List of Treatments for Depression

Abilify (Aripiprazole)

Overview
Abilify is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of schizophrenia, the acute treatment of manic and mixed episodes associated with bipolar 1 disorder, and as an adjunctive…

Abilify Asimtufii (Aripiprazole)

Overview
Abilify Asimtufii is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of schizophrenia in adults and as a maintenance monotherapy (single-drug treatment) for bipolar 1 disorder in adults…

Abilify Maintena (Aripiprazole)

Overview
Abilify Maintena is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of schizophrenia and the maintenance monotherapy (single-drug treatment) of bipolar 1 disorder in adults. This…

Adderall (Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine)

Overview
Adderall is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat attention deficit disorder with hyperactivity. Adderall is sometimes prescribed to treat depression. Since the FDA has… read more

Ativan (Lorazepam)

Overview
Ativan is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat anxiety. Ativan is also known by its drug name, Lorazepam.

Ativan is an anxiolytic (antianxiety medication) of the… read more

Carbatrol (Carbamazepine)

Overview
Carbatrol is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat trigeminal neuralgia and some types of seizures. Carbatrol is sometimes prescribed to treat certain types of… read more

Celexa (Citalopram)

Overview
Celexa is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat depression. Celexa is also known by its drug name, Citalopram.

Celexa is an antidepressant of the selective… read more

Clozaril (Clozapine)

Overview
Clozaril is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treatment-resistant schizophrenia. Clozaril is sometimes prescribed to treat depression that has failed to respond to… read more

Cobenfy (Xanomeline and Trospium Chloride)

Overview
Cobenfy is a combination medication of xanomeline, a muscarinic agonist, and trospium chloride, a muscarinic antagonist, approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of schizophrenia…

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

Overview
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one type of psychotherapy. A therapist may use only CBT techniques, or CBT in combination with other types of psychotherapy. Psychotherapy may be used to treat depression… read more

Complementary and alternative treatments (CAT)

Overview
Complementary and alternative treatments (CAT) are popular with many people who have depression. CAT modalities for depression may include herbal or nutritional supplements, acupuncture, yoga, and meditation.… read more

Cymbalta (Duloxetine)

Overview
Cymbalta is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat depression, anxiety, diabetic peripheral neuropathy, fibromyalgia, and chronic musculoskeletal pain. Cymbalta is also… read more

Depakene (Valproic acid)

The Depakene FS brand name has been discontinued in the U.S. Generic alternatives may be available.

Overview

Depakene is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat epilepsy. Depakene is…

Dexedrine (Dextroamphetamine)

Overview
Dexedrine is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat narcolepsy and attention deficit disorder with hyperactivity. Dexedrine is sometimes prescribed to treat depression.… read more

Effexor (Venlafaxine)

Overview
Effexor is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, and panic disorder. Effexor is also… read more

Elavil (Amitriptyline)

The Elavil brand name has been discontinued in the U.S. Other brand name or generic alternatives may be available.

Overview

Elavil is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat…

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)

Overview
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a medical procedure sometimes used to treat severe cases of depression that don’t respond to therapy or medication. ECT may be used to treat depression characterized by… read more

Emsam (Selegiline)

Overview
Emsam is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat major depressive disorder in people 12 years and older. Emsam is also known by its drug name, Selegiline.

Emsam is an… read more

Erzofri ((Paliperidone Palmitate))

Overview
Erzofri, approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), is an atypical (second-generation) antipsychotic drug used for treating schizophrenia in adults. People who are new to Erzofri or similar drugs…

Eskalith (Lithium)

The Eskalith brand name has been discontinued in the U.S. Other brand name or generic alternatives may be available.

Overview

Eskalith is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat…

Exercise

Overview
Exercise can help everyone stay healthy and feel their best. For people with depression, regular exercise can improve mood, help balance neurotransmitters in the brain, and lessen or prevent anxiety.

Regular… read more

Fetzima (Levomilnacipran)

Overview
Fetzima is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat major depressive disorder. Fetzima is also known by its drug name, Levomilnacipran.

Fetzima is an antidepressant of… read more

Fisher Wallace Stimulator

Overview
The Fisher Wallace Stimulator is a device cleared by the FDA to treat depression, anxiety, insomnia, and chronic pain.

What does it involve?
The Fisher Wallace Stimulator is a small, handheld,… read more

Interpersonal therapy (IPT)

Overview
Interpersonal therapy (IPT) is one type of psychotherapy. A therapist may use only IPT techniques, or IPT in combination with other types of psychotherapy. Psychotherapy may be used to treat depression on its… read more

Ketamine

Overview
Ketamine is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to be used an an anesthetic. Ketamine is sometimes used to treat depression. Since the FDA has not approved Ketamine… read more

Klonopin (Clonazepam)

Overview
Klonopin is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat seizures and panic disorder. Klonopin is also known by its drug name, Clonazepam.

Klonopin is an anxiolytic… read more

Lamictal (Lamotrigine)

Overview
Lamictal is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat epilepsy and bipolar disorder. Lamictal is sometimes prescribed for people with major depressive disorder when… read more

Latuda (Lurasidone)

Overview
Latuda is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat schizophrenia and depressive episodes associated with bipolar depression. Latuda is also known by its drug name,… read more

Lexapro (Escitalopram)

Overview
Lexapro is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat major depressive disorder in adults and in adolescents between the ages of 12 and 17. Lexapro is also known by its drug… read more

Light Therapy

Overview
Light therapy is a treatment for seasonal affective disorder (SAD), which may contribute to depression in some people. People with SAD feel more depressed in fall and winter, when there is less daylight.

… read more

Lybalvi (Olanzapine and Samidorphan)

Overview
Lybalvi is a prescription medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat schizophrenia and bipolar 1 disorder in adults. Lybalvi may be prescribed alone for short periods to treat… read more

Marplan (Isocarboxazid)

Overview
Marplan is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat depression when other antidepressants have failed. Marplan is also known by its drug name, Isocarboxazid.

Marplan… read more

Nardil (Phenelzine)

Overview
Nardil is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat certain types of depression when other antidepressants have failed. Nardil is also known by its drug name, Phenelzine.… read more

Neurontin (Gabapentin)

Overview
Neurontin is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat postherpetic neuralgia and some types of seizures. Neurontin is sometimes prescribed to treat depression and anxiety.… read more

Norpramin (Desipramine)

Overview
Norpramin is a prescription medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of depression. Norpramin is also known by its drug name, Desipramine.

Norpramin is a tricyclic… read more

Nutrition

Overview
Like everyone else, people with depression feel their best when they consistently eat a healthy, balanced diet. For those with depression, good nutrition may help improve mood and lessen symptoms of depression.… read more

OIeptro (Trazodone)

The Oleptro brand name has been discontinued in the U.S. Other brand name or generic alternatives may be available.

Overview

Oleptro is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat…

Pamelor (Nortriptyline)

Overview
Pamelor is a prescription medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of depression. Pamelor is also known by its drug name, Nortriptyline.

Pamelor is a tricyclic… read more

Parnate (Tranylcypromine)

Overview
Parnate is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat major depressive episodes in adults under close medical supervision. Parnate is also known by its drug name,… read more

Paxil (Paroxetine)

Overview
Paxil is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat depression, panic disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Paxil is also known by its drug name, Paroxetine.… read more

Pristiq (Desvenlafaxine)

Overview
Pristiq is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat major depression disorder. Pristiq is also known by its drug name, Desvenlafaxine.

Pristiq is an antidepressant of… read more

Provigil (Modafinil)

Overview
Provigil is a prescription medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of excessive sleepiness associated with narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea, and shift work disorder.… read more

Prozac (Fluoxetine)

Overview
Prozac is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat major depressive disorder, bulimia nervosa, panic disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Prozac is also known by… read more

Psychotherapy

Overview
Psychotherapy, also known simply as therapy, is a common treatment for depression. Therapy may be used to treat depression on its own or in combination with antidepressant medications.

What does it involve?… read more

Remeron (Mirtazapine)

Overview
Remeron is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat depression in adults. Remeron is also referred to by its drug name, Mirtazapine.

Remeron is an atypical… read more

Rexulti (Brexpiprazole)

Overview
Rexulti is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as an adjunctive (add-on) therapy to antidepressants for treating major depressive disorder. Rexulti is also known by its drug… read more

Risperdal (Risperidone)

Overview
Risperdal is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar I disorder. Risperdal is also known by its drug name,… read more

Risperdal Consta (Risperidone)

Overview
Risperdal Consta is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for maintenance treatment of bipolar I disorder. Risperdal Consta is also known by its drug name, Risperidone.… read more

Ritalin (Methylphenidate)

Overview
Ritalin is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat narcolepsy and attention deficit disorders. Ritalin is sometimes prescribed to treat depression. Since the FDA has not… read more

Savella (Milnacipran)

Overview
Savella is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat fibromyalgia. Savella is sometimes prescribed to treat depression. Since the FDA has not approved Savella specifically… read more

Seroquel XR (Quetiapine)

Overview
Seroquel XR is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of bipolar disorder and some types of depression. Seroquel XR is also known by its drug name, Quetiapine.… read more

Sinequan (Doxepin)

The Sinequan brand name has been discontinued in the U.S. Other brand name or generic alternatives may be available.

Overview

Sinequan is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat…

Spravato (Esketamine)

Overview
Spravato is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat adults whose depression has not been effectively treated by other antidepressant medicines. Spravato is taken in… read more

Tegretol (Carbamazepine)

Overview
Tegretol is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat trigeminal neuralgia and some types of seizures. Tegretol is sometimes prescribed to treat certain types of… read more

Tofranil (Imipramine)

Overview
Tofranil is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat depression. Tofranil is also known by its drug name, Imipramine.

Tofranil is a tricyclic antidepressant. Tofranil… read more

Topamax (Topiramate)

Overview
Topamax is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat epilepsy and migraines. Topamax is sometimes prescribed to treat depression. Since the FDA has not approved Topamax… read more

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)

Overview
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a medical procedure sometimes used to treat severe cases of depression that don’t respond to therapy or medication. TMS may also be considered as treatment for… read more

Trintellix (Vortioxetine)

Overview
Trintellix is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat major depressive disorder. Trintellix is also referred to by its drug name, Vortioxetine. Trintellix was previously… read more

Valium (Diazepam)

Overview
Valium is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat anxiety. Valium is also known by its drug name, Diazepam.

Valium is an anxiolytic (antianxiety medication) of the… read more

Viibryd (Vilazodone)

Overview
Viibryd is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat major depressive disorder. Viibryd is also referred to by its drug name, Vilazodone.

Viibryd is an atypical… read more

Vivactil (Protriptyline)

Overview
Vivactil is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat depression in people who are under close medical supervision. Vivactil is also known by its drug name, Protriptyline.… read more

Wellbutrin (Bupropion)

The Wellbutrin brand name has been discontinued in the U.S. Other brand name or generic alternatives may be available.

Overview

Wellbutrin is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to…

Xanax (Alprazolam)

Overview
Xanax is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat anxiety. Xanax is also known by its drug name, Alprazolam.

Xanax is an anxiolytic (antianxiety medication) of the… read more

Zoloft (Sertraline)

Overview
Zoloft is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat major depressive disorder in adults. Zoloft is also known by its drug name, Sertraline.

Zoloft is an antidepressant… read more

Zyprexa (Olanzapine)

Overview
Zyprexa is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of schizophrenia. Zyprexa is sometimes prescribed to treat depression that has failed to respond to… read more