This article contains information about antidepressant medications but is not intended to serve as medical advice. If you have questions about adolescent depression treatment, consult a professional like the ones at Family First.
Watching your teen struggle with their mental health can be heartbreaking. You’ve tried talking, listening, and supporting them in every way you know how, yet their sadness, anxiety, or isolation persists. Maybe a therapist has suggested antidepressant medication, or perhaps you’ve read about how they can help teens regain their sense of well-being.
What are antidepressants?
Antidepressants are medications that help regulate brain chemistry and improve mood for people with depression and other mood disorders. They target neurotransmitters—chemical messengers in the brain that influence emotions, thoughts, and overall mental well-being.
Sometimes, antidepressants are used for other mental health conditions, like anxiety and OCD
Types of antidepressants approved for teens
There are several types of FDA-approved antidepressants that can be safe and effective for teens. They all affect brain chemistry in different ways and have their own side effects. Depending on the type of depression your teen has, a provider may recommend different medications.
Something to note, medications are prescribed either on-label or off-label. On-label means that the medication has been specifically approved for treating a type of condition. Off-label means that the medication can be safe and effective but is FDA-approved for another diagnosis or type of condition.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
SSRIs are usually the first-line medication for teens with depression. That means, generally, this is the first type of medication a psychiatrist provides to manage symptoms. They work by increasing serotonin levels in the brain, which helps regulate mood.
On-label SSRIs for depression:
- Fluoxetine (Prozac) – Approved for ages 8 and older
- Escitalopram (Lexapro) – Approved for ages 12 and older
Off-label SSRIs for depression:
- Sertraline (Zoloft)
- Citalopram (Celexa)
- Fluvoxamine (Luvox)
Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
SNRIs increase levels of both serotonin and norepinephrine. They are sometimes prescribed if SSRIs are not effective.
Off-label SNRIs for depression:
- Duloxetine (Cymbalta)
Other antidepressants
There are other classes of antidepressants, like atypical and tricyclic, that aren’t normally used for adolescents with depression. While these include popular options for adults, like Wellbutrin, they often cause more serious side effects in younger people. In some cases, tough, adolescent psychiatrists might prescribe one of these alternatives and monitor side effects more closely.
How do antidepressants work?
The balance of neurotransmitters—like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine—in people with depression can be disrupted. This imbalance can cause persistent feelings of sadness, fatigue, hopelessness, or difficulty experiencing pleasure. Antidepressants can gradually restore balance, making it easier for the brain to send and receive positive signals. Over time, this can help reduce symptoms of depression and improve emotional stability.
How long do they take to work?
Antidepressants do not provide immediate relief. Unlike medications that treat physical pain or infections, they take time—often several weeks—to take full effect. They don’t artificially “boost” happiness but rather support the brain in functioning more effectively. When combined with therapy, lifestyle adjustments, and a supportive environment, antidepressants can be a valuable tool in helping people feel better.
Side effects of antidepressants
Like any medication, they come with potential side effects. While many side effects are mild and improve over time, some can be serious and require immediate attention.
Suicidal ideation and self-harming behaviors are some of the more common serious concerns for teens taking antidepressants and can be linked to the effects that the medications have on brain chemistry. The risk of these are typically higher when starting, changing, or stopping a medication, but can occur at any time a teen takes an antidepressant.
Common side effects
- Nausea or upset stomach
- Headaches
- Changes in appetite
- Sleep disturbances
- Increased sweating
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
Moderate side effects
- Increased anxiety or agitation
- Mood swings
- Impulsivity or reckless behavior
Serious side effects
- Suicidal thoughts or self-harm
- Severe mood worsening
- Extreme restlessness or inability to stay still (akathisia)
- Hallucinations or delusions
Always talk to your teen’s mental health provider before making any adjustments to their antidepressant regimen. Never stop antidepressants without their guidance, doing so can result in serious side effects. If they are experiencing side effects, talk to their provider then, too. They may try a different type of medication that could work better for their condition.
When and why antidepressants are prescribed
Antidepressants are prescribed for teens when their symptoms of depression or another mental health condition are severe enough to interfere with daily life and when other treatments, such as therapy, may not be enough on their own.
While therapy is often the first step, antidepressants can provide additional support when symptoms are too overwhelming for therapy alone to be effective. By stabilizing mood, reducing excessive worry, and improving overall emotional regulation, antidepressants can help teens regain a sense of normalcy and better engage in treatment, ultimately improving their quality of life.
Can you heal from depression?
Depression is one of the most common—but also most treatable—mental health conditions. Many people who experience a major depressive episode do not have another one. However, for others, they will experience more depressive episodes.
Learning how to manage depression, which can involve therapy and sometimes medication, can help you get know when to seek help if you need to again in the future. Healing isn’t always a straight line, but your teen can feel better.
Talk to the experts at Family First
Our psychiatric providers take a comprehensive, individualized approach when considering whether to prescribe an antidepressant for a teen in our care. Medication decisions are made thoughtfully and always with your education and agreeance. We’ll conduct a thorough assessment to see if an antidepressant could be a safe way to help your teen find relief from their mental health symptoms. Our team will also monitor their side effects and make any adjustments they might need with your consent.
Contact us online or by calling 888.904.5947 now to learn more.