New Antidepressants List (2014): Fetzima, Brintellix, & Others In Development

When a new antidepressant drug is released, everyone wants to be the first to try it. In most cases, people seem to always believe that newer will equal better in terms of depression relief. In most cases, when new drugs get approval to treat depression, they are backed by some heavy marketing, which further brainwashes the public to believe that a certain drug is groundbreaking.

In reality, most of the newer drugs are modified versions of SSRIs and SNRIs. There aren’t drugs being released that have truly unique mechanisms of action that are different from reuptake inhibitors. The only drug being developed that appears completely unique in regards to pharmacological properties is that of ALKS 5461. Another option would be LFMS or low field magnetic stimulation for depression, another treatment that has promise and is drug-free.

Unfortunately most antidepressants on the market are imperfect and will always leave people waiting for the next new thing or next “fix” in regards to an antidepressant. In some cases, a select few people actually do find that they only get relief from the newer drugs than the older MAOIs, tricyclics, SSRIs, SNRIs, and atypicals. There are a couple of new antidepressants that just hit the market in recent years that the mainstream will soon be talking about.

Newest Antidepressants 2014: Fetzima & Brintellix

Although there weren’t any major antidepressants approved in 2014, there were a couple of new releases in 2013. One of these new drugs was considered an SNRI with different inhibition properties compared to all other SNRIs on the market. The other is considered an atypical antidepressant with properties unique from other drugs.

Fetzima (Levomilnacipran)

This is essentially an improved version of Milnacipran, an SNRI that has been around since 1996 to treat fibromyalgia and major depression in countries outside of the United States. Although Milnacipran never passed clinical trials in the U.S., Levomilnacipran which contains the “levo” stereoisomer of Milnacipran passed clinical trials in July 2013.

It acts very similarly to Milnacipran, but is unique from other SNRIs in that it inhibits reuptake of norepinephrine to a greater extent than serotonin. Some believe that a more balanced inhibition between serotonin and norepinephrine may improve efficacy, but this speculation is unverified. The side effects associated with Fetzima are similar to current medications on the market.

Be prepared for the same common antidepressant side effects including: nausea, dizziness, insomnia, blood pressure changes, etc. Although this is technically a “new” drug, others would consider it a revised version of an older drug. Some could argue that it was developed because Milnacipran had not gotten approval, and developers knew that with a few tweaks they could get something similar approved.

Brintellix (Vortioxetine)

In trials this drug was referred to as “Lu AA21004” but it has since gotten approval to treat major depression as of September 2013. Just a couple months after the approval of Fetzima, we have an atypical antidepressant hitting the market called “Brintellix.” As of now it is only approved for major depression, but some speculate that it may eventually get approved for various anxiety disorders in the future.

It functions as a SMS (serotonin modulator and stimulator) with a majority of activity geared towards serotonin and 5-HT receptors. It is also thought to affect adrenergic receptors to less of a degree as well as concentrations of acetylcholine and histamine. Like all antidepressants, it had to demonstrate that it was clinically superior to a placebo in large-scale double-blind clinical trials.

In four trials, Brintellix was found clinically effective for depression in two out of four based on the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D). However, in the third trial it was found no more effective than a placebo and in the fourth, there was a high placebo response, but according to other scales such as the MADRS, it was still superior.

It is thought to be a good drug for individuals that have comorbid anxiety along with their depression. The side effects associated with this drug are typical: nausea, diarrhea, dizziness, and sexual dysfunction. This is a unique drug that carries unique properties, but it has similarities with many medications.

Other relatively new antidepressants

Below are a variety of other new antidepressants listed in order based on recency of release. Viibryd is considered the third newest antidepressant to Fetzima and Brintellix. Other drugs that have been released in recent years include: Oleptro, Pristiq, and Emsam. Although these are “new,” they are not necessarily that unique. Oleptro is simply an extended release format of the drug Trazodone, while Pristiq contains the active metabolite of Effexor and Emsam is the drug Selegiline in the form of a “skin” patch.

Viibryd (Vilazodone): This is considered a unique antidepressant that many will want to try because it is not associated with significant weight gain or sexual dysfunction. It was approved in 2011 for the treatment of major depression and functions similar to an SSRI in that it inhibits reuptake of serotonin, but it also affects the 5-HT1A receptor as a partial agonist. Other than Brintellix, this is the second newest “unique” antidepressant that wasn’t modeled after an older medication. The most commonly reported side effect seems to be diarrhea, which can be offset with over-the-counter Imodium.

Oleptro (Trazodone): The antidepressant Trazodone has been around for a long time (since 1981), but it was recently formulated into an extended release pill in 2010. The extended release version is referred to as “Oleptro” and may be preferred by some individuals compared to previous formats of the drug. This is considered an atypical antidepressant that acts mostly as an antagonist on 5-HT receptors, and a partial agonist at the 5-HT1A receptor. Unfortunately this is merely a repackaging of an older drug, so not really an improvement.

Pristiq (Desvenlafaxine): A good analogy to describe this drug: Pristiq is to Effexor as Lexapro is to Celexa. In other words, it is supposed to be an improved version of Effexor and contains the synthetic active metabolite that results in an antidepressant effect. The company that makes Pristiq (Wyeth) is trying to get everyone who is on Effexor to convert to Pristiq to boost overall sales. Their patent had expired for Effexor, so this new “modified” formula is a good way to get back premium business that they had with Effexor. Despite chemical similarities, people that have tried both drugs still note differences between the two drugs. Although this is a newer antidepressant, it’s really just a repackaged version of Effexor.

Emsam Patch (Selegiline): It was known since 1967 that Selegiline was effective for depression. However, it wasn’t until 2006 that it was approved and manufactured in the form of a transdermal (skin) patch. As an antidepressant Emsam works as an MAOI which can be utilized for both major depression as well as Parkinson’s disease. There are some advantages to delivering the drug as a skin patch including: bypassing the small intestine, bypassing the liver, and preventing a hypertensive crisis (associated with MAOIs). Unlike other MAOIs, Emsam doesn’t requires dietary modifications and some believe that as a patch, the drug is more likely to maintain steady levels in the blood stream. Although this antidepressant is essentially an old drug that has been rebranded, it’s transdermal delivery makes it more appealing to some.

Cymbalta (Duloxetine): This SNRI was approved in 2004 to treat major depression and neuropathic pain. It has since received approval to treat a variety of other conditions such as generalized anxiety and fibromyalgia. The ability of this drug to provide clinically effective pain relief is what distinguishes it from other antidepressants on the market and contributes to its heightened popularity. Although it’s been 10 years since this medication hit the market, it has become the top selling and most popular antidepressant of the past year (it is inevitably the most prescribed as well).

Newest antidepressants in development

There are many new antidepressants being researched for potential therapeutic usage in the future. The FDA has rigorous standards for all medications, which is why the approval process can take years after a drug has been developed. There’s a lot more that goes into getting a new drug on the market than most people care to understand. Below are a few new drugs that may hit the market in upcoming years. (For the latest developments – read the article: “New Antidepressants 2018“).

ALKS 5461: This is a new drug that is showing considerable promise and is something different than your run-of-the-mill serotonin-acting drug. ALKS 5461 is essentially a combination drug that includes Suboxone, but theoretically should be non-addictive because it also contains Samidorphan. It is well documented that using Suboxone for depression can be life-changing for certain individuals. As of now this drug has received fast-track status due to how well people are responding with minimal side effects. Assuming all goes according to plan with this drug, it could hit the market in 2016.
SNDRIs (Triple Reuptake Inhibitors): There is a new class of drugs in the pipeline called “Triple Reuptake Inhibitors” a.k.a. SNDRIs (Serotonin Norepinephrine Dopamine Reuptake Inhibitors). In other words, they are attempting to address the fact that low norepinephrine can cause depression and address both serotonin and dopamine. Additionally it is debated as to whether serotonin vs. dopamine is more of a contributing factor to low mood. Many experts believe that targeting all three of these prominent neurotransmitters could fix the problem. The only downfall associated with these drugs is that they aren’t really anything creative, they are simply throwing another neurotransmitter in the mix in hopes that the public becomes brainwashed by the new mechanisms. In reality, a person can already utilize antidepressant augmentation strategies such as Adderall or Wellbutrin and stimulate all three neurotransmitters.
Ketamine: Slowly but surely professionals are starting to consider illicit substances for cases of treatment-resistant depression. One such substance that has been showing considerable promise in recent years is ketamine. Many people who are trying ketamine in a controlled setting are finding that it not only alleviates their depression, but it does so very quickly. Some believe that ketamine helps enhance activity of neurotransmission and receptors, thus repairing damages and blockages caused by depression. Recently a ketamine nasal spray for depression was developed and found to be very effective.
Psilocybin (Magic Mushrooms): It has been discovered that using psilocybin for depression can be very helpful for a majority of people. Although magic mushrooms are considered an illicit substance, many have found them helpful for boosting both mood and spirituality. Many have gone on a “trip” and claimed that their entire outlook on life changed for the better, and that this change was relatively “long lasting.” Some researchers are attempting to create a similar substance to psilocybin in pill form that retains the antidepressant properties without the potentially psychedelic side effects.

Should you be excited about new antidepressants?

In most cases, the answer is a resounding “no.” Most people get caught up in the hype of a new drug, and that’s exactly what the drug companies want. The drug companies create fancy graphics, advertisements, and tout the drug as being the next best thing to hit the market. In most cases, these new medications are no more effective or tolerable than older drugs.

Although most medications shouldn’t be too exciting, there are some promising therapies in the works for the future. Anything that works differently than an SSRI, SNRI, etc. will get my attention. One such drug that I already mentioned is that of ALKS 5461 – it is showing significant efficacy in initial trials. Even that drug though may not end up getting approved, so it’s nothing to get excited about until it is: A) Approved and B) Generates a positive response.

The future of all medicine lies in finding certain genetic abnormalities that could contribute to major depression, and then targeting them with genetic therapy. We are a significant ways away from utilizing genetic therapy to treat mental illness, but I’d say this would have the potential to actually cure someone of their disease rather than keep people trapped on the pharmaceutical hamster wheel of antidepressant medications.

Reader discussion (19)

Previously published reader comments are preserved below. New comments are not currently being accepted.

Francesca HuneeusOctober 29, 2014
Very interesting article. Sadly I am one of those individuals caught up on the pharmaceutical hamster wheel you wrote about.
Michelle DukesJanuary 15, 2015
Been diagnosed with bipolar, manic depression with PTSD. Medications work temporarily. I find myself OK for a couple years,then nothing. I'm currently on no antidepressants. I'm dealing with swinging bouts of depression.But the few days of depression is better than the withdrawal from them. Celexa worked great but kept me awake too long. I wish there was a better way. Your article enlightened me. I may try again.
Zakir BorodinMarch 10, 2015
Michelle, I took *every* antidepressant that existed (except for most of the ancient tricyclics, and I tried one of those). I also tried to augment them with *every* atypical antipsychotic that existed. After spending a few days in the psych hospital last June, I listened to the psychiatrist there and gave electroconvulsive therapy a try. It was not nearly as scary or as disorienting as it had been made out to be, and after three weeks I had a response, and after seven weeks my depression had gone fully into remission. I had not felt as good for twenty years. I only wish it had been suggested sooner. So instead of trying the 207th pill on the market, maybe you should change treatment modalities, as I did.
KarenFebruary 28, 2016
It's a year since your ECT. Just wondering how you are.
sky graysonFebruary 19, 2015
Not feeling very hopeful with these newer meds. The thought of living in a deep dark depression forever is frightening.
bethApril 18, 2015
Viibryd is unique and works extremely well, but it DOES come with considerable weight gain. In about 3 months I gained around 20 lbs all while eating the same as I did and exercising nearly 5 days a week (cardio and weight training). The weight gain lowered self-esteem so I switched. In one month of eating right but exercise maybe 2 or 3 days a week every other week, I lost 15 lbs. Mostly sitting in bed. Four months later I'm down 22 lbs with even less exercise. Other people that have tried viibryd around here had significant weight gain, causing them to get off. Works wonders for depression and anxiety but kills self-esteem 20+ lbs later.
William Lyles, MDMay 21, 2015
Great job. Zakir (above) is correct: ECT can be transformative even when medication has been unhelpful. My great frustration, however, is psychiatry's hesitancy to recommend three or more concurrent agents, or more (and noting 2010 Olfson and Mojtebai study found 33.2% of psychiatry patients were on three or more psychiatric agents already). Such polypharmacy has been crucial for my recovery - I suffer very severe Bipolar Depression; thank God I had a psychiatrist brave enough to practice beyond the edge. And I had already had 20 ECT treatments. Note: Meds are almost always required after ECT to sustain recovery. As a psychiatrist myself, I practiced aggressively as well, and with great benefit to my previously unresponsive patients - but that could be merely observer bias or placebo speaking. Thank you.
Psychiatric HelenJuly 3, 2015
Agomelatine has worked very well so far in preventing my depressive-suicidal lows since at least 2008 and without side effects too. I've tried almost every drug, both old and new including several on this list. However, in their infinite bureaucratic wisdom, the FDA rejected agomelatine.
JennieJuly 15, 2015
Was briefly optimistic about my improvement with Brintellix, but very disappointed after I sank into a deep depression about a month after starting it, as it was probably the 23rd medication I've been on (I am making a stab in the dark at the number here, suffice it to say it's been a ridiculous number, and always part of a cocktail because one alone has never been enough). I, too, am loath to try yet another pill or two or seven in the hope that one of them will be my silver bullet (BTW, Viibryd worked for me for a long time, maybe even a couple of years--until it didn't). I tried to get on trials for Fetzima and Ketamine, but they both required you to taper off ALL medications and be medication free for at least a month, to which my response was an easy fuhgeddaboudit--that's an easy prescription for insanity in itself! So I, too, am considering ECT. I have heard that is not the scary electro-shock of Over the Cuckoo's Nest fame, very effective, and that the much-touted memory loss only lasts a few days. After the positive reports here, I am even more inclined.
AKNovember 22, 2015
I had tried Lexpro, Remeron, Paxil, Prozac and I don't remember how many other drugs. Each works for few months, then I start having sleep issues (no stage 3,4,5). That feeling is worse then depression. Can you suggest something that I could talk to my doctor about? Thanks, AK.
BeckieJanuary 21, 2016
I was told to be on "treatment" medically for only 9 months. Unfortunately the doctor I was seeing said it wasn't enough yet. Now, 17 years + later I am SO afraid of life without any help. I'm on the who knows what number of meds since 17 years ago. Mother Nature has created a roller coaster of emotions and I am so tired. One med made me sick as hell for 3+ months the next I gained 80 lbs in 6 months. Im tired of being a drug trial... need help please!!!!!!
SidJanuary 28, 2016
Beckie, hang in there. Help will come from within. Soon...
Barb McCaslinMarch 22, 2016
I've been on every form of SSRI. EVERY single antipsychotic drug for 50 Years now. I'm not taking anything at the present and my shrink is a joke as are most in DFW. I'm staying off meds and we are moving to Colorado next month and I hope to get some decent healthcare there. It's horrific in Texas.
KeithApril 11, 2017
Hi Barb, As you are moving to Colorado, you could try medical cannabis. It's given by a doctor, and many of my friend's with brain injury have gotten off all kinds of pills. Don't be scared by all the negatives, it's a great medicine used properly. Good luck.
AmberApril 16, 2016
Right now the FDA is sitting on a drug that can change psychiatry all together. They talk about ALKS 5461 as if it were the United States idea. Do the research about the drug suboxone that Europe has been using for years for depression. They have seen over an 85% turn around with people even as soon as the first week which is unheard of for any other antidepressant out there. I can tell you this from experience. Yes here in the united states you have to be an addict for doctors to even consider giving it to you. I am 40 yrs old and in my early 20`s became addicted to pain meds after being sent to a pain clinic. I have lived with anxiety and depression since the age of 22 and like many of you have been put on every antidepressant that has come out until I said "enough". I started a drug and alcohol out patient clinic where I was introduced to suboxone. This drug completely changed my life even well after finishing my treatment. I was on it for a little over 2 years. I also have fibromyalgia and live with pain daily as well as endometriosis. Suboxone not only helped me with the pain, urges to use again but my anxiety and depression as well. It was amazing how well it worked. I was able to hold down a job and go back to school at the same time. It worked so well that I no longer needed to take my antidepressant or lyrica and tramadol for pain. I still needed my medication for anxiety but I can honestly tell you that I was happy for that 2 years. unfortunately my psychiatrist moved from the area and unless I was still using could not find a doctor to prescribe it. I've been keeping an eye on ALKS 5461 for awhile now. The FDA was suppose to approve it this year which could still happen. They basically took suboxone, tweaked it a little so when they do come out with it it's their drug, and their idea. I'm not saying that it will work for everyone but what Europe has done is amazing esp with such a high success rate. One of the reasons I have been watching this other drug so closely is my fear of addicts getting ahold of it first and ruining peoples chances who can really benefit from it. When I mention this drug to doctors I see they all look at me as if I had 3 eyes. The lack of research most doctors do never ceases to amaze me. If ALKS 5461 gets approved pharmaceutical companies will have a field day filling their pockets with money and every doctor will have reps at their door step right away. All I can say to you is never stop researching and I mean every drug you put into your body. You have to become an advocate for yourself because my trust in most doctors has been ruined. Interactions get over looked all the time. You know your body better than anyone else and how it has or hasn't responded to antidepressants. Don't be afraid to say no to one being pushed on you by someone who has never taken it nor dealt with the many side effects that can come with them. I wish everyone good luck with their personal journey and you are not alone.
AldousSeptember 5, 2016
From what little research I have done, I see that suboxone is a narcotic that not only can be addictive but can also kill you. I'm open to trying anything that works - including mindfulness techniques that help manage depression and chronic anxiety, which I am doing now - and would certainly go for ECT if it would work. Not sure that I would risk death from a narcotic - even if death is uppermost in my mind because of depression. Do you know of any links that connect to suboxone as a treatment for depression? Thanks.
Oliver L.August 19, 2016
I love the skeptical (without being paranoid) perspective on ADs but is the future really in genetic treatments that cure us of the "disease"? What if links between genes and mental disorders turn out to be correlative rather than causative, and/or what if mental disorders turn out not to be biomedical diseases in a literal way?
GLOOMAugust 23, 2016
It's definitely more complex than genes alone. For example, brain damage (from concussions, biotoxins, etc.), anatomical/connectivity/developmental abnormalities, unfavorable environment, et al. - can induce depression regardless of a person's "genes." That said, there are clearly certain genes/complexes that increase risk of depression (lowering hedonic set point) and others that protect against depression (raising hedonic set point). Just to name a few that may have an impact: COMT (Val158Met polymorphism), ADA2b deletion variant, FAAH (gene variant rs324420), 5HTTLPR (long allele)... The bigger picture is an infinitely complex puzzle, but gene therapy seems to be the most logical target - for many individuals - but clearly not everyone. Pinpoint the potentially problematic genes and/or gene combinations (which won't be easy) and reverse them with gene therapy.
AldousSeptember 5, 2016
Useful article with good detail. I think, however, that constantly referring to the production and use of these drugs as 'brainwashing' doesn't help much. People with serious depression are not served by articles suggesting that they try magnetic stimulation as an alternative to drugs that actually work. A little more detail about alternative options - presented with the same skepticism you obviously hold regarding pharmaceuticals - would be a more balanced approach. We need help, not (ironically) propaganda. Big Pharma spends a lot on propaganda. Your own propaganda, however subtly presented, is no more valid than theirs.