What’s New in Antidepressant Medications in 2025? 

Despite the introduction of groundbreaking medications in 2024, many clinicians found themselves relying on well-established antidepressants for their effectiveness and accessibility. According to Dr. Stephon Martin, MD, escitalopram (commonly sold under brand names Lexapro and Cipralex and bupropion–marketed as Wellbutrin, Zyban) remained staples in his practice due to their favorable side effect profiles and diverse mechanisms of action.

“I prefer escitalopram for a number of reasons. Many have found that initial side effects such as GI distress are less intense. Additionally, it interacts with far fewer medications/substances than most, making it less complicated to add to a person’s medical regimen. Bupropion has a different mechanism of action than SSRIs, helping in slightly different ways. In addition to its potential benefits on mood, many find that it provides a boost in energy/wakefulness and enhances concentration/focus. Unlike SSRIs/SNRIs, it is not typically associated with sexual side effects and can even be useful in decreasing the severity of such symptoms when taken concurrently.”

Similarly, Nicholas Cunningham, PMHNP, highlighted sertraline (Zoloft) as his go-to choice, noting its ability to address depression alongside various anxiety disorders. “For much of 2024, as I was seeing a lot of new patients, sertraline (Zoloft) was my drug of choice for its ability to aid in not only depression but varying types of anxiety from agoraphobia to public speaking. I saw a lot of improvement in the lives of many of the patients that not only stayed with the medication regimen but also made a concerted effort to make the appropriate changes in their lives to bring about more positive change and not just be spectators to their mental health.”

I saw a lot of improvement in the lives of many of the patients that not only stayed with the medication regimen but also made a concerted effort to make the appropriate changes in their lives to bring about more positive change and not just be spectators to their mental health.

-Nicholas Cunningham, PMHNP

Dr. Areum Kim, MD, a psychiatrist specializing in children and adolescents, emphasizes the value of relying on tried-and-true medications to avoid potential barriers for her patients. “Although new medications can be exciting and innovative, they are often expensive and difficult to access,” she explains. For younger populations, well-established options like Prozac, Lexapro, and Zoloft remain her preferred choices because they often offer effectiveness and accessibility without the challenges that can come with newer treatments. This approach helps ensure that her patients receive dependable care without unnecessary delays or complications.

Among the innovations from 2024, Exxua™ (Gepirone) has gained significant traction in 2025. Exxua builds on the success of ketamine and Auvelity by targeting the glutamatergic system, offering a novel mechanism of action for patients with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). This mechanism allows for potentially faster relief of depressive symptoms compared to traditional SSRIs.

Many clinicians report promising results with Exxua. Dr. Kim shared her optimism, stating, “Exxua is in the same class as a medication called Buspar, which is widely used and indicated mainly for generalized anxiety. It is typically dosed two to three times a day, which can make adherence difficult, so a once-daily medication in a similar class that may better target anxiety is exciting.”

Dr. Kim also highlighted Exxua’s minimal sexual side effects, which address a common barrier to adherence with many antidepressants. While Exxua’s potential is promising, Dr. Kim noted that logistical challenges, such as cost and insurance coverage, will likely delay widespread use. “Logistically, these medications will not likely be commonly used until patents expire and costs come down, so these medications will unlikely change my practice anytime soon,” she added.

In 2025, Zuranolone (Zurzuvae) is emerging as a key player in depression treatment, particularly for postpartum depression. Approved in 2024, Zurzuvae represents a breakthrough as the first oral medication specifically designed for postpartum depression, targeting neurosteroids to regulate hormonal imbalances. Dr. Kim shared her optimism about its practicality, noting that the oral formulation addresses significant barriers that limited the use of its predecessor, Zulresso, an intravenous treatment which was discontinued in 2025.

Looking ahead, clinicians are keeping an eye on promising treatments that can emerge in 2025. Ujjwal Ramtekkar, MD, MBA, CPE, MPE, DFAACAP, FAPA, who serves as Chief Medical Officer at LifeStance, comments that, “Emerging antidepressant medications like Aticaprant—which is pending FDA approval—target novel biological pathways, unlike the traditional serotonin and norepinephrine targets. These treatments could be beneficial for individuals who have not responded to traditional first-line medications for depression. These types of treatments may have the potential to drive a more personalized approach to mental health care, moving beyond one-size-fits all medications to deliver faster relief and renewed hope for those who have not responded to traditional treatments.”

Everyone’s experience with depression is unique, and effective treatment must reflect that individuality. As part of our commitment to deliver personalized, evidence-based care, LifeStance clinicians carefully consider the symptoms that are most impairing to the individual and the most suitable medication to address them.

-Ujjwal Ramtekkar, MD, MBA, CPE, MPE, DFAACAP, FAPA

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is one of the most common mental health conditions, affecting 21 million adults in the United States, or 8.3% of the population. Staying on top of the latest advancements in depression treatment is important to LifeStance, one of the largest outpatient mental and behavioral healthcare providers in the country.

In particular, Dr. Ramtekkar underscores that, “Everyone’s experience with depression is unique, and treatment plans should recognize that. As part of our commitment to deliver personalized, evidence-based care, LifeStance clinicians carefully consider the symptoms that are most impairing to the individual and work to identify the most suitable medication to address them.”

This approach often helps patients receive more appropriate and effective treatments for their unique needs.