antidepressant

1 of 2

adjective

an·​ti·​de·​pres·​sant ˌan-tē-di-ˈpre-sᵊnt How to pronounce antidepressant (audio) ˌan-ˌtī- How to pronounce antidepressant (audio)
: used or tending to relieve or prevent depression
antidepressant drugs

antidepressant

2 of 2

noun

Examples of antidepressant in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Adjective
These findings align with a paper about the antidepressant effect of running in the Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology. Kelly Santana Banks, Discover Magazine, 7 Mar. 2023 It was originally studied for its anxiolytic and antidepressant effects in humans, but it has since been used for a variety of purposes, including: Decreasing social anxiety and potentially improving socialization skills [1]. The Salt Lake Tribune, 15 Aug. 2023 Currently, many people continue to experience symptoms for months after starting existing antidepressant therapies that rely on the brain chemicals serotonin, noradrenalin, or dopamine. Alice Park, Time, 5 Aug. 2023 In many cases, CBD may have antidepressant effects that can ease anxiety and promote a more positive mood, which can help improve your overall health and wellness. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 16 Dec. 2022 Researchers agree that emotional blunting is associated with antidepressant use, and many clinicians have come to see it as a normal part of the treatment process. Emilie Le Beau Lucchesi, Discover Magazine, 16 Jan. 2023 High-quality psychotherapy has been shown to be as effective as and longer-lasting than antidepressant medication when treating depression. Jay Kayser, The Conversation, 15 Mar. 2023 Some studies suggest that CBD may have antidepressant effects by regulating serotonin levels in the brain. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 26 June 2023 Post-stroke depression is also a common aftereffect, with 1 in 3 stroke patients experiencing it, and is treatable through antidepressant medication and counseling, doctors say. Marc Levy, Chicago Tribune, 23 Mar. 2023
Noun
Naltrexone is commonly prescribed to treat opioid and alcohol use disorders, while bupropion is an antidepressant known for reducing cravings for cigarettes. Berkeley Lovelace Jr., NBC News, 7 Nov. 2023 The history of antidepressants Most antidepressants aim for the same target: the monoamine system. Sonya Collins, Fortune Well, 4 Nov. 2023 Global anxiety and depression rates ballooned 25% in 2020, with one in eight U.S. adults now taking antidepressants. Trey Williams, Fortune, 9 Oct. 2023 According to a 2017 study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, about 20% of patients develop antidepressant discontinuation syndrome after stopping the use of antidepressants taken continuously for a month or more. Staff Author, Peoplemag, 2 Oct. 2023 Furthermore, some of these antidepressants are not FDA-approved or indicated for the treatment of insomnia. Dominique Fluker, Essence, 27 Sep. 2023 The Hims website, for example, promotes off-label use of the antidepressant Zoloft (sertraline) for premature ejaculation. Jon Brodkin, Ars Technica, 2 Nov. 2023 Lauren has been on antidepressants since soon after Delta’s diagnosis. Adithi Ramakrishnan, Dallas News, 12 Sep. 2023 Many described years of therapy, medical visits and antidepressants but little progress. Mike Baker, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'antidepressant.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1961, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1962, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of antidepressant was in 1961

Dictionary Entries Near antidepressant

Cite this Entry

“Antidepressant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/antidepressant. Accessed 30 Nov. 2023.

Medical Definition

antidepressant

1 of 2 adjective
an·​ti·​de·​pres·​sant ˌant-i-di-ˈpres-ᵊnt, ˌan-ˌtī- How to pronounce antidepressant (audio)
variants also antidepressive
: used or tending to relieve or prevent psychological depression : relating to, being, or utilizing an antidepressant
an antidepressant drug
antidepressant treatment

antidepressant

2 of 2 noun
variants also antidepressive
: a drug used to treat psychological depression : an antidepressant drug
The dual-action antidepressant venlafaxine appears to demonstrate superior efficacy and higher rates of remission in severe depression as compared with either SSRIs such as fluoxetine or tricyclic antidepressants.John Mann, The New England Journal of Medicine

called also energizer, psychic energizer, psychostimulant

see tricyclic antidepressant
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