Antidepressants

Lexapro is an antidepressant that is a member of the family of medications known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Lexapro helps to restore the brain's chemical balance by increasing the available supply of serotonin, a substance in the brain believed to influence mood.

Depression is a medical illness believed to be caused by an imbalance of certain chemicals in the brain. Over 18 million Americans suffer from depression. As with other antidepressants, it is unknown exactly how Wellbutrin works. Scientists believe that Wellbutrin treats depression by affecting two chemicals in the brain called dopamine and norepinephrine. These are two of the chemicals that are believed to help regulate your mood.

Paxil (Paroxetine) is used to treat depression, panic attacks, obsessive compulsive disorders (OCD), social anxiety disorder (social phobia), and generalized anxiety disorder. Paxil works by helping to restore the balance of certain natural chemicals in the brain. Paxil CR is a controlled (timed) release form of Paxil.

Zoloft (sertraline) is used to treat depression, panic attacks, obsessive compulsive disorders (OCD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Zoloft works by helping to restore the balance of certain natural chemicals in the brain. Zoloft has also been used to treat a severe form of premenstrual syndrome (premenstrual dysphoric disorder- PMDD) and a sexual function problem in men (premature ejaculation).

Prozac (fluoxetine) is used to treat depression, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), and eating disorders. Prozac belongs to a group of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).

Celexa is an antidepressant that is a member of the family of drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Celexa helps to restore the brain's chemical balance by increasing the supply of a substance in the brain called serotonin. Celexa appears to relieve depression by increasing serotonin without affecting many of the other chemicals in the brain that influence mood.

Effexor (Venlafaxine) is used in the treatment of depression. The extended release form (XR) of this medication is also used to treat anxiety. Effexor is thought to work on both serotonin and norepinephrine - two chemicals in the brain linked to depression. Correcting the imbalance of these two chemicals may help relieve symptoms of depression.