Antidepressants
Antidepressants are a therapeutic group of prescription medicines used in the management of depressive disorders and, depending on the medicine, other clinical uses. They are not one uniform treatment: the active ingredient, medicine class, formulation and your prescriber's treatment goal all matter when comparing options.
What should you compare when looking at antidepressants?
Established antidepressant classes include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), tetracyclic antidepressants and tricyclic antidepressants. SSRIs and SNRIs are generally considered newer approaches than tricyclic medicines, while tricyclics have a longer history of use. This does not make one option universally more suitable than another. Products with different active ingredients are not interchangeable, so choose only the medicine, strength and formulation prescribed for you.
What is relevant for antidepressants in Australia?
In Australia, duloxetine, paroxetine, mirtazapine and doxepin are Schedule 4 Prescription Only Medicines, requiring a prescription from an authorised prescriber. Product-level ARTG information differs: Cymbalta modified-release duloxetine 30 mg and 60 mg capsules are entered in the ARTG, while mirtazapine-containing medicines are included in the ARTG but the exact brand and presentation should be checked. The available information does not establish ARTG inclusion for the listed Paxil CR or Sinequan presentations, so their exact brand, formulation and strength should be verified before supply or use.
Which antidepressant products do we list?
We list four options across four medicine classes. The comparison below focuses on duloxetine, paroxetine and mirtazapine choices; doxepin in Sinequan capsules provides a tricyclic antidepressant option in 10 mg, 25 mg and 75 mg strengths. Available package quantities vary by product and strength, from 30 to 360 tablets in the wider range.
How do selected listed options differ?
| Product | Active ingredient and class | Form | Available strengths | Price from | Lowest price per tablet |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cymbalta | Duloxetine, SNRI | Delayed-release capsules | 20 mg, 30 mg, 40 mg, 60 mg | A$107.92 | A$1.63 per tablet |
| Paxil CR | Paroxetine, SSRI | Extended-release tablet | 10 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg, 40 mg | A$114.00 | A$1.50 per tablet |
| Remeron | Mirtazapine, tetracyclic antidepressant | Tablet | 7.5 mg, 15 mg, 30 mg | A$114.00 | A$2.04 per tablet |
These figures are comparison points for the listed strengths and packages, rather than a statement that the products are direct substitutes. Check the individual product page for the prescribed strength and package options.
What delivery options do we offer in Australia?
We can dispatch eligible orders to Australia by Express delivery with tracking, estimated at 4-7 days, or Standard delivery, estimated at 14-21 days. Express shipping costs A$45.58 and Standard shipping costs A$22.78. Free shipping is available for either method when its respective checkout threshold is reached. We accept Visa, Mastercard, Bitcoin and USDT at checkout.
How should storage and postal transit be considered?
The listed products have product-specific storage requirements. Cymbalta and Remeron are stored at 25°C with permitted excursions between 15°C and 30°C, while Paxil CR and Sinequan are stored at 20°C to 25°C with limited excursions noted in their specifications. Containers should remain tightly closed, with moisture protection important for Cymbalta, Paxil CR and Remeron, and light protection specified for Remeron and Sinequan. We package medicines carefully for standard postal delivery. Prompt receipt and correct storage after delivery help keep the order in good condition. Check the packaging on arrival and contact your pharmacist or prescriber if you have concerns.