The Journal of clinical psychiatryDec 5, 1998

Choosing an antidepressant based on how it works to improve effectiveness and reduce side effects

Psychedelic Science Weekly Brief ↗PubMed ↗

Updated Mar 28, 2026

Abstract

The diversity of antidepressant mechanisms may help clinicians tailor treatment for individual patients.

Antidepressants have unique mechanisms that can predict both therapeutic and adverse effects.
Different patients exhibit varying symptoms and depressive subtypes.
Matching the psychopharmacologic profiles of antidepressants with individual patient profiles may enhance treatment effectiveness.
Avoiding less preferred agents based on this matching process could minimize side effects.

Simplified

The diversity of antidepressant mechanisms available today allows clinicians to individualize treatment decisions for depressive symptoms and subtypes, as well as to avoid side effects. The mechanism of action of antidepressants allows prediction of both adverse effects and therapeutic effects. Individual antidepressants have unique psychopharmacologic profiles, and individual patients have unique clinical profiles of different symptoms and depressive subtypes. By using this knowledge, the prescriber can match drug profiles with patient profiles to select preferred agents and avoid less preferred agents.

Choosing an antidepressant based on how it works to improve effectiveness and reduce side effects

Abstract

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