There are several types of medications available in anti depressants. All these anti depressants differ in the side effects they cause and also in varying degrees of being effective. Tricyclic anti depressants are the most commonly preferred and prescribed medications for people suffering from major or severe depression. These anti depressants have been named on their existing chemical structure. MAOI or Monoamine oxidase inhibitors have been often used in the cases of “atypical” depressions. People under atypical depression exhibit symptoms and signs of depression such as oversleeping, panic attacks, various phobias or anxiety.
Recently, many new antidepressants were developed. Several of newly developed antidepressants are collectively called SSRI or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Some of the SSRIs are fluvoxamine (Luvox), fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), and paroxetine (Paxil). Luvox is widely used and is officially proved medication for people suffering from obsessive compulsive disorders. For people with panic disorder, Paxil is recommended. Though all the SSRI are different structurally, the common specific neurotransmitter used for effectiveness is serotonin. It is always necessary to choose the medication after analyzing the signs of depression.
FDA has approved other antidepressants which cause affect on two neurotransmitters namely norepinephrine and serotonin. These anti depressants are known as nefazodone (Serzone) venlafaxine(Efexor). Almost all newly developed anti depressants have fewer side effects compared to the earlier tricyclic antidepressants. Clomipramine ( Anafranil ) is one such tricyclic antiderpessants which was first approved for treating obsessive compulsive disorder. It also effects serotonin like SSRIs but is less effective. The other new antidepressant bupropion ( wellbutrin) is completely unrelated in chemical structure to other existing antidepressants. It acts on dopamine and norepinephrine more than on serotonin.