Antidepressants, Pharmacology of

Depression is a common ailment with a lifetime prevalence of 21% in women and 13% in men. Despite the hopelessness it can cause in patients, it is treatable with psychotherapy (if mild) and with antidepressants, with or without psychotherapy (if moderate to severe). Multiple classes of antidepressants have proven to be both effective and safe, and combinations of psychotropic medications may be required to achieve remission in some patients. Choice of which particular antidepressant to prescribe depends on many different factors. This article reviews each class of antidepressant, including dosage and the common adverse effects. A table listing dosage information for the available antidepressants is included.