Medication Basics

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors like sertraline or escitalopram increase synaptic serotonin levels and are often first-line for depression and anxiety disorders. They typically take four to six weeks for full therapeutic effect, though some symptom relief may appear sooner. Common side effects include nausea, sexual dysfunction, insomnia, and initial anxiety increase, usually transient.

Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors such as venlafaxine or duloxetine target both neurotransmitters and are used for depression, anxiety, and certain pain conditions. Side effects may include elevated blood pressure at higher doses, sweating, constipation, and discontinuation symptoms if stopped abruptly. Their onset is similar to SSRIs, around two to six weeks for noticeable improvement.

Atypical antipsychotics like quetiapine or aripiprazole modulate dopamine and serotonin pathways and are used off-label or FDA-indicated for mood stabilization, psychosis, or treatment-resistant depression. Side effects vary widely—weight gain and metabolic changes are more common with some (e.g., olanzapine), while others have lower sedation or movement disorder risk. Effects on mood or psychosis may take one to four weeks to emerge.