Atypical antidepressant
Atypical antidepressant
Atypical antidepressants are a type of antidepressant medication that do not fit into the other established classes, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), or tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs).
Pronunciation
Atypical antidepressant: /əˌtɪpɪkəl ˌæntɪdɪˈprɛsənt/
Etymology
The term "atypical" comes from the Greek "a-" meaning "not" and "typical" from the Greek "typos" meaning "imprint" or "model". The term "antidepressant" is derived from "anti-" a prefix meaning against, and "depressant" from the Latin "deprimere" meaning "to press down". Thus, "atypical antidepressant" refers to a non-standard medication that works against depression.
Types of Atypical Antidepressants
Atypical antidepressants include several different types of medications, such as:
- Bupropion (Wellbutrin)
- Mirtazapine (Remeron)
- Nefazodone (Serzone)
- Trazodone (Desyrel)
- Vortioxetine (Trintellix)
Mechanism of Action
Unlike other classes of antidepressants, atypical antidepressants work by affecting different neurotransmitters in various ways. For example, bupropion works by inhibiting the reuptake of dopamine and norepinephrine, while mirtazapine increases the release of norepinephrine and serotonin.
Side Effects
Like all medications, atypical antidepressants can have side effects. These can include nausea, dizziness, weight gain, dry mouth, and insomnia. It's important to discuss potential side effects with a healthcare provider before starting any new medication.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Atypical antidepressant
- Wikipedia's article - Atypical antidepressant
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