Antidepressants are drugs used to treat depression. Some work for anxiety and other issues like addiction. There are different types of antidepressants. The two kinds most used are SSRI's (Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) and SNRI's (Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors). These are reuptake inhibitors. 

 

According to WebMD, reuptake inhibitors are the process "in which neurotransmitters are naturally reabsorbed back into nerve cells in the brain after they are released to send messages between nerve cells. A reuptake inhibitor prevents this from happening. Instead of getting reabsorbed, the neurotransmitter stays -- at least temporarily -- in the gap between the nerves, called the synapse."

 

Norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NDRI's) are a newer type of antidepressant. They only include one drug so far- Wellbutrin.

 

The most common SSRI antidepressants are Zoloft (generic- sertraline), Prozac (generic- fluoxetine), Celexa (generic- citalopram), Lexapro (generic- escitalopram), Paxil/Paxeva/Brisdelle (generic- paroxetine), and Luvox (generic- fluvoxamine). 

 

Some of the most common SNRI's are Cymbalta (generic- duloxetine), Effexor XR (generic- venlafaxine), Pristiq/Desfax/Ellefore (generic- Desvenlafaxine), and Fetzima (generic- Levomilnacipra).

 

                                                       Common side affects

 

                                 SSRI's:                                                                  SNRI's:

 

Nausea,                                                                                                                   Nausea

Insomnia                                                                                                                  Drowsiness

Anxiety.                                                                                                                    Fatigue

Low sex drive.                                                                                                         Constipation

Tremors                                                                                                                    Dry mouth

Weight gain 

 

 

 

 

 

Other side effects of both include but are not limited to:

 

Erectile dysfunction

Blurred vision

Irritability

Agitation

Headaches

Suicidal thoughts

Hyponatremia

Seizures

Diarrhea

Skin rashes