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Antidepressants

Disclaimer:

This publication is based on a Mind UK publication and the original version may be found here: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/a-z-mental-health/

Thank you to Mind UK for sharing their valuable content with us. Content included in Mental Health A-Z is made available free of charge and does not form part of any commercial activity. The adaptation has been done independently by Mind HK and is intended for general information purposes only.

How can I compare different antidepressants?

This page has tables to help you compare antidepressants by different factors. These are: 

  • generic name and key characteristics 
  • type of antidepressant 
  • length of half-life 
  • available form
  • dietary information

Why might I want to compare antidepressants? 

Understanding more about the different antidepressants available may help you talk to your doctor  about what’s right for you, including: 

  • If you’ve experienced problems with a particular type of antidepressant and want to avoid  them. For example, if you’ve had problems with tricyclics and would like to change to an SSRI. 
  • If the drug’s half-life is important to you. For example, if you are concerned about  withdrawal effects and would prefer a drug with a longer half-life. If you are taking an MAOI antidepressant, see our information explaining why  the half-life means something different for certain MAOIs. 
  • If you have problems with swallowing, or are unable to take tablets, and need your  medication in a different form. 
  • If you have any dietary restrictions, such as being vegetarian, or if you are allergic or  intolerant to some ingredients. 

Remember: drugs don’t work the same way for everyone, and it’s important to find a medication  that works for you. See our page on receiving the right medication for more information.

Antidepressants by generic name and key  characteristics 

Each of these drugs may be known by several different names, which we have listed below under  the Generic name and Trade names (HK) columns. 

Generic name  Trade names (HK) Type of antidepressantant Forms available Half life Dietary considerations
agomelatine  Valdoxan  other 
  • tablets 
 1–2 hours
  • contains lactose
amitriptyline 

Apo-amitriptyline

Endep 

Tripsyl

Tripta

 tricyclic 
  • tablets 

 

 9–25 hours n/a 
bupropion

Contrave Prolonged-Release

PMS-Bupropion

Wellbutrin

 other
  • sustained release tablets
  • Extended release tablets
 24 hours n/a
citalopram 

  

Apo-Citalopram

Arpolax 

Auropram

Cipram

Citaloc

Europram

Lopraxer

PMS-Citalopram

Selon 

Talam

 SSRI 
  • tablets 
  about 36 hours
  • tablets contain lactose
clomipramine 

Anafranil

Apo-Clomipramine

Clomicalm

 tricyclic 
  • tablets
 12–36  hours n/a
desvenlafaxine  Pristiq SNRI
  • Extended release tablets
 11 hours n/a
dothiepin Vick-Thiaden tricyclic
  • Capsules
  • Tablets
 20 hours  n/a
doxepin 

Apo-Doxepin

 Sinequan

 

 tricyclic 
  • capsules
 33–80 hours  (1.5–3.3 days)
  • contains  lactose
  • contains gelatine
duloxetine 

Apo-Duloxetine,

Cymbalta, 

Duloxetine Alvogen, 

Duloxetine Sandoz,

PMS-Duloxetine, 

Sebata

 SNRI 
  • Capsules
  • Delayed released capsules
 8–17  hours
  • contains gelatine

 

escitalopram 

Accord Escitalopram,

Apo-Escitalopram,

Escitalopram Stada,

Escitalopram-Teva,

Dexan, Esitalo, Esitapress, Esopam, Lexapro, Neopra, Oxapro, 

PMS-Escitalopram,

Pramokline, Recita, S-Oropram 

 SSRI 
  • tablets 
 about  30  hours n/a
fluoxetine 

Altazac, 

Apo-Fluoxetine, Arozac, Fluotin, CP- Fluoxet,  Floxet, Fluoxetine-Teva, Fluxetin, Fluxil, JMP Fluoxetine, Juxac, Kalxetin, Magrilan, Nopres, Norzarex, Oxeflu, PMS-Fluoxetine, Prozac, Sartuzin

 SSRI 
  • tablets
  • capsules 
 96–144 hours (4–6 days)
  • Capsules contain gelatine
flupenthixol Anfree, Danxipress, Deanxit, Flentixol, Meflupen, Quali-xit, Vick-Flupentixol Other 
  • tablets
 19-39 hours  n/a 
fluvoxamine  Apo-Fluvoxamine, Faverin  SSRI 
  • tablets 
 17–22 hours n/a
imipramine  Apo-Imipramine, Imine tricyclic 
  • tablets
  • capsule
 about 19 hours
  • tablets contain lactose
  • tablets contain gelatine

 

mianserin  n/a  tricyclic related
  • tablets 
 6–39  hours n/a
milnacipran Ixel SNRI 
  • capsules
 12 hours  n/a
mirtazapine  Apo-Mirtazapine, Mirastad, Mirnite, Mirta, Mirtapan, Mirtazapine Farmoz, Mirtazapine Sandoz, PMS Mirtazapine, Remeron Soltab, Remirta, Zamir, other 
  • tablets
  • dispersible tablets
 20–40 hours
  • tablets contain lactose
moclobemide  Aurorix

reversible  

MAOI
  • tablets 
 2–4 hours
  • contains lactose
  • requires food restrictions
nortriptyline  Nortrilen tricyclic 
  • tablets 
 about 36 hours
  • tablets and capsules contain lactose
  • capsules contain gelatine
paroxetine 

Apo-Paroxetine, Dropaxin, Parotin, Paroxe, 

Seroxat, Setine, Xalexa

 SSRI 
  • tablets / Controlled release tablets
  • liquid
 about 24 hours
  • tablets may contain lactose

 

sertraline  Andep, Apo-Sertraline, Aurasert, HC Sertraline, Inosert, PMS-Sertraline, Serdep, Serloft, Setaloft, Sertralina Farmoz, Setrof, Zoloft SSRI 
  • Tablets
  • Capsules 
 22–36 hours n/a
trazodone  Apo-Trazodone, Mesyrel, PMS-Trazadone, trazopress, tritcopress, trittico

tricyclic 

related
  • tablets 
  • prolonged release tablets 
 5–13  hours
  • tablets and capsules contain lactose
  • capsules contain gelatine

 

trimipramine 

Surmontil 

tydamine

 tricyclic 
  • tablets
  • capsules
 about 23 hours
  • contains lactose
  • capsules contain gelatine
venlafaxine  Deprevix, efexor, effexine, JMP Venlafaxine, trevilor, valosine, venexor, venlafaxine sandoz, venlafaxine-teva, venlift, venlor, venxor, vexor SNRI 
  • Tablets
  • Extended release tablets 
  • Capsules
  • Prolonged- release capsules
 4–7 hours
  • may contain lactose
  • may contain gelatine
vortioxetine  Brintellix  other 
  • tablets 
 about 66 hours  n/a

 

venlafaxine  Deprevix, efexor, effexine, JMP Venlafaxine, trevilor, valosine, venexor, venlafaxine sandoz, venlafaxine-teva, venlift, venlor, venxor, vexor SNRI 
  • Tablets
  • Extended release tablets 
  • Capsules
  • Prolonged- release capsules
 4–7 hours
  • may contain lactose
  • may contain gelatine
vortioxetine  Brintellix  other 
  • tablets 
 about 66 hours n/a

Comparing antidepressants by type

Type of antidepressant  Drug names
SSRIs 
  • citalopram 
  • escitalopram 
  • fluoxetine 
  • fluvoxamine 
  • paroxetine 
  • sertraline
SNRIs 
  • duloxetine 
  • venlafaxine
Tricyclics 
  • amitriptyline 
  • clomipramine 
  • doxepin 
  • imipramine 
  • nortriptyline 
  • trimipramine
Tricyclic-related drugs 
  • mianserin 
  • trazodone
MAOIs 
  • moclobemide 

 

others 
  • agomelatine 
  • mirtazapine 
  • vortioxetine

 

Comparing antidepressants by half-life 

Some MAOIs, known as ‘irreversible MAOIs’, work in a different way to other antidepressants. They  cause changes to your brain chemistry which can last for several weeks after you stop taking the  medication. This means their effects may last for a few weeks longer than the drug’s biological half  life. 

Half-life Drug name
1–2 hours  agomelatine
2–4 hours  moclobemide
4–7 hours  venlafaxine
5–13 hours  trazodone
6–39 hours  mianserin
8–17 hours  duloxetine
9–25 hours  amitriptyline
11 hours  desvenlafaxine
12 hours  milnacipran

 

12–36 hours  clomipramine
17–22 hours  fluvoxamine
about 19 hours  imipramine
19 -39 hours  flupenthixol
20 hours dothiepin
20–40 hours  mirtazapine
22–36 hours  sertraline
about 23 hours  trimipramine
about 24 hours  paroxetine
24 hours bupropion
about 30 hours  escitalopram
33–80 hours (1.5–3.3 days)  doxepin
about 36 hours  citalopram
about 36 hours  nortriptyline
about 66 hours  vortioxetine
96–144 hours (4–6 days)  fluoxetine

Comparing antidepressants by form available

Form  Antidepressants available in this form

tablets 

(includes slow-release tablets)
  • agomelatine 
  • amitriptyline 
  • bupropion
  • citalopram
  • Clomipramine
  • Desvenlafaxine
  • Dothiepin
  • escitalopram
  • fluoxetine
  • Flupenthixol
  • fluvoxamine
  • imipramine 
  • mianserin
  • mirtazapine
  • moclobemide
  • nortriptyline
  • paroxetine
  • sertraline
  • trazodone
  • trimipramine
  • venlafaxine
  • vortioxetine
capsules 
  • Dothiepin
  • doxepin
  • duloxetine
  • fluoxetine
  • Imipramine
  • Milnacipran
  • Sertraline
  • trazodone
  • trimipramine
  • venlafaxine
liquid 
  • paroxetine 
dispersible (dissolving) tablets 
  • mirtazapine 

Comparing antidepressants by dietary considerations 

Certain brands of individual drugs may have other dietary restrictions that aren’t listed in the tables  below. If you are concerned about this, you can check the Drug Information Leaflet included in the box with your medication. This will include a full list of your medication’s ingredients. 

Dietary consideration Drugs this applies to 

Contains lactose 

(this only applies to the tablet or  

capsule form of the drug, unless  

specified)
  • agomelatine 
  • amitriptyline (tablets only) 
  • citalopram (tablets only) 
  • doxepin 
  • imipramine (tablets only) 
  • mirtazapine (tablets only) 
  • moclobemide (tablets only) 
  • nortriptyline (tablets and capsules  only) 
  • paroxetine (tablets only) 
  • trazodone (tablets and capsules  only) 
  • trimipramine
  • venlafaxine (some tablets and  capsules) 
Contains gelatine 
  • doxepin 
  • duloxetine 
  • fluoxetine (capsules only)
  • imipramine (tablets only)
Requires food restriction
  • trazodone 
  • trimipramine (capsules only) 
  • venlafaxine (some tablets and capsules) 
  • isocarboxazid 
  • moclobemide 

 

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What is iACT Service?

Improving Access to Community Therapies (iACT®) is one of the services from Mind HK. Trained Wellbeing Practitioners will offer initial assessment and early intervention for people dealing with mild to moderate symptoms of depression, anxiety, or other emotional difficulties.

 

The service includes 6-8 sessions of low-intensity psychological support, the flexibility of the service allows individuals to receive free and timely support when needed.

If you’re aged between 18 – 65 and are facing some emotional challenges, we would like to invite you to take an online assessment for us to gain a better understanding of your current emotional struggle.

 

If you’re eligible, we’ll get you connected with a Wellbeing Practitioner within two weeks to sort out the next steps.

The service runs for about 3 months and includes 6-8 support sessions, tailored to your needs.

 

We encourage you to attend all sessions and actively practice the tips and exercises provided by your Wellbeing Practitioner.

We take your privacy seriously. Your chats with the Wellbeing Practitioner are confidential.

 

We won’t share any of your info unless you’ve provided consent or if there are risks detected.

This programme isn’t suitable for people facing emergencies, major setbacks, or those diagnosed with serious or complex mental health conditions.

 

If you’re having thoughts of suicide or self-harm, this programme might not meet your needs, so please seek help right away. You can check out Mind HK’s “Find Help Now” page for immediate information and services.

Most of our Wellbeing Practitioners have backgrounds in psychology or counselling and are passionate about mental health. They’ve gone through about 140 hours of intensive training and completed at least 120 hours of supervised clinical practice over 9 months to ensure the quality of service.

 

They’re trained by accredited local experts in the mental health field, including clinical psychologists, counselling psychologists, counsellors, and psychiatrists. Plus, we regularly check how effective our services are. All service outputs and performances are subject to consistent monitoring.

Who is suitable for participating in this programme?

This programme welcomes anyone between the ages of 18 and 65 who may be feeling lost or facing emotional difficulties. Please note that this programme is not suitable for individuals diagnosed with severe or complex mental health conditions.

This programme is not suitable for individuals diagnosed with severe or complex mental health conditions, but suitable for those who experience mild to severe moderate anxiety, mild to moderate depression, or other emotional challenges. If you are currently experiencing a major setback or even having thoughts of suicide or self-harm, please visit the “Find Help Now” page on our Mind HK’s website for immediate information and services.

After signing up, our Wellbeing Practitioner will contact you within two weeks to schedule a convenient time for a 45-minute conversation, either via video or phone call, according to your preference. During the conversation, the Wellbeing Practitioner will understand your current situation and help you gain a better understanding of your emotional state based on the questionnaire you filled out during application. Additionally, they will provide recommendations for appropriate community resources based on your needs, helping you take an important first step in taking care of your mental health.

Although the intervention procedure is mostly standardised, Wellbeing Practitioners will work flexibly with clients to address individual presenting problems and unique characteristics.

Our Wellbeing Practitioners are trained to support people who experience mild to moderate mental health difficulties primarily. This programme is not suitable for the situations mentioned above. If you are currently experiencing a major setback or even having thoughts of suicide or self-harm, please visit the “Find Help Now” page on our Mind HK’s website for immediate information and services.

Your conversations with the Wellbeing Practitioner are absolutely confidential. Any information about you will not be shared with anyone without your consent unless you or others are at immediate risk or the Wellbeing Practitioner has reason to believe that you may be in imminent danger.
Supervisors will monitor trainees’ development throughout the placement to ensure that they are meeting the required level of competency to pass the training course at the end of the placement.

Yes, it is necessary to book an appointment in advance by filling out the form. Additionally, you can select one of the five stores yourself. We will allocate clients to different Wellbeing Practitioners based on their chosen location.

Before having the conversation, we will ask you to fill out a basic questionnaire for preliminary screening assessment. This screening process aims to ensure that the training received by the Wellbeing Practitioners is sufficient to meet the needs of the individuals receiving the service. If it is determined after the screening assessment that the service is not suitable for you, Mind HK will provide alternative recommendations to ensure your safety and support.

For adults who are suitable for this service, all Wellbeing Practitioners have received training on how to identify and respond to safety and risk issues. If you have any concerns about the support process, the Wellbeing Practitioners have appropriate measures in place and will develop response plans based on the urgency of the situation. They can also access support from clinical practitioners from Mind HK or participating organisations.

What private training does Mind HK provide?

Mind HK provides 4 themes of mental health training, including: Supporting Self, Supporting Others, Family Wellbeing and DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion).

 

Check out the brochure here for more information.

Mind HK provides a wide range of standardised mental health training, which can be tailored to different circumstances. Chat with our team to explore more! 

Our trainers come from a diverse, accredited pool of clinically experienced professionals. Check out our trainers’ biographies here.

Yes, the Mental Health First Aid class of Mind HK is internationally accredited by the MHFA International. The content and certification is delivered by trainers certified from the Mental Health Association of Hong Kong. You can find out our trainers accreditation here.

We are here to support your mental health education journey! Reach out to us and chat with our team.

How can I compare different antidepressants?

How can I compare different antidepressants?

This page has tables to help you compare antidepressants by different factors. These are: 

  • generic name and key characteristics 
  • type of antidepressant 
  • length of half-life 
  • available form
  • dietary information

Why might I want to compare antidepressants? 

Understanding more about the different antidepressants available may help you talk to your doctor  about what's right for you, including: 

  • If you’ve experienced problems with a particular type of antidepressant and want to avoid  them. For example, if you’ve had problems with tricyclics and would like to change to an SSRI. 
  • If the drug's half-life is important to you. For example, if you are concerned about  withdrawal effects and would prefer a drug with a longer half-life. If you are taking an MAOI antidepressant, see our information explaining why  the half-life means something different for certain MAOIs. 
  • If you have problems with swallowing, or are unable to take tablets, and need your  medication in a different form. 
  • If you have any dietary restrictions, such as being vegetarian, or if you are allergic or  intolerant to some ingredients. 

Remember: drugs don't work the same way for everyone, and it's important to find a medication  that works for you. See our page on receiving the right medication for more information.

Antidepressants by generic name and key  characteristics 

Each of these drugs may be known by several different names, which we have listed below under  the Generic name and Trade names (HK) columns. 

Generic name  Trade names (HK) Type of antidepressantant Forms available Half life Dietary considerations
agomelatine  Valdoxan  other 
  • tablets 
 1–2 hours
  • contains lactose
amitriptyline 

Apo-amitriptyline

Endep 

Tripsyl

Tripta

 tricyclic 
  • tablets 

 

 9–25 hours n/a 
bupropion

Contrave Prolonged-Release

PMS-Bupropion

Wellbutrin

 other
  • sustained release tablets
  • Extended release tablets
 24 hours n/a
citalopram 

  

Apo-Citalopram

Arpolax 

Auropram

Cipram

Citaloc

Europram

Lopraxer

PMS-Citalopram

Selon 

Talam

 SSRI 
  • tablets 
  about 36 hours
  • tablets contain lactose
clomipramine 

Anafranil

Apo-Clomipramine

Clomicalm

 tricyclic 
  • tablets
 12–36  hours n/a
desvenlafaxine  Pristiq SNRI
  • Extended release tablets
 11 hours n/a
dothiepin Vick-Thiaden tricyclic
  • Capsules
  • Tablets
 20 hours  n/a
doxepin 

Apo-Doxepin

 Sinequan

 

 tricyclic 
  • capsules
 33–80 hours  (1.5–3.3 days)
  • contains  lactose
  • contains gelatine
duloxetine 

Apo-Duloxetine,

Cymbalta, 

Duloxetine Alvogen, 

Duloxetine Sandoz,

PMS-Duloxetine, 

Sebata

 SNRI 
  • Capsules
  • Delayed released capsules
 8–17  hours
  • contains gelatine

 

escitalopram 

Accord Escitalopram,

Apo-Escitalopram,

Escitalopram Stada,

Escitalopram-Teva,

Dexan, Esitalo, Esitapress, Esopam, Lexapro, Neopra, Oxapro, 

PMS-Escitalopram,

Pramokline, Recita, S-Oropram 

 SSRI 
  • tablets 
 about  30  hours n/a
fluoxetine 

Altazac, 

Apo-Fluoxetine, Arozac, Fluotin, CP- Fluoxet,  Floxet, Fluoxetine-Teva, Fluxetin, Fluxil, JMP Fluoxetine, Juxac, Kalxetin, Magrilan, Nopres, Norzarex, Oxeflu, PMS-Fluoxetine, Prozac, Sartuzin

 SSRI 
  • tablets
  • capsules 
 96–144 hours (4–6 days)
  • Capsules contain gelatine
flupenthixol Anfree, Danxipress, Deanxit, Flentixol, Meflupen, Quali-xit, Vick-Flupentixol Other 
  • tablets
 19-39 hours  n/a 
fluvoxamine  Apo-Fluvoxamine, Faverin  SSRI 
  • tablets 
 17–22 hours n/a
imipramine  Apo-Imipramine, Imine tricyclic 
  • tablets
  • capsule
 about 19 hours
  • tablets contain lactose
  • tablets contain gelatine

 

mianserin  n/a  tricyclic related
  • tablets 
 6–39  hours n/a
milnacipran Ixel SNRI 
  • capsules
 12 hours  n/a
mirtazapine  Apo-Mirtazapine, Mirastad, Mirnite, Mirta, Mirtapan, Mirtazapine Farmoz, Mirtazapine Sandoz, PMS Mirtazapine, Remeron Soltab, Remirta, Zamir, other 
  • tablets
  • dispersible tablets
 20–40 hours
  • tablets contain lactose
moclobemide  Aurorix

reversible  

MAOI
  • tablets 
 2–4 hours
  • contains lactose
  • requires food restrictions
nortriptyline  Nortrilen tricyclic 
  • tablets 
 about 36 hours
  • tablets and capsules contain lactose
  • capsules contain gelatine
paroxetine 

Apo-Paroxetine, Dropaxin, Parotin, Paroxe, 

Seroxat, Setine, Xalexa

 SSRI 
  • tablets / Controlled release tablets
  • liquid
 about 24 hours
  • tablets may contain lactose

 

sertraline  Andep, Apo-Sertraline, Aurasert, HC Sertraline, Inosert, PMS-Sertraline, Serdep, Serloft, Setaloft, Sertralina Farmoz, Setrof, Zoloft SSRI 
  • Tablets
  • Capsules 
 22–36 hours n/a
trazodone  Apo-Trazodone, Mesyrel, PMS-Trazadone, trazopress, tritcopress, trittico

tricyclic 

related
  • tablets 
  • prolonged release tablets 
 5–13  hours
  • tablets and capsules contain lactose
  • capsules contain gelatine

 

trimipramine 

Surmontil 

tydamine

 tricyclic 
  • tablets
  • capsules
 about 23 hours
  • contains lactose
  • capsules contain gelatine
venlafaxine  Deprevix, efexor, effexine, JMP Venlafaxine, trevilor, valosine, venexor, venlafaxine sandoz, venlafaxine-teva, venlift, venlor, venxor, vexor SNRI 
  • Tablets
  • Extended release tablets 
  • Capsules
  • Prolonged- release capsules
 4–7 hours
  • may contain lactose
  • may contain gelatine
vortioxetine  Brintellix  other 
  • tablets 
 about 66 hours  n/a

 

venlafaxine  Deprevix, efexor, effexine, JMP Venlafaxine, trevilor, valosine, venexor, venlafaxine sandoz, venlafaxine-teva, venlift, venlor, venxor, vexor SNRI 
  • Tablets
  • Extended release tablets 
  • Capsules
  • Prolonged- release capsules
 4–7 hours
  • may contain lactose
  • may contain gelatine
vortioxetine  Brintellix  other 
  • tablets 
 about 66 hours n/a

Comparing antidepressants by type

Type of antidepressant  Drug names
SSRIs 
  • citalopram 
  • escitalopram 
  • fluoxetine 
  • fluvoxamine 
  • paroxetine 
  • sertraline
SNRIs 
  • duloxetine 
  • venlafaxine
Tricyclics 
  • amitriptyline 
  • clomipramine 
  • doxepin 
  • imipramine 
  • nortriptyline 
  • trimipramine
Tricyclic-related drugs 
  • mianserin 
  • trazodone
MAOIs 
  • moclobemide 

 

others 
  • agomelatine 
  • mirtazapine 
  • vortioxetine

 

Comparing antidepressants by half-life 

Some MAOIs, known as 'irreversible MAOIs', work in a different way to other antidepressants. They  cause changes to your brain chemistry which can last for several weeks after you stop taking the  medication. This means their effects may last for a few weeks longer than the drug's biological half  life. 

Half-life Drug name
1–2 hours  agomelatine
2–4 hours  moclobemide
4–7 hours  venlafaxine
5–13 hours  trazodone
6–39 hours  mianserin
8–17 hours  duloxetine
9–25 hours  amitriptyline
11 hours  desvenlafaxine
12 hours  milnacipran

 

12–36 hours  clomipramine
17–22 hours  fluvoxamine
about 19 hours  imipramine
19 -39 hours  flupenthixol
20 hours dothiepin
20–40 hours  mirtazapine
22–36 hours  sertraline
about 23 hours  trimipramine
about 24 hours  paroxetine
24 hours bupropion
about 30 hours  escitalopram
33–80 hours (1.5–3.3 days)  doxepin
about 36 hours  citalopram
about 36 hours  nortriptyline
about 66 hours  vortioxetine
96–144 hours (4–6 days)  fluoxetine

Comparing antidepressants by form available

Form  Antidepressants available in this form

tablets 

(includes slow-release tablets)
  • agomelatine 
  • amitriptyline 
  • bupropion
  • citalopram
  • Clomipramine
  • Desvenlafaxine
  • Dothiepin
  • escitalopram
  • fluoxetine
  • Flupenthixol
  • fluvoxamine
  • imipramine 
  • mianserin
  • mirtazapine
  • moclobemide
  • nortriptyline
  • paroxetine
  • sertraline
  • trazodone
  • trimipramine
  • venlafaxine
  • vortioxetine
capsules 
  • Dothiepin
  • doxepin
  • duloxetine
  • fluoxetine
  • Imipramine
  • Milnacipran
  • Sertraline
  • trazodone
  • trimipramine
  • venlafaxine
liquid 
  • paroxetine 
dispersible (dissolving) tablets 
  • mirtazapine 

Comparing antidepressants by dietary considerations 

Certain brands of individual drugs may have other dietary restrictions that aren’t listed in the tables  below. If you are concerned about this, you can check the Drug Information Leaflet included in the box with your medication. This will include a full list of your medication's ingredients. 

Dietary consideration Drugs this applies to 

Contains lactose 

(this only applies to the tablet or  

capsule form of the drug, unless  

specified)
  • agomelatine 
  • amitriptyline (tablets only) 
  • citalopram (tablets only) 
  • doxepin 
  • imipramine (tablets only) 
  • mirtazapine (tablets only) 
  • moclobemide (tablets only) 
  • nortriptyline (tablets and capsules  only) 
  • paroxetine (tablets only) 
  • trazodone (tablets and capsules  only) 
  • trimipramine
  • venlafaxine (some tablets and  capsules) 
Contains gelatine 
  • doxepin 
  • duloxetine 
  • fluoxetine (capsules only)
  • imipramine (tablets only)
Requires food restriction
  • trazodone 
  • trimipramine (capsules only) 
  • venlafaxine (some tablets and capsules) 
  • isocarboxazid 
  • moclobemide