The Most Popular Antidepressant: A Ranking of Top Options

Voting rules: Choose the antidepressant you think is the most popular!

Updated on Nov 23, 2023 06:57

Welcome to StrawPoll, where your opinion matters and helps shape the ultimate ranking! Today, we bring you an exclusive opportunity to cast your vote and be a part of determining the most popular antidepressant. With thousands of users worldwide, this poll is the ultimate showdown between various antidepressants that have made a significant impact on people's lives. Engage with fellow voters, share your experiences, and discover the top choices in the world of antidepressants. Don't see your go-to option on the list? Fret not, as you have the power to suggest a missing contender. So, put on your thinking caps and dive into this interactive ranking of antidepressants, because your vote counts and the world is eager to know - what truly is the most popular antidepressant?

What Is the Most Popular Antidepressant?

1

53
votes
Sertraline (Zoloft)

Sertraline is the most commonly prescribed antidepressant in the United States, and is used to treat a range of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. It works by increasing serotonin levels in the brain, which can improve mood and reduce anxiety.
Description

Sertraline (Zoloft) is an antidepressant medication that belongs to the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) class. It is commonly prescribed to treat various mental health conditions, mainly major depressive disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder. Sertraline works by restoring the balance of serotonin, a neurotransmitter in the brain, which helps improve mood, sleep, appetite, and energy levels.

Generic Name: Sertraline

Brand Name: Zoloft

Drug Class: Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI)

FDA Approval: 1991

Usage: Treatment of depression, OCD, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder
2

35
votes
Fluoxetine (Prozac)

Fluoxetine is another widely prescribed antidepressant, and is often used to treat depression, panic disorder, and bulimia nervosa. It works by increasing serotonin levels in the brain, and is generally well-tolerated by most patients.
Description

Fluoxetine, commonly known as Prozac, is a popular antidepressant medication belonging to the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) class. It is prescribed to treat various mental health conditions, including major depressive disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, bulimia nervosa, and panic disorder. Prozac helps restore the balance of serotonin, a naturally occurring neurotransmitter in the brain, which plays a crucial role in regulating mood.

Class: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)

Indications: Major depressive disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, bulimia nervosa, panic disorder

Mode of Action: Inhibits serotonin reuptake, increasing available serotonin levels in the brain

Dosage Forms: Tablets, capsules, oral solution

Administration: Orally, typically once daily
3

20
votes
Citalopram (Celexa)

Citalopram is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that is used to treat depression and anxiety disorders. It is commonly prescribed due to its effectiveness and relatively low incidence of side effects.
Description

Citalopram (Celexa) is an antidepressant medication that belongs to the class of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It is used to treat depression, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Citalopram works by increasing the levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter, in the brain, which helps improve mood and reduce feelings of anxiety and depression.

Drug class: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)

Usage: Treatment of depression, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and OCD

Mechanism of action: Increases serotonin levels in the brain

FDA approval: Approved by the FDA in 1998

Dosage forms: Tablets and oral solution
4

23
votes
Escitalopram (Lexapro)

Escitalopram is another SSRI that is used to treat depression and anxiety disorders. It is known for its relatively fast onset of action and low risk of side effects.
Description

Escitalopram, marketed under the brand name Lexapro, is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant medication. It works by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain, which helps to improve mood and relieve symptoms of depression and anxiety disorders.

Usual Adult Dosage: 10 mg per day, with a maximum recommended dose of 20 mg per day

Type: SSRI antidepressant

Brand Name: Lexapro

Generic Name: Escitalopram

Mechanism of Action: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor
5

15
votes
Venlafaxine (Effexor)

Venlafaxine is a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) that is used to treat depression, anxiety, and panic disorders. It works by increasing levels of both serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain.
Description

Venlafaxine (Effexor) is an antidepressant medication belonging to the class of selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SSNRIs). It is prescribed to treat major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder. Venlafaxine works by increasing the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain, which helps regulate mood and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Class: Selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SSNRI)

Indications: Major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder

Mechanism of action: Inhibits the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine

Dosage forms: Immediate-release tablets, extended-release capsules

Dosage strengths: 37.5 mg, 75 mg, 150 mg (immediate-release), 37.5 mg, 75 mg, 150 mg, 225 mg (extended-release)
6

10
votes
Duloxetine (Cymbalta)

Duloxetine is another SNRI that is used to treat depression, anxiety, and chronic pain conditions such as fibromyalgia. It works by increasing levels of both serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain.
Description

Duloxetine (Cymbalta) is an antidepressant medication that belongs to a class of drugs known as serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). It is primarily used to treat major depressive disorder (MDD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), and certain types of chronic pain.

Generic Name: Duloxetine

Brand Name: Cymbalta

Class: Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI)

Indications: Major Depressive Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Chronic Pain (fibromyalgia, diabetic peripheral neuropathy, chronic musculoskeletal pain)

Mechanism of Action: Inhibits the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain, increasing their availability
7

4
votes
Bupropion (Wellbutrin)

Bupropion is a unique antidepressant that works by increasing levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. It is often used to treat depression, as well as seasonal affective disorder and nicotine addiction.
Description

Bupropion, commonly known by its brand name Wellbutrin, is an antidepressant medication that belongs to the class of drugs known as aminoketones. It works by affecting the balance of certain chemicals in the brain to help improve mood and alleviate depression symptoms.

Drug Class: Aminoketone antidepressant

FDA Approval: Approved for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD)

Other Indications: Also prescribed for seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and smoking cessation

Mechanism of Action: Exact mechanism unknown, but it is thought to increase dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain

Dosage Forms: Available as immediate-release tablets, extended-release tablets, and sustained-release tablets
8

9
votes
Mirtazapine (Remeron)

Mirtazapine is a tetracyclic antidepressant that is used to treat depression and anxiety disorders. It works by increasing levels of norepinephrine and serotonin in the brain, as well as blocking certain serotonin receptors.
Description

Mirtazapine (Remeron) is an antidepressant medication that belongs to the class of tetracyclic antidepressants. It is commonly prescribed to treat major depressive disorder.

Generic Name: Mirtazapine

Brand Name: Remeron

Class: Tetracyclic antidepressant

Indications: Major depressive disorder

Common Side Effects: Drowsiness, increased appetite, weight gain, dry mouth
9

2
votes
Amitriptyline (Elavil)

Amitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant that is used to treat depression, as well as chronic pain conditions such as fibromyalgia and neuropathic pain. It works by increasing levels of norepinephrine and serotonin in the brain.
Description

Amitriptyline (Elavil) is a well-established antidepressant medication that belongs to the class of tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs). It is primarily used for the treatment of major depressive disorder and has also been found effective in managing chronic neuropathic pain.

Drug class: Tricyclic antidepressant

Brand name: Elavil

Generic name: Amitriptyline

Usage: Treatment of major depressive disorder and chronic neuropathic pain

Mechanism of action: Inhibits the reuptake of norepinephrine and serotonin in the brain
10

4
votes
Trazodone (Desyrel)

Trazodone is an atypical antidepressant that is used to treat depression and anxiety disorders. It works by increasing levels of serotonin in the brain, as well as blocking certain serotonin receptors. It is also sometimes used as a sleep aid due to its sedative properties.
Description

Trazodone (Desyrel) is an antidepressant medication primarily used to treat major depressive disorder. It belongs to a class of drugs known as serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitors (SARIs), which work by increasing the activity of serotonin in the brain.

Drug class: Serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitor (SARI)

Prescription status: Prescription-only

Primary use: Treating major depressive disorder

Other uses: Insomnia, anxiety disorders, fibromyalgia

Mechanism of action: Blocks serotonin receptors and inhibits its reuptake

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Discussion

Ranking factors for popular antidepressant

Efficacy

The ability of the antidepressant to effectively reduce or alleviate the symptoms of depression. This can be measured by comparing the difference in outcomes (e.g., reduction in depression scores) between people taking the drug and those taking a placebo in randomized controlled trials.
Tolerability

How well patients can tolerate the side effects of the antidepressant. Common side effects of antidepressants include nausea, dizziness, sleep disturbances, weight gain, and sexual dysfunction. Tolerability can be assessed by comparing the rates of discontinuation due to side effects between patients taking the drug and those taking a placebo.
Safety

The overall safety profile of the antidepressant, including risks of overdose, drug interactions, and long-term effects on physical health. Safety data can be obtained from clinical trials, post-marketing surveillance, and case reports.
Speed of onset

How quickly the antidepressant starts to alleviate the symptoms of depression. Some patients may respond to treatment within a few weeks, while others may take several months. Antidepressants with a faster onset of action may be preferred for patients with more severe or acute symptoms.
Duration of action

The length of time that the therapeutic effects of the antidepressant last after it is discontinued. Longer-lasting effects may provide more sustained relief and reduce the likelihood of relapse.
Ease of use

The dosing schedule and formulation of the antidepressant, including the frequency of administration and the availability of different delivery methods (e.g., oral tablets, extended-release capsules, or intravenous infusions). Antidepressants that are easy to use and have fewer dosing requirements may improve patient adherence.
Cost

The price of the antidepressant, including insurance coverage, copays, and out-of-pocket expenses. Affordability may be an important consideration for patients who require long-term treatment or have limited financial resources.
Level of evidence

The strength and quality of the available studies supporting the use of the antidepressant. Strong evidence from well-conducted randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews may provide greater confidence in the drug's benefits and risks.
Patient population

The effectiveness and tolerability of an antidepressant may vary depending on the specific patient population being treated (e.g., age, gender, race/ethnicity, psychiatric comorbidities). Antidepressants with broader efficacy across diverse patient populations may be more highly ranked.
Expert opinion

Recommendations from medical professionals and healthcare organizations based on their clinical experience and knowledge of the available research. Expert consensus guidelines may provide insight into the preferred antidepressant for particular patient populations or clinical situations.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular antidepressant. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or antidepressant is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

1434 views
175 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each antidepressant once every 24 hours. The rank of each antidepressant is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most popular antidepressant

Antidepressants are a type of medication used to treat depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. They work by altering levels of certain chemicals in the brain, called neurotransmitters, that regulate mood and emotions. There are several types of antidepressants available, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Each type works differently and may be more effective for certain individuals based on their unique symptoms and medical history. While antidepressants can be effective for improving mood and reducing symptoms of depression, they may also cause side effects such as nausea, dizziness, and weight gain. It is important to work with a healthcare provider to determine the best treatment plan and monitor any potential side effects. Overall, the most popular antidepressant may vary depending on factors such as individual response to medication and prescribing practices of healthcare providers. It is important to prioritize individualized treatment and work with a healthcare team to find the most effective and safe treatment plan.

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