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The class of medications typically prescribed for depression is selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). SSRIs work by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain, which can help improve mood and relieve symptoms of depression. This mechanism of action has been well studied and established, making SSRIs one of the first-line treatments for major depressive disorder.

SSRIs are praised for their favorable side effect profile compared to some other classes of antidepressants, making them a common choice among healthcare providers. Medications in this class include popular options such as fluoxetine, sertraline, and escitalopram, which have all demonstrated efficacy in clinical trials for treating depression.

Other options like antipsychotics are generally used for conditions such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, benzodiazepines are primarily prescribed for anxiety disorders and short-term stress relief, and stimulants are mainly utilized for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Each of these classes has a different mechanism of action and specific indications that do not align with the primary treatment goal of alleviating depressive symptoms.