Second-generation antidepressants

The Second-generation antidepressants are a class of antidepressants characterized primarily by the era of their introduction (approximately coinciding with the 1970s and 1980s), rather than by their chemical structure or by their pharmacological effect. As a consequence, there is some controversy over which treatments actually belong in this class.

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The term "Third generation antidepressant" is sometimes used to refer to even newer antidepressants, often selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, such as fluoxetine, reboxetine, mirtazapine, nefazodone, paroxetine, sertraline, and venlafaxine. However, this usage is not universal.

Examples

This list is not exhaustive, and different sources vary upon which items should be considered second-generation.

• amoxapine
• bupropion
• maprotiline
• mianserin
• nomifensine
• trazodone