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Antidepressants List
This listing is not comprehensive, but includes most medications for depression in current use in conventional medicine. Caregorized by type (drug classes or biochemical family), generic drug names are listed first followed by the trade names. SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors)
The SSRI class has become the treatment of first choice for people suffering from depression and anxiety disorders. Compared to earlier generations of antidepressants, SSRIs are no more effective in treating depression. Their major advantages are more benign side effect profile and reduced toxicity with overdose.
Tricyclics (TCA)
From the 1960's through the 1980's tricyclic antidepressants were the first line treatment for depression. Currently, TCAs are used as a second or third-line treatment choice.
SNRIs (Serotonin and Noradrenaline Reuptake Inhibitors)
SNRIs represent the newest class of antidepressants. These drugs have a similar mechanism of action as SSRIs, but act on the two neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine.
NaSSA
Mirtazapine is classified as a noradrenergic and specific serotonergic antidepressant. Compared with SSRIs, mirtazapine causes less insomnia and nausea, but more weight gain, fatigue and excessive somnolence.
NDRIs (Norepinephrine and Dopamine Reuptake Inhibitors)
Currently bupropion, a pharmacologically unique antidepressant, is the only available NDRI.
Miscellaneous
MAOIs (Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors)
MAOIs are the oldest class of medications for depression, and are rarely used today as they they require strict dietary restrictions.
Last reviewed - November 2009 |
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