Best antidepressants

One of the most fragile systems in the human body is the nervous one, it is negatively affected by stress, social, financial problems, and depressive conditions. The first warning signs of violations are apathy, poor appetite, irritability. In this case, doctors prescribe mild sedatives. The best antidepressants have been selected by experts based on the opinions of healthcare professionals, patient reviews, market supply and demand. The 2024 ranking includes 5 top OTC drugs and 5 strictly prescription tricyclics, a list of verified pharmaceutical companies, as well as criteria for making the right choice for buyers.

Which antidepressant is better to choose

The first indicator of the quality and effectiveness of any drug is the reputation of its manufacturer. Therefore, before moving on to the list of top sedatives, experts suggest briefly acquaintance with the companies that presented the nominees. In 2024, the review included:

• LLC "MNPK Biotics" (Glycine) is a research and production medical complex, which was founded in 1991. For 25 years of work, it is considered the leading manufacturer of original metabolite drugs. Is the first company to release Glycine.
• LLC "Grokam GBL" (Stressovit) is a Polish pharmaceutical company that started its activities in 2008. The main goal is to provide the population with affordable but effective drugs to improve the quality of life.
• JSC "Pharmstandard-Leksredstva" (Afobazol) is one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in Russia. It participates in the import substitution program, which means that it aims to produce essential drugs available to domestic buyers. Date of foundation - 1992.
• LEK d.d. (Persen) is a pharmaceutical company from Slovenia that has been developing and selling medicines since 1946. Since 2002, it has joined the largest Sandoz company. In addition to medicines, the brand offers cosmetic products, medical products, and veterinary drugs.
• CJSC "Evalar" (Tryptophan Calm Formula) is the largest Russian manufacturer of dietary supplements. Founded in 1991. In the dietary supplements market, products from Evalar occupy 17%. The basis is taken from natural raw materials extracted in the valuable protected areas of Altai.
• CJSC "Pharmaceutical plant" Egis " (Imipramine) is a Hungarian pharmaceutical manufacturer with over 100 years of experience in this business. It is included in the list of the leading suppliers of generics in Central and Eastern Europe. The work is based on a combination of tradition and innovation.
• FSUE "Moscow Endocrine Plant" (Amitriptyline) is a Russian pharmaceutical company that has existed for over 60 years. Most of the medicines produced are widely used in endocrinology, cardiology, psychiatry, ophthalmology, etc. More than 70% of painkillers on the Russian market are produced by this plant.
• L. Pharma GmbH (Fluoxetine) is an Austrian pharmaceutical company engaged in the development, production, sale of patented innovative drugs since 1988. Most of the attention in recent years has been paid to medications for the nervous, cardiovascular systems, and anesthetics.
• Novartis Farma, S.p.a. (Anafranil) is one of the official world leaders in the production of original prescription drugs, services and solutions for doctors and their patients. The main office is located in Switzerland, the date of foundation is 1996, the rest are dispersed in more than 140 countries. In terms of market share in Europe, it ranks 2nd.
• Ratiopharm (Spectra) is a pharmaceutical company from Germany, founded in 1974. She became famous for her effective and inexpensive generics, which are distributed in 35 countries around the world. It has been the benchmark for high quality and affordability for over 40 years.

Antidepressant rating

Antidepressants should be used primarily as directed by the attending physician. Such medicines have both a lot of therapeutic properties and a number of contraindications and risks. Therefore, it is extremely important to choose the right product, method of application, dosage. The criteria by which the experts selected the best antidepressants of 2024 are as follows:

• Composition - active substance, additional components;
• Pharmacological properties - indications, principle of action;
• Safety - contraindications, tolerance to side effects;
• Clinical studies - the results of using the drug on patients;
• Economic feasibility - how much the price is justified by the result of treatment;
• Other restrictions are age, pregnancy, lactation;
• Interaction - compatibility with other medicines;
• Addictive syndrome - risks of developing addiction;
• Vacation - OTC, with a doctor's prescription;
• Ease of use - duration of the course, form of release, reception scheme.

To determine the most popular drugs, experts studied the indicators of demand in the pharmaceutical market. Further, the experience of narrow medical specialists helped to select proven and effective antidepressants in the pharmacy. An equally important criterion was the reviews of patients, who, from their own experience, evaluated all the pros and cons of each nominee. As a result, among several dozen applicants, only 10 funds were included in the top review.

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The best antidepressants without a prescription

Most drugs to maintain the nervous system are sold by prescription, as they have a large list of contraindications and side effects. But among them there are medicines with a moderate sedative effect, minimal risks, thanks to which anyone can buy them without a doctor's testimony. The best non-prescription mild antidepressants were selected by experts based on the above criteria.

Glycine

By its composition, this medication is classified as a mild sedative, but according to the principle of action, many doctors call it an antidepressant. The main substance is an amino acid, which regulates metabolism, normalizes inhibition reactions by the nervous system, promotes the synthesis of important acids, the formation of hemoglobin, and much more. A significant advantage of pills is that they are prescribed almost from the first days of life to maintain the functioning of the brain and central nervous system (in the instructions from 3 years). The indication is a decrease in mental activity, sleep disturbances, neuroses, psycho-emotional stress, stress. Also, doctors use Glycine in the complex therapy of alcoholism, to maintain it after an ischemic stroke, with impaired cerebral circulation.

Advantages

• Minimal contraindications, risks of side effects;
• Allowed for pregnant women, children;
• A wide range of therapeutic properties;
• Maintaining immunity;
• Increased mental alertness;
• Maintaining the functions of the brain and bone marrow, spleen;
• Cheapness.

disadvantages

• Incompatibility with some medicines;
• Not recommended for people with low blood pressure.

Among sedative medicines, Glycine is considered the most harmless in terms of composition, contraindications, risks.The tablets must be taken in a course without skipping to ensure a cumulative effect. Doctors widely use them in the treatment of various diseases, for prevention. Buyers approve of the price, composition, a large list of indications and useful properties. The downside is the tendency to reduce pressure, incompatibility with similar medications.

Stress

Herbal preparation in the form of capsules, in which the leaves of motherwort, flowers of St. John's wort, roots of a milky-flowering peony are responsible for the sedative effect. These are the most well-known herbal medicinal herbs that reduce anxiety, anxiety, and fear. They help to improve sleep, cope with hypochondria, and increase efficiency. At the same time, the course application does not cause addiction, dependence, and most importantly, does not provoke drowsiness. Vitamin B6 and magnesium are added to the listed components, which support the functions of the nervous system, linden with anti-inflammatory action. Contraindications will be pregnancy, lactation, gastrointestinal ulcer, gastritis. There are no age restrictions in the instructions, so Stressovit is prescribed for children.

Advantages

• Vegetable base;
• Source of pyridoxine and magnesium;
• Convenient form of release, method of administration;
• Absence of addiction syndrome, drowsiness;
• Increased resistance to stress;
• Stimulation of physical, mental activity;
• Inexpensive.

disadvantages

• Forbidden for pregnant women, breastfeeding women;
• Allergic reactions are possible.

Stressovitis is a dietary supplement that must be taken for 2-3 weeks, 1 capsule per day with food. Buyers approve of such a simple scheme, herbal composition, and affordability. Doctors confirm the therapeutic properties of the components, minimal risks of undesirable manifestations. There are practically no disadvantages of such a medication, except for the risks of allergy to herbs, contraindications.

Afobazol

On the list of well-known names of antidepressants in high demand is the mild tranquilizer Afobazol. Unlike other analogs with a similar principle of action, it is not addictive. The main substance is fabomotizol, which protects nerve cells, promotes their recovery due to its neuroprotective effect. Along with a mild sedative effect, the drug acts as a stimulant. It helps to cope with fears, feelings anxiety, anxiety, irritation, tearfulness. The list of indications includes anxiety disorders, PMS, neurasthenia, withdrawal syndrome against the background of nicotine, alcohol dependence, neurocirculatory dystonia, sleep disorders. At the same time, there is no harmful effect on concentration, memory. Afobazole is contraindicated in pregnancy, lactation, juvenile age.

Advantages

• Elimination of anxiety, tearfulness;
• Improving memory;
• Removal of irritability;
• Improving sleep quality;
• Noticeable changes after a week of admission;
• Lack of addiction;
• Improved mood.

disadvantages

• Contraindications;
• Price.

Despite the moderate action, buyers confirm a significant improvement in mood after completing the course. Tablets help to be apathetic about stress, conflicts, life troubles.

A plus is the lack of addiction, improved memory performance, sound sleep. The disadvantages of the reviews called the price, restrictions on admission.

Persen

Another herbal remedy that confirms the irreplaceable effect of herbal antidepressants. There are several active substances in the composition - peppermint, valerian root extract, lemon balm leaves. Release form - tablets for oral administration. There are no other components that could clearly affect the nervous system, which means that you can buy Persen without a prescription. The tablets are recommended for those who suffer from increased workload at school or work, suffer from stress, nervousness.By normalizing circadian rhythms and sleep, they help cope with insomnia. The age limit is from 12 years old. To achieve maximum results, you need to take pills for a course of at least a month. Take up to 12 tablets per day, depending on age, existing problems, doctor's recommendations.

Advantages

• High-speed performance;
• Vegetable composition;
• Lack of addictive effect;
• Elimination of irritation, insomnia;
• Fight against chronic fatigue;
• Stabilization of the nervous system.

disadvantages

• High consumption, price;
• Contraindication - diabetes.

In medical practice, Persen demonstrates extremely rare cases of the development of undesirable symptoms, most often it is an allergy to the composition, constipation, and a decrease in pressure. The rest of the tablets show tangible changes for the better already at the first stages of use. The disadvantages are the inconvenient method of use, consumption and costs, as well as the fact that the tablets are prohibited for diabetics.

Calm formula Tryptophan

Completing the list of over-the-counter antidepressants is a dietary supplement, the main components of which are vitamins B5 and B6, as well as the amino acid L-tryptophan. The latter substance is directly involved in the processes of excitation / inhibition of impulses of the nervous system, in addition, it regulates metabolism, stimulates the production of melatonin and serotonin, which normalizes sleep. Tryptophan also helps women cope with mood swings during PMS, eliminates the effect of the off-season on the psycho-emotional background, eliminates anxiety, obsessive states, irritability, hyperactivity. The formula of calmness Tryptophan is actively used in the complex fight against alcoholism, bulimia, anorexia. Contraindications are minor age, hypersensitivity.

Advantages

• Safe composition + vitamins;
• Improved sleep and mood;
• Convenient release form;
• Giving a positive reaction;
• Lack of addiction;
• Minimal contraindications.

disadvantages

• Price;
• Lack of cumulative effect.

Such antidepressant tablets are in demand due to their safe composition, the absence of strict contraindications, and a wide range of therapeutic properties. Doctors actively use them in the complex treatment of various psychological addictions. Buyers note in the reviews a comfortable shape, a positive mood and a sound sleep. The downside is the price, the return of previous problems after the completion of the course.

The best tricyclic antidepressants

In the case of serious disorders of the central nervous system and other related systems, strong antidepressants are used with a prescription. They have pronounced pharmacological properties, a large list of contraindications and risks. This group of drugs includes tricyclic antidepressants that were developed in the 50s of the last century. Their formula consists of three rings of atoms, hence the name. Based on medical practice, real reviews, experts have selected the top five nominees in this category.

Imipramine

This is the first stimulating tricycle in history, developed by the American pharmaceutical company Ciba-Geigy. To this day, he tops the lists of tricyclic antidepressants in terms of demand and effectiveness. The main indication for the use of such pills is the treatment of depression. Much less often, doctors prescribe them for bedwetting, since the active substance reduces delta brain waves. Unlike many analogues, Imipramine demonstrates a pronounced inhibition of serotonin reuptake, an effect on other important neurotransmitters (for example, acetylcholine, dopamine, adrenaline, norepinephrine, histamine). The age limit is from 6 years old.

Advantages

• Stimulating action;
• Improved mood;
• Sedative effect;
• Elimination of motor inhibition;
• Treatment of bedwetting;
• Effectiveness proven over the years.

disadvantages

• Long course of admission;
• Withdrawal syndrome.

In Russia, Imipramine has been used in the field of psychiatry for several decades in a row, which indicates its effectiveness. The reviews are mostly good, patients note improved mood, sound sleep, elimination of panic attacks, irritability. He helped some to get rid of alcoholism. The downside is the need to use it for several months, the likelihood of a withdrawal syndrome.

Best sedatives

Amitriptyline

The effect of tricyclic antidepressants here is about the same as in the previous case. The fact is that imipramine is also the main component of Amitriptyline. It demonstrates high bioavailability, good tolerance. For treatment, 2 forms of release are offered to choose from - tablets, solution for injections. For better absorption, it is better to take amitriptyline after meals. Indications are various forms of depression, neuropathic pain, psychogenic appetite disorders, enuresis. In addition to the effect on neurotransmitters, the active component also has a positive effect on acetylcholine and alpha-1 receptors. In addition to the sedative and stimulating effect, the tablets soothe pain. According to doctors, this is the main medicine for people with suicidal tendencies.

Advantages

• Bioavailability;
• Several shapes to choose from;
• Good tolerance;
• A large list of therapeutic properties;
• Effectiveness against pain syndromes;
• Cheapness.

disadvantages

• A large list of contraindications, side effects;
• Increased appetite.

In medical practice, such a strong antidepressant is used in small doses along with other similar medications. Helps suppress acute mental disorders, up to and including suicidal tendencies. Despite its low cost, it demonstrates good tolerance. The disadvantages are contraindications, side effects, but they disappear after the pills are canceled. Some people complain of increased appetite, which leads to weight gain.

Fluoxetine

A relatively new drug, which is increasingly preferred by both doctors and patients. There are several reasons for this - high efficiency, good portability, convenient scheme of use, cost-effectiveness. The active substance acts as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, which improves mood, eliminates feelings of depression. To correct health, psycho-emotional background, you need to take pills for a long time, persistent improvement can be observed closer to 2-3 weeks. Fluoxetine does not interact with food, it is approved for patients with urological, cardiovascular pathologies. The main indications in the instructions are obsessive-compulsive disorders, depression of all types, bulimia nervosa.

Advantages

• Lack of addiction;
• Invigorating effect;
• Improving sleep quality;
• Lots of generics with different prices;
• Ease of use;
• Good tolerance;
• Inexpensive.

disadvantages

• The effect is only 2-3 weeks of use;
• Changes the speed of reactions.

You can not use such a potent medication for pregnant women, breastfeeding women, minors. The correct dosage improves mood, mental, physical activity, is well tolerated by the body. The disadvantage is the effect on the speed of reactions, as well as the fact that positive changes are observed after a few weeks.

Anafranil

The next stimulant of good mood with the main component in the composition of clomipramine hydrochloride, developed in the 60s of the last century. In addition to the main action of inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin, norepinephrine, it has other therapeutic properties, including antihistamine. The component as a whole affects the depressive syndrome, eliminates all its typical manifestations, and also relieves pain.The age limit is from 5 years. In the standard reception mode, the relief of well-being is observed on 3-4 days, the maximum effect - from 2 weeks. The list of indications also includes bipolar phobic anxiety disorder.

Advantages

• A wide range of actions;
• Noticeable effect;
• Weight loss;
• Convenient course of treatment;
• Pain relief;
• Economical consumption.

disadvantages

• Many contraindications, side effects;
• Influence on the speed of reactions, concentration of attention.

According to doctors, Anafranil is a good medication with sedative, antidepressant action, clinically proven efficacy.

Patients in the reviews approve of the regimen, the consumption of packaging with pills, a noticeable result. The downside is the many restrictions on admission, risks, as well as the impact on reactions and attentiveness.

Spectra (Doxepin)

The review is completed by the most popular drug from the TCA group in recent years, indicated for mild to moderate depressive disorders. Also, many experts prescribe it in the complex therapy of urticaria. The main substance in the composition acts as a non-selective inhibitor of the reuptake of monoamines, in addition to the main effect, it has a sedative, anxiolytic, analgesic, antipruritic, antiulcer effect. It differs mainly in that it does not provoke psychomotor agitation or a state of euphoria. It is forbidden to combine such a medication with alcoholic beverages. The age limit is from 12 years old. The main contraindication is kidney disease, their failure. It is not recommended to combine therapy with driving.

Advantages

• Effectiveness against personality disorders;
• Elimination of pain, itching;
• Suppression of depressive conditions;
• Complex treatment of ulcers;
• Alleviation of the condition with alcohol dependence;
• Minimal contraindications;
• Good portability.

disadvantages

• Drowsiness;
• Disorders of the intestines.

According to reviews, treatment with antidepressants of this kind allows you to overcome all negative manifestations of the disorders in a couple of weeks. To do this, you need to follow the instructions, taking the tablets after meals. Buyers noted good tolerance, a large list of therapeutic properties, doctors like a wide large list of indications and minimal contraindications. Disorders of the intestines, slight drowsiness are considered a minus.

Which antidepressant is better to buy

The presented nominees of the rating differ in composition, natural or synthetic basis, indications, contraindications. Also, each of them has a large list of advantages and minor disadvantages. Based on a comparative analysis of all the stated selection criteria, the following conclusions can be drawn:

• Glycine is a cheap means to support the brain and central nervous system;
• Afobazole is a light over-the-counter tranquilizer without addiction and risks;
• Calm formula Tryptophan - dietary supplement for any age, pregnant and lactating;
• Imipramine is a proven remedy with proven effectiveness;
• Fluoxetine is a new generation TCA with no addictive effect;
• Spectra (Doxepin) is the most extensive list of therapeutic properties.

What to buy from all of the above names - a modern or proven over the years medicine for mental disorders, only the attending doctor decides. The rating is intended to narrow the search circle, to identify the strengths and weaknesses of different medicines. In addition, most of the nominees are sold strictly according to the doctor's prescription.