There are various kinds of antidepressants (drugs or medications) which are used to deal with depression. The application of antidepressants results in an increase in brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters and thus alleviates the mental condition of depression. Neurotransmitters help setting the correct balance of emotions.

Some of the main types of antidepressants are:

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs): TCAs are the earliest forms of antidepressants. TCAs work on brain chemicals like norepinephrine and serotonin by adjusting them to the right level in the brain. Despite being effective in treating depression, they are not used initially because of the side effects.

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs): have the greatest effect on patients who are unresponsive to other medications. They also help curing other psychiatric disorders. Food contents in cheese and wine often interact with MAIOs. Therefore while under a dose of MAOI, a patient is expected to maintain a rigorous food habit.

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs): a more recent type of drugs. SSRIs control the level of the neurotransmitter called serotonin.

Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs): Like SSRIs, they are comparatively a newer breed of drugs. They act by increasing the amount of serotonin and norepinephrine.