Antidepressants for Seniors: What Works, What to Watch For

When it comes to antidepressants for seniors, medications used to treat depression in older adults, often with different risks and responses than younger patients. Also known as geriatric antidepressants, these drugs are among the most commonly prescribed for people over 65—but they’re not always safe or effective without careful monitoring. Depression in older adults isn’t just sadness. It’s often masked as fatigue, memory problems, or irritability. Many seniors don’t realize they’re depressed, and doctors sometimes miss it too. That’s why antidepressants get prescribed—but not all of them are right for aging bodies.

SSRIs, a class of antidepressants including sertraline and escitalopram, often preferred for older adults due to fewer side effects than older drugs. Also known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, they’re the go-to starting point for many doctors because they’re less likely to cause dizziness, dry mouth, or heart rhythm issues than older options like tricyclics. But even SSRIs can be risky. Seniors metabolize drugs slower, so standard doses can lead to falls, confusion, or low sodium levels. And mixing them with common meds—like NSAIDs for arthritis or blood thinners—can cause dangerous bleeding or serotonin syndrome. medication safety in older adults, the practice of choosing and managing drugs to minimize harm in elderly patients with multiple conditions. Also known as polypharmacy management, it’s not just about picking the right pill—it’s about knowing what not to combine.

Some seniors respond better to talk therapy or exercise than pills. Others need a mix. And if one antidepressant doesn’t work or causes side effects, switching isn’t failure—it’s part of the process. The key is patience and communication. Tell your doctor about every supplement, OTC painkiller, or sleep aid you take. Ask if a lower dose might help. Watch for new dizziness, memory lapses, or unexplained bruising. These aren’t normal aging signs—they could be drug reactions.

Below, you’ll find real-world guides on how seniors manage these drugs, what side effects to track, how to avoid dangerous interactions, and what alternatives actually work. No fluff. Just clear, practical info from people who’ve been there.