazapine (Remeron)Mirtazapine?increases the effects of norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine in your brain in a different way than other antidepressants. It’s sometimes classified as a noradrenergic antagonist-specific serotonin antagonist.The more common side effects of mirtazapine include:drowsinessdry mouthincreased appetiteweight gainhigh cholesterolconstipationweakness and fatiguedizzinessLike SARIs, mirtazapine may cause sleepiness or drowsiness. As a result, mirtazapine may be used for those who have depression and trouble sleeping.Mirtazapine can also cause increased appetite, making it more likely to cause weight gain than other antidepressants.Vilazodone (Viibryd)Vilazodone increases serotonin’s effects in the brain in ways both similar to and different from SSRIs. It’s sometimes called a serotonin partial agonist reuptake inhibitor.The more common side effects of vilazodone include:diarrheanauseadizzinessdry mouthtrouble sleepingvomitingVilazodone is less likely to cause weight gain than many other antidepressants, such as SSRIs and TCAs. Some people who take vilazodone have sexual problems, such as low sex drive or erectile dysfunction, but this seems to be less common with vilazodone compared to SSRIs and SNRIs.Vortioxetine (Trintellix)Vortioxetine?is sometimes called a multimodal antidepressant. It functions somewhat like an SSRI, but has additional effects on serotonin levels.The more common side effects of vortioxetine include:sexual problems, such as orgasm or ejaculation problemsnauseadiarrheadizzinessdry mouthconstipationvomitingVortioxetine is more likely to cause sexual side effects than many other antidepressants. But it’s less likely to cause weight gain.Side effects comparison chart?The chart below is a general comparison of the some of the more common side effects associated with different antidepressants.When using this chart, keep a few things in mind:Everyone responds differently to antidepressants, so you may have additional side effects not listed here.You likely won’t experience every single side effect associated with a particular antidepressant.Some medications are more or less likely to cause certain side effects. Your healthcare provider can give you more information about common side effects linked to specific medications within each group.Some side effects may become milder or disappear completely over time as your body gets used to the medication.This chart only includes common side effects. Some antidepressants may have less common, more serious side effects, including increased suicidal thoughts.Suicidal thoughts and behaviors risk?Some antidepressants, including SSRIs, may cause an increase in suicidal thoughts or actions. This risk is higher in children, teenagers, and young adults. It’s also higher within the first few months of treatment or during dosage changes.You and your family members, caregivers, and healthcare provider should watch for any new or sudden changes in your mood, behaviors, thoughts, or feelings. Call your healthcare provider right away if you notice any changes.Suicide preventionIf you think someone is at immediate risk of self-harm or hurting another person:Call 911 or your local emergency number.Stay with the person until help arrives.Remove any guns, knives, medications, or other things that may cause harm.Listen, but don’t judge, argue, threaten, or yell.If you or someone you know is considering suicide, get help from a crisis or suicide prevention hotline. Try the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255.The bottom line?There are many types of antidepressants. Each comes with its own list of potential side effects. When choosing and trying an antidepressant, it’s important to work closely with your healthcare provider, especially as you get used to a medication’s side effects.Before starting any new medication, let your healthcare provider know about any other medications you take, including over-the-counter drugs and herbal supplements, such as St. John’s wort. If you drink alcohol, make sure to also ask about any potential interactions it might have with your medication.In addition to side effects, antidepressants can also cause?allergic reactions?in some people. Seek immediate medical treatment if you notice any symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing or swelling in your face, tongue, or throat.?33 sources ................
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