Safety and tolerability of the new antidepressants

The newer serotonergic antidepressants have become popular particularly because of improved tolerability and safety. The evidence supporting this belief is reviewed. The factors that contribute to the development of somatic symptoms are examined, including the depression itself and the drugs used for treatment. The rates for individual side effects with the serotonin selective reuptake inhibitors, nefazodone, and venlafaxine are presented and compared with the adverse event experience for mirtazapine.