ABSTRACT
The mechanism of action is given for the tricyclic antidepressants (e.g. amitriptyline and nortriptyline), selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (e.g. fluoxetine and citalopram), monoamine oxidase inhibitors (e.g. phenelzine and isocarboxazid) and the mood-stabilising drugs (e.g. lithium carbonate). Other antidepressant drugs (e.g. reboxetine and venlafaxine) are also discussed. The pharmacokinetics of antidepressants is discussed and other issues raised in relation to antidepressant drugs, such as the therapeutic delay, side-effects and serotonin syndrome, as well as the effectiveness of these drugs against placebo, are also addressed. The use of antidepressant drugs in other medical conditions is explored and the role of ketamine in depression is highlighted.
