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Depression is one of the most common mental disorders in the world; A disorder that quietly enters life and affects the quality of sleep, energy, concentration and even human relationships. In recent years, antidepressants have become one of the most common methods of treating depression and are used by millions of people around the world. When we talk about the most widely used antidepressant, we mean the drug that has the highest number of prescriptions in global and clinical statistics, not necessarily the strongest or best drug for all people. This point is very important, because the treatment of depression is completely individualized and what works for one person may not be suitable for another. In this article from your doctor, we are with you to discuss in detail the subject of the most widely used antidepressant.
The most used antidepressants according to statistics
Statistics show that a few specific drugs are the most prescribed in the treatment of depression, and because of their acceptable effectiveness and controllable side effects, doctors often choose them. It is better to know that the prescription statistics of antidepressant drugs are different depending on the country, the treatment system and the year of the study and should be stated by mentioning the time and geographical range.
These drugs are more than the SSRI group and have a long clinical experience, but other groups also play a significant role in the statistics. In the following, we examine the most commonly used drugs such as sertraline, escitalopram, fluoxetine and citalopram in detail.
- Sertraline
- Esitalopram
- Fluoxetine
- Citalopram Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
- Serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors
- Atypicals
- TCAs
English text:
Several SSRIs are recommended as first-line options for depression. noopener">nice
1. Sertraline
Sertraline is one of the most well-known and widely used antidepressants in the world. This drug belongs to the group of SSRIs and has been prescribed for many years in the treatment of depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. The main reason for Sertraline's popularity is the relative balance between its effectiveness and side effects. Sertraline is a common first-line choice, especially for first-time antidepressants.
This drug can be adjusted in different doses and it is possible to gradually increase it, which helps to reduce the initial side effects. Of course, sertraline is not perfect either. In the first weeks, it may cause nausea, insomnia, or change in appetite, but in many people these symptoms decrease with time. This relative tolerability has played an important role in its widespread use.
2. escitalopram
Esitalopram is another widely used antidepressant drug that has gained popularity especially in recent years. This drug belongs to the SSRI family and is mostly prescribed for depression and anxiety disorders. In many patients, its side effects are tolerable, but the severity of side effects can vary between people.
Many patients report that they feel less mentally heavy or numb with this drug and cope with the treatment more easily. Escitalopram is a particularly popular choice for people with co-occurring anxiety and depression. However, the response to medication is highly individual and may not be as effective as expected for some people.
3. Fluoxetine
Fluoxetine is one of the oldest modern antidepressants and many know it under the brand name Prozac. This drug revolutionized the treatment of depression in the past decades and is still among the most widely used. One of the special features of fluoxetine is its long half-life. This issue makes the sudden discontinuation of the drug usually not cause severe symptoms, but instead it takes more time to adjust the dose and change the drug.
Fluoxetine may have an activating effect in some patients, but its choice depends on the individual characteristics of the patient. In some people, fluoxetine can cause increased energy or even restlessness, so it's not for everyone. However, its long history of use and extensive studies have kept its place in the list of commonly used drugs.
4. Citalopram
citalopram can be considered an older version of escitalopram This drug belongs to the group of SSRIs and has been used in the treatment of depression for years. Although escitalopram has replaced citalopram in many countries today, it is still among the most commonly used drugs in statistics.
The reason for that is wide availability and more reasonable price in some treatment systems. Citalopram usually has a more sedating effect, but in high doses it may have limitations in terms of cardiac complications, so its use must be under the supervision of a doctor.
| Drug classification | Uses |
|---|---|
| Sertraline (SSRI) | Depression, anxiety, obsession, PTSD |
| Escitalopram (SSRI) | Depression, disorders Anxiety |
| Fluoxetine (SSRI) | Depression, severe lethargy, hypersomnia |
| Citalopram (SSRI) | Depression, anxiety |
| SSRIs (in general) | Depression, anxiety, obsession, PTSD |
| SNRIs (venlafaxine, duloxetine) | major depression, chronic pain |
| atypicals (bupropion, mirtazapine) | resistant depression, lack of energy, sleep disorder |
| TCAs (tricyclic) | resistant antidepressants Special cases |
Other commonly used drugs by pharmaceutical group
In addition to the drugs known as the most commonly used antidepressant pills, there are various drug groups in the treatment of depression, each of which has a significant share of prescriptions. These drugs are selected based on the mechanism of action, therapeutic power and the type of symptoms of the patient. In the following, we will review the most important antidepressant drug groups and the common drugs of each group.
English text:
quoted from pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) were the most prescribed class of ADs, with sertraline the most prescribed SSRI.
Persian translation:
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) were the most prescribed among antidepressants, and sertraline was known as the most widely used SSRI drug.
1. SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors)
SSRIs are undoubtedly the most widely used drug group in the treatment of depression. Medicines such as sertraline, escitalopram, fluoxetine and citalopram are included in this category. The reason for the popularity of this group is the proper effectiveness along with controllable side effects. SSRIs work by increasing the level of serotonin in the brain, a substance that plays an important role in mood regulation. However, even in this group, the choice of medication should be personalized, because each person's body's reaction is different.
2. SNRIs (serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors)
Drugs like venlafaxine and duloxetine are in this group. In addition to serotonin, these drugs also affect noradrenaline and are usually prescribed for severe depression or chronic pain. SNRIs are very effective in some people, but they may cause side effects such as high blood pressure or restlessness. For this reason, they are usually placed in the treatment line after SSRIs. Their use requires more careful follow-up, but they are still among the most commonly used drugs.
3. Atypicals
Atypical drugs such as bupropion or mirtazapine, have a different structure and affect other pathways in the brain. These drugs are often used when SSRIs have not responded well. Some of them have a more specific effect on energy, concentration or sleep and therefore are chosen in certain situations. These drugs are less commonly used than SSRIs, but they have become more popular in recent years.
4. TCAs
Tricyclics or TCAs are the older generation of antidepressants. Although they are still used in some cases, their use has decreased compared to the past due to more side effects. These drugs are usually prescribed for treatment-resistant cases or special conditions. Despite less consumption, they are still seen in general statistics and are part of the history of depression treatment.Conclusion
The most commonly used antidepressant drug is not necessarily the best drug for everyone. Drugs such as sertraline and escitalopram are the most prescribed due to their appropriate effectiveness, tolerable side effects and extensive clinical experience. The treatment of depression is a personal path and the choice of medicine should be based on the mental, physical and lifestyle conditions of each person. Knowing your options is helpful, but not a substitute for a doctor's opinion. If depression has become a part of your life, knowing this information can be the first step for an informed decision on the path to depression treatment.
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