Best Medications for Anxiety, Depression, and Bipolar Disorder WisdomCard

Our Guides and Physician Review team have organized the Top 10 Health Resources on Best Medications for Anxiety, Depression, and Bipolar Disorder and compiled helpful research notes below.


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Research Notes on Best Medications for Anxiety, Depression, and Bipolar Disorder


There is not necessarily a best medication for depression, bipolar disorder, and anxiety. According to a panel of experts, they are all equally effective. New guidelines for prescribing medication suggest doctors choose based on side effect risks.1

Fast Facts:

  • According to a study released in January 2009, Zoloft and Lexapro are the best antidepressants, and should be the first choice.2
  • In many of these medications, the differences in side effects is quite small, according to psychiatrists.
  • Picking the best bipolar medication should be based on whether or not the majority of their illness has been spent in a manic or hypomanic state.3
  • In 2007 the most commonly prescribed antidepressants were Zoloft, Lexapro, Prozac, Wellbutrin, and Paxil.4
  • People taking antidepressants often have questions or concerns about the medication. Read how psychiatrists respond to frequently asked questions.

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Research Notes References

  1. Wall Street Journal: Which Antidepressant Is Best? (Nov. 18, 2008)
  2. The Lancet: Comparative Efficacy and Acceptability of 12 New-Generation Antidepressants: A Multiple Treatments Meta-Analysis
  3. ABC News: How Do I Know Which Bipolar Medication Is Best For Me?
  4. Wikipedia: Most Commonly Prescribed Antidepressants

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