Antidepressants work through seven different basic mechanisms

Seven distinct classes of antidepressants are identified based on their pharmacologic mechanisms.

• Antidepressants can be categorized into seven classes, each with unique pharmacologic actions.
• Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) represent the two classical mechanisms of action.
• Serotonin selective reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most commonly prescribed antidepressants.
• Some antidepressants, like venlafaxine, enhance serotonin and norepinephrine levels, while others, such as nefazodone and mirtazapine, have additional mechanisms involving serotonin receptor modulation.
• Bupropion is highlighted as a unique antidepressant that does not directly affect serotonin but targets norepinephrine and dopamine.

Simplified