Antidepressant medications available online
Speak to a board-certified PlushCare doctor online and get antidepressant medications prescribed after your visit. Anti-depression pills, also called antidepressants, are clinically proven to help with depression treatment. Our licensed doctors can also refill prescriptions and offer depression treatment online and ongoing mental health support.*
*Medications are prescribed at the sole discretion of a PlushCare physician. Prescriptions for non-controlled substances can only be written after a medical evaluation. Scheduling an appointment does not guarantee that a medication can or will be prescribed. Learn more about our controlled substances policy.
Antidepressant Medications
There are many different types of antidepressant medications, including Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), and Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Which antidepressant medications are best for you will depend on the severity of your depression, your general health, and your response to treatment. PlushCare doctors will work with you to decide which types of depression medication are best for you.
SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors)
SSRIs are most often used to treat depression. These drugs are effective for different severities of depression. They are also commonly used among patients who show signs of major depression.
The main mechanism of SSRIs is to reduce the rate at which neurons in the brain reabsorb a neurotransmitter known as serotonin. This helps to increase the amount of serotonin that is available for the brain to use. Many individuals with depression symptoms have a lack of serotonin in their brains. By creating a better balance in serotonin levels, it is possible for the patient to experience a reduction in their symptoms of depression.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are sometimes taken with other medications used to help reduce anxiety disorders and related symptoms. For example, the patient may use an SSRI to treat depression but also be given a fast-acting anti-anxiety medication to help cope with flare-ups of their anxiety symptoms.
Examples of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors include:
SNRIs (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
Examples of serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors include:
SNRIs work similarly to SSRIs. With an SSRI, however, the medication only helps to increase the availability of serotonin in the brain. When you use an SNRI, the medication helps to boost the availability of both norepinephrine and serotonin in the brain. This is thought to lead to a more significant improvement in symptoms.
Sometimes, SNRIs are also used to assist in the treatment of symptoms in people who have chronic pain conditions. It is commonly used in cases where the individual have chronic pain that affect the nerves.
TCAs (tricyclic antidepressants)
This depression medication is also sometimes used off-label for other conditions. People with neuropathic pain may find that the use of these drugs helps to provide improvements in their pain symptoms. Additionally, healthcare providers sometimes use this depression treatment for conditions like anxiety disorders or obsessive-compulsive disorder.
MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors)
MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors) are no longer considered a first line treatment for depression due to their potential side effects. While they were among the earliest medications developed to address depression, newer drugs are often considered more effective and have fewer risks. MAOIs are not typically managed by primary care physicians, but if this medication is warranted, a primary care physician would usually recommend a referral to psychiatry for further evaluation and management.
The main mechanism of these drugs is to reduce the activity of monoamine oxidase, which is a type of enzyme that can be found in the brain. This enzyme is known to play a role in removing certain chemicals from the brain, including dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. By reducing the activity of monoamine oxidase, the drug helps to provide increased availability for these particular neurotransmitters.
Examples of MAOI antidepressants include:
Atypical antidepressants
Examples of atypical antidepressants include:
What to know about antidepressants
Can online doctors prescribe antidepressants?
Who can prescribe antidepressants?
Can you buy antidepressants over the counter?
Can you diagnose depression online?
How long does it take for antidepressants to work?
Are there any psychiatric conditions you can’t help with?
Online doctors are perfect for anyone with mild to moderate anxiety or depression. However, PlushCare isn’t a good solution for patients with bipolar, schizophrenia, or psychosis or for pregnant, breastfeeding, or having a history of suicide attempts.
Can PlushCare doctors refill my existing antidepressant?
Can online doctors prescribe anxiety medication?
Yes. Our doctors commonly write prescriptions for anxiety medication for patients who qualify; that said, they cannot write prescriptions for controlled substances such as Xanax and Klonopin.
How to find a depression doctor near me?
How do doctors diagnose depression?
How much do antidepressants cost?
How do doctors decide which antidepressant to prescribe?
Can a therapist prescribe antidepressants?
Only a licensed medical doctor or psychiatrist can prescribe antidepressants. While a therapist cannot prescribe antidepressants or depression medication, a therapist can refer a patient to a doctor or psychiatrist as part of their treatment for depression.
PlushCare offers online therapy for depression as part of our online mental health services.
Can primary care physicians prescribe antidepressants?
Yes, primary care physicians can work with you to prescribe antidepressants when necessary. This is great news for anyone working closely with their primary care doctor to create a comprehensive healthcare plan.
When are antidepressants prescribed?
Antidepressants are commonly used to treat depression and anxiety, among other conditions.
The American Psychiatric Association defines depression as a very serious medical illness that negatively affects how you think, act, and feel. When left untreated, it can greatly impact your overall quality of life, making it difficult to function or do what you used to enjoy.
Depression affects millions of Americans each year. Major depression is among the most commonly seen mental health conditions in the United States.
What are some symptoms of depression?
While there are several symptoms of depression, some of the most commonly seen symptoms include:
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Having a loss of interest in things you used to enjoy
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Changes in appetite – weight loss/gain
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Fatigue
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Having a hard time concentrating
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Sleep changes – this could be sleeping too much or not being able to sleep enough
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Feeling sad
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Feeling guilty and or worthless
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Thoughts of suicide
What antidepressants can a primary care physician prescribe?
Now that you know your primary care physician can prescribe antidepressants, let’s discuss which medications they can prescribe. Regarding medication choice, it will all come down to what you and your doctor think will work best based on your symptoms, other current medications, and your medical history.
With that being said, here are some of the most commonly prescribed antidepressants:
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Zoloft (sertraline)
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Lexapro (escitalopram)
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Cymbalta (duloxetine hydrochloride)
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Celexa (citalopram)
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Prozac (fluoxetine)
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Paxil (paroxetine)
What can antidepressants be prescribed for?
Can therapy treat depression?
Yes, therapy is an effective treatment approach for depression. Many people with depression choose to try therapy instead of medication or do both at the same time for a faster recovery.
PlushCare offers online therapy across the U.S. so that you can get emotional support from a licensed professional. Our trusted therapists are highly trained to treat many mental health conditions, including depression and anxiety. Start your first session with a licensed therapist today.
You’ll meet with your therapist weekly for ongoing care and support as you work through your treatment.
Many therapy patients report improved mood, raised energy levels, and reduced stress soon after starting therapy.
What Are Antidepressant Common Side Effects?
How to talk to your doctor about antidepressant medications: helpful questions to ask
Whether you choose one of our doctors or see a local provider, it’s important to feel comfortable that you understand the scope of your treatment plan, any potential side effects, and key milestones. Here are some questions that you and your doctor may find helpful to discuss any antidepressant medications that may be prescribed:
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What other treatment options would you recommend alongside antidepressants?
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How long will the medication take to start working?
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How will we track progress during my treatment?
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What should I do if I don’t feel any improvement?
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Will this medication affect my libido?
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Should I take my antidepressants with food?
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Should I take my antidepressants at a specific time?
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How long will I need to be on antidepressants?
3 simple steps to getting antidepressant medications online
Book an appointment to discuss antidepressant medications.
Talk to your doctor online.
Pick up your antidepressant prescription from your online doctor.
Antidepressants pricing details
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Paying with insurance
Membership
$19.99
First month free
Visits
Copay
Visit price with insurance
Often the same as an office visit. Most patients with in-network insurance pay $30 or less!
We accept these insurance plans and many more:
Paying without insurance
Membership
$19.99
First month free
Visits
$129
Visit price without insurance
Antidepressants resources
Sources:
PlushCare is dedicated to providing you with accurate and trustworthy health information.
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Cleveland Clinic. Antidepressants: Depression Medication. Accessed on October 10, 2023 at https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/9301-antidepressants-depression-medication.
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MedlinePlus. Antidepressants. Accessed on October 10, 2023 at https://medlineplus.gov/antidepressants.html.
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PubMed. Antidepressant Medications. Accessed on October 10, 2023 at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538182/.
PlushCare content is reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, nutritionists, and other healthcare professionals. Learn more about our editorial standards and meet the medical team. The PlushCare site or any linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.