What is the best and safest antidepressant?

The investigators recommend sertraline as the best choice for an initial antidepressant because it is available in generic form and is therefore lower in cost. They further recommend that sertraline, instead of fluoxetine or placebo, be the new standard against which other antidepressants are compared.

What antidepressant has the fewest side effects?

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). These medications generally cause fewer bothersome side effects and are less likely to cause problems at higher therapeutic doses than other types of antidepressants are.

What is the best rated antidepressant?

When the researchers checked which depression drugs were tolerated the best, these topped the list: Celexa (citalopram) Lexapro (escitalopram) Prozac (fluoxetine)

Is Lexapro good for seniors?

They said antidepressants like Lexapro, made by Forest Laboratories Inc and known generically as escitalopram, may be useful as a new treatment option for older adults with generalized anxiety disorder, a disabling condition that can also cause muscle tension, insomnia and fatigue.

What are the bad side effects of Lexapro?

Side effects of Lexapro

• nausea.
• sleepiness.
• weakness.
• dizziness.
• anxiety.
• sleeping trouble.
• sexual problems, such as decreased sex drive and erectile dysfunction.
• sweating.

How do doctors determine the best antidepressant for You?

In fact, there are even flow charts, called algorithms, which outline a logical progression that doctors might follow in determining what the best antidepressant is for you. These algorithms are based on the current knowledge in the medical field about which type of antidepressant works best for which patient.

Do antidepressants work best for very severe depression?

Jan. 5, 2010 — Some antidepressants may work best for people with very severe depression, according to a new analysis, but may provide little or no benefit over placebo for those with mild, moderate, or severe depression. ”For patients with very severe depression,…

Is it possible to not respond to your first antidepressant?

Still, there is no telling what you may or may not respond to. In fact, many people don’t respond to their first antidepressant, or they experience undesirable side effects, so they have to try a second, third, or fourth option before finding what works best for them. 1 

Can other medications be added to antidepressants to increase their effectiveness?

Other medications. Your doctor may recommend combining two antidepressants, or other medications may be added to an antidepressant to enhance antidepressant effects.