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Atypical antidepressants, including bupropion (Wellbutrin), mirtazapine (Remeron), nefazodone (Serzone), trazodone (Desyrel), and vilazodone (Viibryd), offer unique mechanisms of action. Bupropion weakly inhibits dopamine and norepinephrine reuptake, aiding depression treatment and smoking cessation, with a low risk of sexual dysfunction. Mirtazapine enhances serotonin and norepinephrine neurotransmission, leading to sedation, increased appetite, and weight gain. As a result, it helps treat...
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Sedatives and hypnotics encompass a wide range of substances, each with its unique mechanism of action, uses, and potential adverse effects.
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Network Pharmacology and Validation of the Antidepressant Mechanisms of Qiangzhifang in a Chronic Restraint Stress-induced Depression Rat Model
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Antidepressants in use in clinical practice.

Mark Agius1, Hannah Bonnici

  • 1Clare College Cambridge, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK, ma393@cam.ac.uk.

Psychiatria Danubina
|September 28, 2017
PubMed
Summary

This guide helps doctors prescribe antidepressants, emphasizing their role alongside psychological and social interventions for depression. Antidepressant efficacy is similar across classes, with choices based on avoiding specific side effects.

Area of Science:

  • Psychiatry
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Depression requires comprehensive treatment including psychological and social interventions.
  • Antidepressants are a key component of managing depression.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide a practical guide for clinicians on prescribing antidepressants.
  • To consolidate information on antidepressant classes, mechanisms, side effects, and dosages.

Main Methods:

  • Review of major antidepressant classes: Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), tricyclics, and others.
  • Description of each class's mechanism of action, common side effects, and typical dosages.
  • Discussion on the duration of antidepressant treatment (typically six months).

Main Results:

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  • Antidepressant efficacy is comparable across different drug classes.
  • The primary factor in selecting an antidepressant is the avoidance of specific adverse effects.
  • No single antidepressant is free from potential side effects.

Conclusions:

  • Antidepressant selection should be individualized based on patient-specific side effect profiles.
  • Further research into the causes of depression is needed to develop more targeted and effective treatments.
  • Understanding existing drug limitations is crucial for future antidepressant development.