Many different types of anti-depressants are now available to treat depression. In the past decade, newer anti-depressants have become available that are safer and more effective than older anti-depressants and cause fewer side effects. But it’s important to remember that all anti-depressants, even the newest and most popular, pose certain risks and can still cause uncomfortable side effects. It’s wise to educate yourself in order to find the option that’s right for you. The three main classes of anti-depressants are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), tricyclics (TCAs), and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).

The SSRI class of anti-depressants is the newest and most popular. SSRI anti-depressants work by increasing the levels of serotonin, a mood-related neurotransmitter, in the brain. SSRI anti-depressants typically pose a lower risk of side effects than other types of anti-depressants, but this doesn’t mean that they’re completely safe or free of side effects. The most troublesome side effects caused by SSRI anti-depressants are weight gain and sexual dysfunction. It’s not uncommon for men taking SSRIs to become nearly impotent or women to gain 30 pounds. Many people seek natural alternatives to prescription anti-depressants in order to avoid these nasty side effects. Prozac® (fluoxetine), the first SSRI anti-depressants, was introduced in the United States in 1988. Since then, a number of other SSRI anti-depressants have been released, including Paxil® (paroxetine), Zoloft® (sertraline), Lexapro® (escitalopram), Celexa® (citalopram), and Luvox® (fluvoxamine).

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) are an older class of anti-depressants. Because TCAs can cause side effects such as dry mouth, constipation, bladder problems, sexual dysfunction, blurred vision, dizziness, and drowsiness, they have fallen out of favor and are not commonly prescribed. Examples include Elavil® (amitriptyline), Tofranil® (imipramine), and Anafranil® (clomipramine). MAO inhibitors (MAOIs) are now the rarest type of anti-depressants. Physicans prefer other anti-depressants or natural alternatives because MAOIs pose serious safety risks, require a restricted diet, and can cause severe side effects.

Due to the expensive cost and side effects of anti-depressants, people in the United States are increasingly turning natural anti-depressants. Although many natural supplements are low quality and don’t work as well as prescription anti-depressants, a few high-quality natural depression supplements do exist. The best natural depression supplements contain ingredients that have been proven to work as well as anti-depressants, but with fewer side effects.