Common Medications for Depression
Common medications for unipolar depression
Medication selection depends on prior response, comorbid conditions, interactions, adverse effects, pregnancy considerations, and patient preference. This table is an educational summary, not a dosing protocol.
| Class | Common examples | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| SSRIs | Sertraline, escitalopram, fluoxetine, paroxetine | Common initial options; gastrointestinal and sexual adverse effects; discontinuation effects vary. |
| SNRIs | Venlafaxine XR, duloxetine | May be useful with some pain conditions; monitor blood pressure and discontinuation effects. |
| NDRI | Bupropion | Lower likelihood of sexual adverse effects; avoid in seizure disorders and eating disorders with seizure risk. |
| Noradrenergic/serotonergic | Mirtazapine | May increase appetite and cause sedation. |
| Other antidepressants | Vortioxetine, trazodone | Individualized use; trazodone is more often used for sleep than as a first-line antidepressant. |
Adapted as an original patient summary from AAFP: Management of Major Depressive Disorder (2025) and AAFP: Pharmacologic Treatment of Depression (2023). Confirm current labeling with your clinician.