Abstract
This review covers mechanisms of action, efficacy, side effects, and toxicity of various classes of antidepressants:tricyclic antidepressants, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, second-generation antidepressants including the selective inhibitors of serotonin reuptake, and novel drugs such as mirtazapine, nefazodone, and venlafaxine. (J Clin Psychopharmacol 1997;17[suppl 1]:2S-18S).