Information about Some of the Newer 'Atypical' Antidepressants

Information about the newer 'atypical' medications, which include Buspar (buspirone), Desyrel (trazodone), Effexor (venlafaxine), Remeron (mirtazapine), Serzone (nefazodone), and Wellbutrin (bupropion). The side effects can be similar to the SSRIs, including:

• Headache --this will usually go away.
• Nausea --even when it occurs, it is transient after each dose.
• Nervousness and insomnia (trouble falling asleep or waking often during the night) --these may occur during the first few weeks; dosage reductions or time will usually resolve them.
• Agitation (feeling jittery) --if this happens for the first time after the drug is taken and is more than transient, the doctor should be notified.
• Sexual problems --the doctor should be consulted if the problem is persistent or worrisome.
  
  
• Buspar (buspirone) - Information from the Depression Guide
  
• Desyrel (trazodone) - Information from the Depression Guide
  
• Effexor (venlafaxine) - Information from the Depression Guide
  
• Remeron (mirtazapine) - Information from the Depression Guide
  
• Serzone ( nefazodone) - Information from the Depression Guide
  
• Wellbutrin (bupropion) - Information from the Depression Guide
  

  Side effect information from the National Institute of Mental Health, excerpted from a brochure on depression.