[Two new antidepressants: mirtazapine and venlafaxine].

Mirtazapine blocks presynaptic alpha 2-adrenoreceptors and has a benign safety profile.

• Mirtazapine and venlafaxine are pharmacologically distinct from other new antidepressants.
• Venlafaxine primarily inhibits serotonin reuptake and norepinephrine reuptake at higher doses.
• Both mirtazapine and venlafaxine are effective for treating depressed outpatients.
• Mirtazapine is not effective in depressed inpatients with psychotic features, suicidality, or long-lasting episodes.
• The adverse events profile of venlafaxine is similar to that of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
• Venlafaxine has not been studied in depressed inpatients with psychotic features.

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