Mental Health Medications Guide | HerHealth Pharmacy

Psychiatry & Wellness

Mental Health Medications

Accessible, compassionate mental health care. Clinically proven medications for anxiety, depression, and mood disorders.

1 in 5

Canadians experience
mental illness each year

$51B

annual economic cost
of mental illness in Canada

60–80%

respond positively
to SSRI treatment

4–6wk

typical time for
full therapeutic effect

Understanding Anxiety & Depression

Mental health conditions are medical conditions—and effective treatment is available.

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

More than sadness—MDD involves persistent changes in brain chemistry affecting mood, energy, sleep, appetite, and concentration. It’s caused by imbalances in serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine neurotransmitter systems.^[1]

Common symptoms: Persistent low mood, loss of interest, fatigue, sleep changes, difficulty concentrating, feelings of worthlessness, appetite changes.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

Persistent, excessive worry that’s difficult to control. Affects about 5% of Canadians. The brain’s threat detection system (amygdala) becomes overactive, and serotonin regulation is impaired.^[2]

Common symptoms: Constant worry, restlessness, muscle tension, difficulty sleeping, irritability, difficulty concentrating, fatigue.

How SSRIs Work

Serotonin Release

Neurons release serotonin into the synapse to communicate mood-regulating signals.

Reuptake Blocked

SSRIs block the serotonin transporter, preventing reabsorption back into the sending neuron.

Increased Availability

More serotonin remains in the synapse, enhancing signaling and gradually improving mood regulation.

Medication Comparison

Medication	Approved For	Starting Dose	Typical Dose	Key Advantages
Sertraline (Zoloft)	MDD, GAD, OCD, PTSD, panic disorder, social anxiety	25–50mg	50–200mg	Broadest range of approved indications; well-studied in pregnancy
Escitalopram (Lexapro)	MDD, GAD	5–10mg	10–20mg	Fewest drug interactions; best tolerated SSRI; clean pharmacology

Starting an SSRI: Improvement typically begins within 2–4 weeks, with full therapeutic effects at 4–6 weeks. Common initial side effects (nausea, headache, sleep changes) usually resolve within the first 1–2 weeks. Never stop an SSRI abruptly—always taper under medical guidance to avoid discontinuation symptoms.^[3]

What to Expect: Treatment Timeline

Week 1–2: Side effects may occur, limited benefit Adjustment

Week 2–4: Early improvement in sleep, energy, anxiety Early response

Week 4–6: Significant mood improvement Response

Week 8–12: Full therapeutic effect achieved Full effect

Month 6–12+: Maintenance phase, relapse prevention Maintenance

Our Mental Health Medications

Prescribed by licensed physicians with ongoing support

Rx Only

Sertraline (Zoloft) 25–100mg

First-line SSRI for depression, anxiety, OCD, and PTSD. One of the most widely prescribed antidepressants with extensive safety data. Generic available at affordable pricing.

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Rx Only

Escitalopram (Lexapro) 5–20mg

Highly selective SSRI with the cleanest side-effect profile. Fewer drug interactions than other SSRIs. Excellent first choice for anxiety disorders.

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When to Seek Immediate Help

If you or someone you know is in crisis, please contact:

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 (Canada & US)
Crisis Services Canada: 1-833-456-4566 (24/7)
Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868
Emergency: Call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room

Frequently Asked Questions

Are SSRIs addictive?

No, SSRIs are not addictive and do not produce a “high.” However, stopping abruptly can cause discontinuation symptoms (dizziness, nausea, irritability, brain zaps). This is why it’s important to taper gradually under medical supervision. This is a physical adjustment, not addiction.^[3]

Can I take SSRIs during pregnancy?

Sertraline is considered one of the safer options during pregnancy, with extensive research supporting its use when benefits outweigh risks. Untreated depression during pregnancy also carries risks. Discuss with your prescriber to make an informed decision.^[4]

Will SSRIs change my personality?

SSRIs don’t change who you are. They help restore your brain’s natural balance so you can feel more like yourself. Many patients describe the effect as “lifting a fog” rather than changing their personality.

What if the first medication doesn’t work?

About 30–40% of people don’t respond adequately to their first SSRI. Options include adjusting the dose, switching to a different SSRI, or adding augmentation therapy. Response rates improve significantly with each subsequent trial.^[1]

How long will I need to take medication?

CANMAT guidelines recommend continuing treatment for at least 6–12 months after achieving remission for a first episode, and longer (2+ years) for recurrent episodes. Your prescriber will work with you on a personalized plan.^[3]

References & Sources

Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Treatments (CANMAT). “Clinical Guidelines for the Management of Major Depressive Disorder in Adults.” Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, 2016 (updated 2023).
Katzman MA, et al. “Canadian clinical practice guidelines for the management of anxiety, posttraumatic stress and obsessive-compulsive disorders.” BMC Psychiatry, 14(Suppl 1), 2014.
NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). “Depression in Adults: Treatment and Management.” NICE Guideline NG222, 2022.
Byatt N, et al. “Antidepressant Use in Pregnancy: A Critical Review.” Focus (American Psychiatric Publishing), 11(4), 2013.
Mental Health Commission of Canada. “Making the Case for Investing in Mental Health in Canada.” 2023.

Medical Disclaimer

The information provided on this page is for general educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, pharmacist, or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or medication. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.

All medications listed require a valid prescription from a licensed Canadian prescriber. HerHealth Pharmacy does not guarantee specific treatment outcomes. Individual results may vary based on health status, medical history, and other factors. Clinical data and statistics referenced are drawn from published research and may not reflect every patient’s experience.

HerHealth Pharmacy is a licensed Canadian pharmacy operating under the regulations of the relevant provincial college of pharmacy. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency department immediately.