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