What Are The Most Common Antidepressants

Mental health experts consider antidepressants a beacon of hope for those suffering from depression. These medications have helped Millions of people worldwide balance brain chemicals that regulate our mood. As the conversation around mental health evolves, it’s crucial to understand the most common antidepressants available today. This includes their uses and effects.

According to recent statistics from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), an estimated 21 million adults in the United States have had at least one major depressive episode. This number represents 8.3% of all U.S. adults. The World Health Organization (WHO) also reports that more than 280 million people of all ages suffer from depression globally. These staggering figures underscore the importance and relevance of antidepressants in today’s society.

This blog post will outline the ten most common antidepressants, providing a comprehensive guide to these medications. In addition to offering valuable insights on mental health treatments, this article can help you decide which treatment option is best for you.

Professional medical advice should not be substituted for this post. You should always consult a healthcare provider.

We will explore antidepressants, their mechanisms, benefits, and side effects.

Statistics of Antidepressant Prescriptions

Upon analyzing the ClinCalc DrugStats Database for Total Prescriptions in 2020, it was found that over 200 million antidepressant products were prescribed during that year. This represents a notable 34.8% increase over the past six years, a trend that has persisted for over 25 years. The article “Antidepressant prescribing increases by 35% in six years” likely delves into this significant surge in antidepressant prescriptions during the specified timeframe’ The ‘5% increase indicates substantial growth in prescription numbers, and potential factors contributing to this rise include heightened mental health awareness, alterations in diagnostic criteria, an increased prevalence of mental health disorders, and shifts in prescription practices among healthcare professionals. The article likely explores the broader implications of this trend, examining its impact on public health, the healthcare system, and societal perceptions of mental health. Moreover, it may address concerns or controversies associated with the increased use of antidepressants. It emphasizes the importance of comprehensively understanding the factors driving this prescription surge.

Top Most Common Antidepressants

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most common antidepressant, prescribed in 52 percent of cases. With 23.09% of all antidepressants given, ‘other’ antidepressants, mostly Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs), follow SSRIs, and with 22.78%, tricyclic and related antidepressants round out the top four.

Monoamine-oxidase inhibitors (MOI) ranked fourth in class, accounting for 0.05% of total antidepressant prescriptions.

Have a quick look at the List

1. Sertraline

Sertraline, a widely recognized medication, was extensively prescribed in 2020. According to the ClinCalc DrugStats Database, Sertraline holds the 12th position in the overall ranking. This indicates its significant usage and demand in the medical field. The total number of prescriptions for this drug in 2020 reached 38,219,814. This high prescription rate testifies to widespread acceptance and reliance in the healthcare community. Commonly used for treating conditions such as depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic attacks, and social anxiety disorder, among others, Sertraline has proven to be a crucial component in managing and improving mental health. Its high prescription rate underscores its importance in contemporary medical practice.

2. Escitalopram

Escitalopram, a widely recognized pharmaceutical product, is a significant player in the medical field. In 2020, it was prescribed approximately 30,605,646 times, demonstrating its substantial usage and demand in the healthcare sector. According to the ClinCalc DrugStats Database, a reputable source of drug statistics and rankings, Escitalopram holds an overall rank of 15. This ranking indicates its popularity and widespread use among various medications on the market. Commonly known for its effectiveness in treating certain mental/mood disorders such as depression and anxiety, Escitalopram has proven to be a reliable choice for healthcare professionals and patients alike. Despite its high rank and extensive prescription rate, it is crucial to remember that, like all medications, Escitalopram should be used under proper medical guidance. This is to ensure safety and efficacy.

3. Bupropion

Bupropion is a medication widely prescribed across the United States. According to the ClinCalc DrugStats Database, Bupropion was prescribed approximately 28,889,368 times in 2020 alone. This impressive figure places it in the top 18 in prescription frequency. Bupropion is a medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for several uses. It is used as an antidepressant and smoking cessation aid. As an antidepressant, it affects certain chemicals within the brain that nerves use to send messages to each other. These chemical messengers, called neurotransmitters, are released by nerves and travel back to the nerves that release them for re-use. Bupropion prevents the reuptake of these neurotransmitters back into nerve cells. For smoking cessation, it works by providing some of nicotine’s effects to ease withdrawal symptoms. It also blocks nicotine from cigarettes if they are smoked.

4. Fluoxetine

Fluoxetine, a widely recognized pharmaceutical product, holds the 25th position in the ClinCalc DrugStats Database, indicating its substantial usage across various medical treatments. In 2020 alone, Fluoxetine was prescribed over 23 million times, or 23,403,050 times, to be exact. This high prescription rate underscores its significant role in the healthcare sector. As for its approved uses, Fluoxetine is primarily a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and is commonly prescribed for the treatment of major depressive disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), bulimia nervosa, and panic disorder. It’s also used off-label for several other conditions. The widespread use of Fluoxetine is a testament to its effectiveness and reliability in managing these disorders.

5. Duloxetine

Duloxetine is a medication widely prescribed across the United States. According to the ClinCalc DrugStats Database, Duloxetine was prescribed 22,546,920 times in 2020 alone. This impressive figure places it at number 27 in prescription frequency. Duloxetine is a versatile medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for several uses. It is primarily used to treat major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder. However, it’s also effective at managing neuropathy pain associated with diabetes, fibromyalgia, and chronic musculoskeletal pain. Furthermore, it’s used to treat osteoarthritis discomfort. Duloxetine’s widespread use underscores its importance in managing various health conditions.

6. Citalopram

Citalopram, a widely recognized pharmaceutical product, is a significant player in the medical field. In 2020 alone, it was prescribed approximately 18,549,176 times, demonstrating its high demand and widespread use. According to the ClinCalc DrugStats Database, it holds an overall rank of 31. This is a testament to its popularity and acceptance in the healthcare community. Citalopram is approved for treating several conditions. These include major depressive disorder, panic disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. It’s also used off-label for eating disorders, alcoholism, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder. As such, Citalopram has proven to be a versatile and valuable tool in managing a range of mental health conditions.

7. Venlafaxine

Venlafaxine, a popular antidepressant medication, holds a significant position in the pharmaceutical landscape. According to the ClinCalc DrugStats Database, it was ranked 43rd overall in 2020. This was with 15,022,423 prescriptions issued throughout the year. This medication treats major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder. It’s also approved for use in managing symptoms of other conditions, such as post-traumatic stress disorder and premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Venlafaxine works by increasing serotonin and norepinephrine levels in the brain to restore mental balance. Despite its widespread use and proven efficacy, patients should discuss potential side effects and interactions with their healthcare provider, like all medications. This is before treatment.

8. Quetiapine

Quetiapine, a prominent medication in the pharmaceutical world, is widely prescribed, with 10,574,791 prescriptions issued in 2020. This significant figure places it at 64 in the ClinCalc DrugStats Database. This is a comprehensive resource that tracks and ranks drug usage. Quetiapine is approved for several uses by health authorities worldwide. It is primarily used as an antipsychotic medication designed to treat conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder. It is also occasionally used off-label for insomnia and anxiety disorders. The widespread use of quetiapine underscores its importance in managing mental health conditions and contributing to patients’ overall well-being.

9. Amitriptyline

Amitriptyline is a medication widely prescribed across the United States. In 2020 alone, it was prescribed over 9 million times, precisely 9,083,401 times. This high number of prescriptions has earned Amitriptyline an overall rank of 81 in the ClinCalc DrugStats Database. This is a comprehensive resource that tracks and ranks medication usage. Amitriptyline is approved for several uses by healthcare professionals. It’s primarily used as an antidepressant but also treats neuropathic pain and migraine prevention. Despite its lower ranking than other drugs, Amitriptyline remains a significant player in the pharmaceutical landscape due to its versatility and widespread use.

10. Paroxetine

Paroxetine is a medication widely prescribed across the United States. According to the ClinCalc DrugStats Database, Paroxetine was prescribed approximately 9,029,667 times in 2020 alone, earning it an overall rank of 82. This medication is used to treat mental health disorders. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Paroxetine for a variety of uses including, but not limited to, major depressive disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It’s worthwhile to note that while Paroxetine has proven effective for many patients, like all medications, it may not be suitable for everyone. It should only be taken under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

11. Aripiprazole

Aripiprazole is a medication widely used and prescribed across the United States. In 2020 alone, Aripiprazole was prescribed approximately 8,267,949 times, demonstrating its significant presence in the pharmaceutical landscape. According to the ClinCalc DrugStats Database, which ranks drugs based on usage and prescription rates, Aripiprazole holds an overall rank of 89. This ranking indicates its widespread acceptance and utilization in the medical community. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Aripiprazole for several uses. These include treatment for conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder as an adjunctive therapy, irritability associated with autistic disorder, and Tourette’s disorder. It is also used for agitation associated with schizophrenia or bipolar mania. This broad range of approved uses further underscores Aripiprazole’s versatility and importance in managing various mental health conditions.

12. Mirtazapine

Mirtazapine is a crucial medication widely used across the globe. In 2020 alone, it was prescribed approximately 6,601,131 times, according to the ClinCalc DrugStats Database. This substantial figure places Mirtazapine at 104 in the database, indicating its significant usage in the medical field. The drug has been approved for several uses by the health authorities. Primarily, it is utilized as an antidepressant in the clinical treatment of major depressive disorder, anxiety disorders, and other related conditions. Its efficacy in managing these mental health conditions has contributed to its widespread prescription and use. Despite its lower ranking than other drugs, Mirtazapine continues to be a crucial part of many treatment plans. This is due to its proven effectiveness and broad applicability.

MOIs are rarely used as antidepressants. Why?

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) were once widely used to treat depression. Most patients now consider them a last resort option due to their declining use over the years. MAOIs are associated with severe side effects and drug interactions. In the brain, monoamine oxidase breaks down neurotransmitters such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. The increase of these neurotransmitters can alleviate depression symptoms, but it can also lead to a dangerous buildup of certain substances. This is a condition that must be carefully managed. If you consume foods high in tyramine while taking MAOIs, you may experience a hypertensive crisis, which can be life-threatening. MAOIs can also interact negatively with a wide range of other medications, including herbal supplements and over-the-counter medicines. Following dietary restrictions for patients taking these drugs can be burdensome and complex.

As a result, MAOIs are increasingly being replaced with new classes of antidepressants, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), which are generally safer and easier to manage.

Final Words From Azdrug

SSRIs, SNRIs, TCAs, and MAOIs are all antidepressants. Each has a different mechanism of action and potential side effects. Frontline medications like SSRIs and SNRIs are favored for their effectiveness and mild side effects profiles. TCAs and MAOIs, despite their possible side effects, can offer therapeutic benefits for those who don’t respond to newer drugs. It’s important to realize that antidepressants don’t cure depression or alleviate symptoms. Often, the best outcomes come from combining medications with psychotherapy or cognitive-behavioral therapy.

Different people experience antidepressants differently, so talk to your doctor about symptoms, concerns, and side effects. Moreover, this overview isn’t exhaustive, as numerous other antidepressants may suit specific individuals or types of depression. Always consult with a healthcare professional before initiating or altering any medication regimen. Ultimately, the goal extends beyond treating depression to enhancing overall quality of life. Achieving this goal requires patience, persistence, and a personalized treatment plan—an attainable outcome for many people struggling with depression.