Mechanism of action of antidepressive agents

Abstract:

Although the precise mechanism of action of antidepressants is largely unknown, all currently used antidepressants increase the availability of brain monoamines. They exert this effect by various mechanisms, including monoamine reuptake inhibition, blocking of degradation enzymes or receptor blocking. Although there are major similarities across same class of antidepressants, each antidepressant has unique pharmacological characteristics. Antidepressants differ in their propensity to induce sedation, sexual dysfunction, gastrointestinal disturbance, weight changes, insomnia and other reactions. Small differences in pharmacology might become significant in particular patients. Given the variety of second-generation antidepressants, clinicians can choose optimal treatment, based on most prominent symptoms and comorbid conditions. 

Key words:
antidepressive agents; monoamine reuptake inhibitors; personalized treatment of depression