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Antidepressants iconAntidepressants

SSRIs, SNRIs and other antidepressant classes for depression and anxiety fill this range, as tablets and capsules. Recognisable names include Lexapro, Zoloft, Cymbalta and Effexor XR.

Lexapro

Escitalopram

5mg · 10mg · 20mg

Escitalopram tablets for depression and generalised anxiety disorder. It boosts serotonin levels in the brain, helping stabilise mood.

From$0.49/ tabletView

Zoloft

Sertraline

25mg · 50mg · 100mg

Sertraline tablets for major depressive disorder and panic disorder. It is an SSRI that can take a few weeks to show its full effect.

From$0.32/ tabletView

Fluoxetine Capsules

Fluoxetine

10mg · 20mg

Fluoxetine capsules for depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder. It increases serotonin in the brain to regulate mood.

From$0.44/ capsuleView

Cymbalta

Duloxetine

20mg · 30mg · 40mg · 60mg

Duloxetine capsules for depression and diabetic nerve pain. The coating stops the medicine releasing in the stomach.

From$1.05/ capsuleView

Effexor Xr

Venlafaxine

37.5mg · 75mg · 150mg

Venlafaxine capsules for depression and generalised anxiety. They raise both serotonin and noradrenaline, a broader action than SSRIs.

From$1.07/ capsuleView

Zyban

Bupropion

150mg

Bupropion tablets for smoking cessation. It works on the same brain chemicals that nicotine affects, easing cravings.

From$0.93/ tabletView

Pristiq

Desvenlafaxine

50mg · 100mg

Desvenlafaxine tablets for major depressive disorder. It raises both serotonin and norepinephrine, making it different from SSRIs that target one.

From$1.07/ tabletView

Lyrica

Pregabalin

75mg · 150mg · 300mg

Pregabalin capsules for nerve pain and shingles-related pain. It is usually tried when regular painkillers have not helped.

From$0.73/ capsuleView

Seroquel

Quetiapine

25mg · 50mg · 100mg · 200mg · 300mg

Quetiapine tablets for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. It rebalances dopamine and serotonin to stabilise mood and reduce psychosis.

From$0.47/ tabletView

Trintellix

Vortioxetine

10mg

Vortioxetine tablets for major depressive disorder. It targets serotonin reuptake and receptors to help balance mood.

From$1.79/ tabletView

Key points

  • The NHS groups antidepressants into SSRIs, SNRIs, tricyclics and other classes.
  • NICE recommends discussing expected benefits, possible side effects and withdrawal effects whenever an antidepressant is offered.
  • NICE advises reducing the dose in stages when stopping an antidepressant, rather than stopping abruptly.
  • Not every product here treats depression: Zyban is listed for smoking cessation and Lyrica for nerve pain and seizures.

SSRIs, SNRIs and other antidepressant classes

Escitalopram is the SSRI in Lexapro, and sertraline is the SSRI in Zoloft, both listed for major depressive disorder. Fluoxetine is another SSRI, sold as Fluoxetine Capsules for depression, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder and bulimia nervosa. Cymbalta (duloxetine), Effexor XR (venlafaxine) and Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) are SNRIs; Cymbalta is also listed for diabetic nerve pain and fibromyalgia. Trintellix (vortioxetine) is a further antidepressant listed for major depressive disorder.

Nerve pain, seizures and other listed uses

Lyrica (pregabalin) is an anticonvulsant listed here for neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia and seizures rather than depression. Zyban contains bupropion and is listed for smoking cessation. Seroquel (quetiapine) is an antipsychotic also listed for major depressive disorder as an adjunct treatment, alongside schizophrenia and bipolar I disorder.

Further reading