Understanding Antidepressants: Frequently Asked Questions
By Tannia Salazar, APRN | Rooted in Serenity Behavioral Health 🌿
Over the past five posts in my Understanding Antidepressants series, we’ve explored SSRIs, SNRIs, atypical antidepressants, mood stabilizers, and augmentation strategies. Here’s a summary of answers to the most common questions patients ask.
What are SSRIs and how do they work?
Answer: SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) are often the first-line treatment for depression and anxiety. They help your brain keep more serotonin available — a neurotransmitter linked to mood, sleep, and appetite.
Examples: sertraline (Zoloft®), escitalopram (Lexapro®), fluoxetine (Prozac®)
How are SNRIs different from SSRIs?
Answer: SNRIs (Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors) affect two neurotransmitters: serotonin and norepinephrine. This dual action can improve mood, reduce anxiety, and sometimes help with fatigue or chronic pain.
Examples: venlafaxine (Effexor®), duloxetine (Cymbalta®)
What are “atypical” antidepressants?
Answer: Atypical antidepressants don’t fit neatly into the SSRI or SNRI categories. Each works in its own way, and they’re often helpful if first-line options cause side effects or don’t fully relieve symptoms.
Bupropion (Wellbutrin®): Boosts dopamine/norepinephrine; may improve energy and focus.
Mirtazapine (Remeron®): Can support sleep and appetite.
Trazodone: Often used in low doses to improve sleep.
Vilazodone (Viibryd®) / Vortioxetine (Trintellix®): Target serotonin differently, may help with mood and cognition.
👉 Read more: Part 3 – Atypical Antidepressants
What are mood stabilizers, and are they only for bipolar disorder?
Answer: While mood stabilizers are often associated with bipolar disorder, some are also used to support treatment-resistant depression or anxiety with mood instability. These medications can help smooth irritability, reactivity, and emotional ups and downs.
Most relevant examples:
Lamotrigine (Lamictal®): Often added in depression with mood swings or persistent instability.
Quetiapine (Seroquel® – low dose): Sometimes used for depression with anxiety or insomnia.
👉 Read more: Part 4 – Mood Stabilizers
What does “augmentation” mean in depression treatment?
Answer: Augmentation means adding another medication to your antidepressant, instead of switching altogether. This approach can strengthen your response and target symptoms that linger.
Common options include:
Rexulti® (brexpiprazole)
Abilify® (aripiprazole)
Lamotrigine (Lamictal®)
Quetiapine (Seroquel®)
Buspirone (Buspar®)
Trazodone (low dose, for sleep)
👉 Read more: Part 5 – Augmentation Strategies
What if none of these options work for me?
Answer: You still have options. Advanced treatments such as TMS (transcranial magnetic stimulation) or ketamine/esketamine exist, though they are outside of my practice. At Rooted in Serenity, my focus is on safe, evidence-based medication management, paired with therapy and supportive care.
Do antidepressants change my personality?
Answer: No. Antidepressants don’t erase emotions or make you a different person. The goal is to reduce overwhelming symptoms (like sadness, anxiety, or fatigue) so you can engage more fully in life.
How long will I need to stay on medication?
Answer: It varies. Many people take antidepressants for 6–12 months after symptoms improve, while others need longer-term support. This decision is always individualized and reviewed together.
Do antidepressants cause weight gain?
Answer: Some people notice changes in weight, but not everyone does. If weight change is a concern, there are strategies and alternative medications we can discuss.
Can I drink alcohol while on antidepressants?
Answer: Alcohol can interfere with how antidepressants work and may worsen mood or sleep. It’s safest to limit or avoid alcohol while on these medications.
What if I want to stop my medication?
Answer: Never stop suddenly. Antidepressants should be tapered gradually under guidance to avoid withdrawal effects and symptom relapse. Always talk to your provider first.
Final Thoughts
Medication is just one part of healing. Whether we’re starting with SSRIs, exploring alternatives, or considering augmentation, there are always options to support recovery.
At Rooted in Serenity Behavioral Health, I partner with adults across Connecticut to find safe, effective, and personalized treatment — with care that is trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and bilingual (English/Spanish).
🪴 Services
❓ FAQ
📖 Interested in reading the whole series:
Understanding Antidepressants, Part 1: What Are SSRIs and How Do They Work?
Understanding Antidepressants, Part 2: What Are SNRIs, and How Do They Work?
Understanding Antidepressants, Part 3: What are Atypical Antidepressants and How Do They Work?
Understanding Antidepressants, Part 4: What are Mood Stabilizers and How Do They Work?
Understanding Antidepressants, Part 5: Augmentation Strategies for Treatment-Resistant Depression
🌿 Tannia Salazar, APRN, Founder of Rooted in Serenity Behavioral Health LLC, offering telepsychiatry services across Connecticut for adults navigating anxiety, ADHD, trauma, and more.
