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. 2010 Dec 29:26–455. doi: 10.1016/B978-0-443-07151-5.50005-6

Table 3.42.

Most commonly used antidepressants

Class Abbreviation Mechanism of action Drug Side effects
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors MAOI Inhibit MAO-A Moclobemide
Tricyclic antidepressants TCA Block reuptake of Nor & 5HT

  • Amitriptyline

  • Dolesupin

  • Doxepin

  • Lomipramine

  • Lofepramine

  • Nortriptyline

  • Protriptyline

 Sedation
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors SSRI Block reuptake of 5HT

  • Citalopram

  • Fluoxetine

  • Fluvoxamine

  • Peroxetine

  • Sertraline

 Fewer adverse effects
Selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors SNRI Block reuptake of Nor & 5HT Venlafaxine
Noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor NARI Block reuptake of Nor Reboxetine
Noradrenergic and specific serotonergic antidepressant NASSA Block reuptake of Nor, 5HT2 & 5HT3 Mirtazapine
Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine) antagonists 5HT 5HT antagonists Nefazodone