Antidepressant class | Examples | Mode of action | Adverse effects |
---|---|---|---|
Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) | Nortriptyline, amitriptyline, imipramine, dothiepin | Block norepinephrine and serotonin reuptake transporters; also antagonize serotoninergic, histaminergic, adrenergic and cholinergic receptors | Common side effects include dry mouth and constipation; cardiovascular issues can occur; fatal in overdose |
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) | Fluoxetine, sertraline, paroxetine, citalopram, escitalopram | Block serotonin reuptake transporters; more selective than TCAs | Common side effects include nausea, sexual dysfunction; lower cardiotoxicity than TCAs (therefore safer in overdose) |
Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) | Venlafaxine, duloxetine | Block norepinephrine and serotonin reuptake transporters; more selective than TCAs | Common side effects similar to SSRIs; also associated with increased blood pressure |