The Most Effective Antidepressant Medications
Antidepressant Drug Side Effects Least Likely in SSRIs & SNRIs
Apr 27, 2009
Second-generation antidepressant drugs known as SSRI's (selective serotonin reuptake inhibiters) and SNRI's (selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors) are considered to be most effective at treating major depression because there are fewer side effects, according to Harvard Medical School’s May 2009 Harvard Mental Health Letter, Volume 25, Number 11.
How to Decide Which SSRI or SSNI Might Be Most Effective
Accepted protocol is to first prescribe those antidepressant medications with the best chance of working, with the lowest risk of side effects. When selecting a medication, doctors also take into consideration what the predominant symptoms are, as each person’s major depression can be different. For example, some will experience anxiety, while others will not.
Research Conclusions on Side Effects and Effectiveness of Antidepressant Medications
According to Harvard, researchers found:
- Lexapro and Cipralex (escitalopram), and Zoloft (sertraline) have the best chance of working well and of causing fewer side effects.
- Edronax (reboxetine) is not recommended as a first choice, because it was the least effective and had the most side effects.
It is important to note that these results are not true for all people. Everyone reacts differently to antidepressant medications.
Which Antidepressant Drugs Cause the Most Frequent Side Effects?
According to Harvard, another large study looked at side effects of different antidepressant medications to determine the most effective choice of depression treatment. This study revealed that there's several common types of side effects, including sexual side effects, weight gain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
Anti-Depressant Drugs Causing Sexual Side Effects
Sexual side effects includes difficulty reaching orgasm or having an erection.
- People taking Wellbutrin (bupropion) had the least likelihood of sexual side effects compared with those taking Prozac (flouxetine), Paxil (paroxetine), or Zoloft (sertraline).
- In other studies, people taking Paxil were most likely to experience sexual side effects compared to those taking Prozac, Luvox (fluvoxamine) or Zoloft.
Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhea and Weight Gain as Side Effects of Antidepressant Drug Treatment
- Nausea and Vomiting – Effexor (venlaflaxine) seems to cause this side effect more than the other drugs.
- Diarrhea – A slightly higher percentage of people taking Zoloft experienced diarrhea.
- Weight Gain – Remeron (mirtazapine) and Paxil were more likely to cause weight gain than Zoloft, Effexor and Desyrel (trazodone). Remeron (mirtazapine) also caused significant weight gain.
Is Suicide a Side Effect of Antidepressant Drugs?
Major depression itself increases the risk of suicide. There is a possibility that certain SSRI’s may actually increase that risk. According to Harvard, there is no evidence that shows an increase in deaths by suicide of those taking antidepressant medications. However, many families who have lost loved ones shortly after beginning antidepressant drug therapy would disagree.
One theory is that in some patients, antidepressant medications temporarily increase suicidal thoughts and actions. The American College of Physicians recommends that patients and family members be mindful of this and that patients with major depression be carefully monitored for suicidal thoughts and actions, especially during the first two months after beginning antidepressant drugs, when the risk is highest. According to Harvard, no particular SSRI or SNRI is more likely to cause this side effect than another.
While medication is not the only treatment available for depression, it can be an important part of a treatment regimen. Examining all of the medication options based on effectiveness and potential side effects can help increase the chances of successful depression treatment.
This article is for general information only and is not meant to be personal mental health care. People experiencing troubling symptoms should seek the in-person advice and care of a medical or mental health professional.
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