--- title: "Other Medications for Anxiety and Depression" slug: "other-medications-for-anxiety-and-depression-1" updated: 2026-03-31T16:41:54Z published: 2026-03-31T16:41:54Z canonical: "healthhub.cpcmg.net/other-medications-for-anxiety-and-depression-1" --- > ## Documentation Index > Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://healthhub.cpcmg.net/llms.txt > Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further. # Other Medications for Anxiety and Depression ![](https://cdn.us.document360.io/a196e2c1-0707-4b9f-8164-e8201c779cd7/Images/Documentation/image-NTNU6YY8.png) [![Appointment Info](https://cdn.us.document360.io/a196e2c1-0707-4b9f-8164-e8201c779cd7/Images/Documentation/1650055438388-1650055438388.png)](/v1/docs/appointments-and-contact-information) [![Care Decision Info](https://cdn.us.document360.io/a196e2c1-0707-4b9f-8164-e8201c779cd7/Images/Documentation/1654467115781-1654467115781.png)](https://www.rchsd.org/wait-times/what-type-of-care-does-my-child-need/)

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 Medications that can help with anxiety and depression target different chemicals in the body: **Serotonin** is the body’s “feel good” chemical. **Norepinephrine** is the body’s “fight or flight” chemical and increase alertness and energy. **Dopamine** is the body’s “pleasure” chemical. While selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) remain first line medications for childhood and adolescent anxiety and depression, medications that target other chemicals are also available for use. They may be recommended if your child does not respond adequately to or tolerate SSRIs or can be used together with a SSRI for enhanced effects. #### **Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)** Similar to SSRIs, SNRIs work by preventing the brain from reabsorbing serotonin but also norepinephrine. Both are neurotransmitters within the brain that can help regulate mood and anxiety levels so allowing them to remain active for a longer period of time can help improve mood and lessen anxiety. They can also help improve attention, memory, energy, and chronic pain. **Venlafaxine (Effexor), Duloxetine (Cymbalta)** **FDA Approved for 18+ yo only: Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq), Milnacipran (Savella), Levomilnacipran (Fetzima)** **Common side effects may include:** Abdominal pain Dizziness Dry mouth Excessive sweating Headache Insomnia Constipation High blood pressure Sexual dysfunction Weight gain **Rare side effects may include :** QT prolongation – an abnormality of the heart’s rhythm that can be life-threatening if untreated Suicidal thoughts – more common in younger patients Withdrawal symptoms – can occur if the medication is stopped abruptly leading to dizziness, nausea/vomiting, excessive sweating, sleep disturbance, or increased anxiety Serotonin syndrome – when too much serotonin build up in the body leading to shivering, increased heart rate, blood pressure, and temperature, diarrhea, anxiety, confusion, stiff muscles, seizures, and irregular heart beats. In rare cases, it can be life threatening and requires emergent care. #### **Norepinephrine-Dopamine Reuptake Inhibitors (NDRIs)** Similar to SSRIs and SNRIs, NDRIs work by preventing the brain from reabsorbing neurotransmitters (norepinephrine and dopamine in this case) that can help improve mood, motivation, and focus. While used primarily to treat depression and seasonal affective disorder, NDRIs are also used for ADHD and smoking cessation. Because they do not target serotonin, they cause fewer sexual side effects and are less likely to lead to weight gain. **Bupropion (Wellbutrin), Methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta), Dexmethylphenidate (Focalin)** **Common side effects may include:** Decreased appetite Dry mouth Insomnia Nausea Headache Tremors Poor appetite Constipation Weight loss **Rare side effects may include:** Risk of seizures in patients with underlying epilepsy, eating disorders with bupropion #### **Atypical Antipsychotics** This class of medicine works by blocking serotonin and less strongly, dopamine receptors. This leads to better balance of dopamine and serotonin in the brain. While higher levels of both can help improve mood and anxiety, too much of either neurotransmitters can cause undesirable symptoms such as poor impulse control, anxiety, aggression, mania or feelings of being on “overdrive”, delusions, and hallucinations. It is used in cases of treatment-resistant depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and agitation and aggression sometimes observed in autism spectrum disorder or dementia.. **Aripiprazole (Abilify), Risperidone (Risperdal), Quetiapine (Seroquel), Olanzapine (Zyprexa), Clozapine (Clozaril), Ziprasidone (Geodon), Asenapine (Saphris), Iloperidone (Fanapt)** **Common side effects may include:** Dry mouth Constipation Urinary retention Blurred vision Metabolic syndrome including weight gain, high blood sugar, and abnormal cholesterol Thyroid function abnormalities Sleepiness – more common with clozapine, quetiapine, and olanzapine Dizziness especially with sitting up or standing **Rare side effects may include:** Elevated prolactin level leading to breast development even in boys *Due to their potential effect on the body’s metabolism, baseline and regular lab checks are required when taking these medications. ## 📚 References By PL, MD and HB, MD, Behavioral Health Committee. 03/2026.