The Most Popular Antidepressants in the Market

With so many medications for depression to choose from, some medications work better for others.

The range of the uses of antidepressants has expanded from depression to anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, eating disorders, and many other psychiatric conditions.

According to a large research review, antidepressant drugs are proven to help ease depression. One out of six Americans takes a psychiatric medication, said a 2017 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA).

Bearing those in mind, here is our little reminder: Every person's body is unique and has its way of processing drugs, so if you do try one of these medications, your experience might be very different from what you see in the reviews.

1. Prozac (fluoxetine) (Click the link to check the price)

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The first antidepressant that may pop into your head is Prozac (fluoxetine), but since it was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1987, Prozac has been joined by a variety of other antidepressant medications.

Being an SSRI, Prozac treats depression and other mood disorders by boosting serotonin levels in the brain. According to data, through randomized clinical trials, it was confirmed that fluoxetine is safe and effective in the treatment of depression from the first week of therapy.

It comes with risks of several side effects, such as trouble sleeping, drowsiness, nausea, and diarrhea. Take it in the morning with food to avoid stomach upset.

2. Zoloft (sertraline) (Click the link to check the price)

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Zoloft (sertraline) is another SSRI antidepressant used to treat major depressive disorders.

The medication is frequently prescribed to treat several different psychiatric disorders including depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and social anxiety disorder.

Side effects similar to Prozac wear off after a month of taking the medications, but others (like lower sex drive) can last longer.

3. Celexa (citalopram) (Click the link to check the price)

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Reviews suggest that Celexa causes fewer side effects than other antidepressants. However, it can be risky for those with liver or kidney disorders. Also, taking high doses of this antidepressant has been associated with a rare heart rhythm problem.

In addition to depression, citalopram is also used for treating: obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, premenstrual dysphoric syndrome (PMDD), anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and eating disorders.

4. Paxil (paroxetine) (Click the link to check the price)

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Paxil is effective for major depression and various anxiety disorders.

There are chances of having sexual side effects if you choose Paxil over other antidepressants. The medication is also linked to a higher risk of sweating.

Aside from treating depression, Paxil is also used to treat panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

Paxil is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to help women manage the hot flashes associated with menopause.

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