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  • Newest SSRIs | The Latest Antidepressants

    Published on October 18, 2021
    Newest SSRIs | The Latest AntidepressantsNewest SSRIs | The Latest Antidepressants

    According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 1 out of every 6 people will experience depression at least once. It can affect anyone and can co-occur with other mental health issues like anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and substance use disorder (SUD). 

    Treatment is vital for those suffering from major depressive disorder and may involve the use of medication alongside therapy. There are several classes of antidepressants, but nowadays doctors prioritize the types that are least likely to cause side effects

    Viibryd, Trintellix, and Spravato are a few of the newest antidepressants on the market. 

    Treating Depression With Antidepressants

    Depression impacts three different neurotransmitters (brain chemicals): serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. Each class of antidepressants interacts differently with these neurotransmitters. 

    Antidepressants can cause side effects, especially during the first few weeks of treatment. 

    Common side-effects of antidepressants include:

    • nausea
    • diarrhea
    • constipation
    • dizziness
    • weight gain
    • sexual dysfunction

    Your brain chemistry and type of depression can affect how well you may respond to different medications. Depending on the severity of depression, the benefits of treatment may outweigh the risk of side effects. 

    SSRIs are among the newest and most commonly prescribed antidepressants. However, a new atypical antidepressant medication has recently been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). 

    New Antidepressants

    In the 1950s, tricyclic antidepressants and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) were being introduced as new medications to treat depression. Although these drugs were groundbreaking in their time, they tend to cause several side effects. 

    As a result, new antidepressants have been introduced over the years.

    Selective-Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)

    SSRIs are the most commonly prescribed class of antidepressant drugs and cause fewer side effects than older drugs. SSRIs can also be used to treat mood disorders, anxiety disorders, panic disorders, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

    Commonly prescribed SSRI medications include:

    The newest SSRIs include Trintellix (vortioxetine) and Viibryd (vilazodone). Both of these medications are classified as both SSRIs and atypical antidepressants. 

    Sexual dysfunction is one of the most common complaints among people taking antidepressant medications. However, sexual dysfunction was not a common side-effect during clinical trials for both Trintellix and Viibryd. 

    The most common side-effects of Trintellix and Viibryd include:

    • nausea
    • diarrhea
    • dry mouth
    • vomiting
    • headache
    • dizziness

    Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)

    SNRIs work similarly to SSRIs but they block the reabsorption of both serotonin and norepinephrine. Norepinephrine is responsible for the body’s response to stress. Low levels of this hormone can affect concentration and energy levels.

    SNRIs include:

    • Cymbalta (duloxetine)
    • Effexor XR (venlafaxine)
    • Pristiq (desvenlafaxine)

    Fetzima (levomilnacipran) is one of the newest SNRIs approved by the FDA. One study on the effectiveness of Fetzima on moderate to severe depression found 1 in 4 patients showed significant improvement in symptoms. 

    Common side-effects of Fetzima may include:

    • diarrhea
    • headache
    • nausea 
    • dry mouth

    Atypical Antidepressants

    Atypical antidepressants are unique from SSRIs, SNRIs, and other classes of antidepressants. They each work differently to target serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. Although they are effective, they are likely only prescribed if SSRIs have not been successful. 

    Spravato (esketamine) is one of the newest atypical antidepressants used for treatment-resistant depression. 

    It works differently than other antidepressants by interacting with n-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors. Esketamine is a nasal spray that is likely prescribed with another antidepressant.

    Side-effects of esketamine may include:

    • sedation
    • disassociation
    • constipation
    • diarrhea
    • dry mouth
    • increased blood pressure

    It is made from the drug ketamine and is a controlled substance with the potential for abuse. Ketamine is an anesthetic that has been studied for its effectiveness in treating depression. Esketamine is a potent form of drug that is used in low doses to reduce side effects. 

    Other atypical antidepressants include:

    • Wellbutrin SR (bupropion)
    • Remeron (mirtazapine)
    • Viibryd
    • Trintellix 
    • Trazodone

    If you would like more information on how treatment works for depression or substance abuse, please contact us today. 

    Written by Ark Behavioral Health Editorial Team
    ©2024 Ark National Holdings, LLC. | All Rights Reserved.
    This page does not provide medical advice.
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