Major Depressive Disorder
Major depressive disorder is a genuine illness that goes beyond ordinary low mood. It is not a passing state, and it is not something a person can simply decide to shake off.
Fluoxetine Capsules
10mg · 20mg
Fluoxetine capsules for depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder. It increases serotonin in the brain to regulate mood.
Effexor Xr
37.5mg · 75mg · 150mg
Venlafaxine capsules for depression and generalised anxiety. They raise both serotonin and noradrenaline, a broader action than SSRIs.
Trintellix
10mg
Vortioxetine tablets for major depressive disorder. It targets serotonin reuptake and receptors to help balance mood.
Key points
- The distinguishing feature is duration: sadness that persists for weeks or months rather than a few days.
- It carries physical symptoms as well as emotional ones, including exhaustion, poor sleep, loss of appetite and unexplained aches.
- It can affect anyone regardless of age, race, income, culture or education, and genetic, biological, environmental and psychological factors all appear to contribute.
- Most people with depression can make a full recovery with the right treatment and support.
Medicines listed for Major Depressive Disorder
The nine products listed here span several classes of antidepressant. Three contain selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors: Escitalopram, Sertraline and fluoxetine. Three contain serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors: duloxetine, venlafaxine and desvenlafaxine. Trintellix contains vortioxetine, a multimodal antidepressant. Seroquel (quetiapine) and Abilify (aripiprazole) are atypical antipsychotics listed for this condition. Forms range from tablets to capsules, and strengths vary across the listings.
Further reading
What is major depressive disorder?
Major depressive disorder is a genuine illness that goes beyond ordinary low mood. It is not a passing state, and it is not something a person can simply decide to shake off.
What causes major depressive disorder?
The exact cause is not known, though genetic, biological, environmental and psychological factors all appear to contribute.
What are the symptoms of major depressive disorder?
The distinguishing feature is duration, with sadness that persists for weeks or months rather than a few days. It also carries physical symptoms such as exhaustion, poor sleep, loss of appetite and unexplained aches.
What medication for major depressive disorder can I buy online?
The medicines listed for major depressive disorder include products containing escitalopram, sertraline and fluoxetine. Examples include Lexapro and Zoloft.
Do I need a prescription for medicines for major depressive disorder in South Africa?
No, not online. Direct Meds does not ask for a prescription to order medicines for major depressive disorder. We are a broker, not a dispensing pharmacy. We arrange orders and delivery with our affiliated supplier on your behalf.
Ordering without a prescription →Can I order medicines for major depressive disorder online in South Africa?
Yes. Our affiliated supplier delivers across South Africa. Estimated delivery is 7 days with Express Delivery, which includes online tracking, or up to 3 weeks with Regular Delivery.
How ordering works →Related articles
22 Sept 2026 ⋅ 4 min read
Vortioxetine: depression, brain fog and sexual side effects
What vortioxetine studies show about depression, cognitive symptoms and sexual side effects, with South African Brintellix information and practical trade-offs.
Read guide