Some of the newest antidepressants include Auvelity, Exxua, and Zurzuvae. Many potential depression medications are also undergoing clinical trials, including hydroxynorketamine and apimostinel.
Depression is a mental health condition that can cause persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest in daily activities. It can make it tough to be present at work, at school, and in relationships. Your physical health can also take a toll.
If you have depression, you’re not alone. It affects a significant portion of the U.S. population.
But, not everyone responds well to available treatment options. Researchers are constantly on the lookout for new and better ways to treat this common mental health condition.
Read on to find out more about new antidepressants available now.
New antidepressants in 2023
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Here are some of the new antidepressants that have recently entered the market. They offer new ways to target different types of depression.
Dextromethorphan-bupropion (Auvelity)
Dextromethorphan-bupropion (Auvelity) is an oral tablet. It’s a type of sigma-1 receptor agonist and norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved it in August 2022 to treat major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults.
In clinical trials, Auvelity started working in just 1 week. The best effects were seen after 4–6 weeks.
Side effects may include:
dizziness
nausea
headache
diarrhea
drowsiness
dry mouth
sexual dysfunction, like reduced libido or erectile dysfunction
Some healthcare professionals may prescribe it for other types of depression or other conditions, like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Gepirone (Exxua)
Gepirone (Exxua) is a type of oral azapirone antidepressant. Although its mechanism of action is not fully understood, researchers believe it improves levels of serotonin and stimulates specific receptors in your central nervous system, reducing depression symptoms.
The FDA approved it for treating MDD in adults in September 2023. A doctor can discuss the availability of gepirone and whether it may be an effective treatment option for you.
Possible gepirone side effects include:
dizziness
nausea
insomnia
stomach pain
indigestion
A 2019 research review explains that a key benefit of Exxua is that, unlike many other antidepressants, it does not cause sexual dysfunction.
The researchers also note that a potential off-label use of gepirone is anxiety disorder management.
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Zuranolone (Zurzuvae) is an oral antidepressant in the class of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor-positive modulators.
The FDA approved the drug in August 2023 to treat postpartum depression (PPD). It’s the first drug approved to treat PPD.
You take it for just 14 days, and the effects can last for more than 4 weeks after your last dose.
Potential side effects are:
dizziness
fatigue and drowsiness
urinary tract infections (UTIs)
a higher risk of the common cold
According to a 2023 clinical trial, zuranolone may also treat MDD effectively. Some medical professionals may prescribe off-label for this purpose.
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Other available antidepressants in 2023
Many other antidepressants have been around for a while. A few of the most common antidepressants include:
They work by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that regulates mood, appetite, sleep, and cognition. This can reduce symptoms of depression.
Two other antidepressants, vilazodone (Viibryd) and vortioxetine (Trintellix), are in a category called serotonin modulators. These medications work similarly to SSRIs by improving the release of serotonin in the brain.
Depending on the exact type and brand, SSRIs are FDA-approved to treat mood disorders like:
anxiety disorders
panic disorder
depression
post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
bulimia
Off-label uses can include:
binge eating disorder (BED)
autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
certain symptoms of menopause
body dysmorphic disorder
fibromyalgia
Possible side effects include:
sexual dysfunction
sleep issues
weight changes
dizziness
anxiety
headaches
stomach issues
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SNRIs block the reuptake of both serotonin and norepinephrine. Norepinephrine is a neurotransmitter that regulates alertness, attention, and the stress response.
FDA-approved SNRIs available in the United States include:
Talk with a mental health professional to learn if any of these options might be right for you. They can assess your needs and help develop a personalized depression treatment plan, which may include a combination of medication, lifestyle changes, and therapy.
Antidepressants in clinical trials
Many new antidepressants are in various stages of clinical trials.
One specific type of antidepressant undergoing clinical trials is glutamatergic modulators. These drugs aim to alter the glutamate neurotransmitter in your central nervous system.
According to a 2021 paper, research into the following glutamatergic modulators is ongoing:
In 2023, several new antidepressant medications hit the United States market by gaining FDA approval. These included dextromethorphan-bupropion (Auvelity), gepirone (Exxua), and zuranolone (Zurzuvae). Each has unique mechanisms of action and approved uses.
Clinical trials are also ongoing for other novel depression treatments.
In addition to new options, older antidepressants include SSRIs, SNRIs, TCAs, and MAOIs.
If you have depression symptoms, consider reaching out to a qualified mental health professional. They can help develop a treatment plan that’s right for you.
Clayton AH, et al. (2023). Zuranolone for the treatment of adults with major depressive disorder: A randomized, placebo-controlled phase 3 trial. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37132201/
Savitz A, et al. (2021). Efficacy and safety of seltorexant as adjunctive therapy in major depressive disorder: A phase 2b, randomized, placebo-controlled, adaptive dose-finding study. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8653874/
