How Antidepressants Work

Venlafaxine may be associated with an earlier onset of action and higher remission rates than selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).

• A variety of effective medications exist for treating major depression.
• Tricyclic antidepressants were the primary treatment until the 1990s, followed by SSRIs.
• Concerns about the tolerability of tricyclics and the efficacy of SSRIs have prompted the exploration of alternative medications.
• New drugs targeting norepinephrine and serotonin systems include venlafaxine, milnacipran, nefazodone, mirtazapine, and reboxetine.
• The aim is to develop medications with multiple effects to enhance clinical efficacy in depression treatment.

Simplified