Atypical Antidepressants

Atypical antidepressants are the “other” antidepressants that may be prescribed to you if you don’t respond to other categories of antidepressants.

The Mayo Clinic^[1] explains that atypical antidepressants ease depression by impacting chemical messengers -neurotransmitters - used to communicate between brain cells. Since atypical antidepressants are drugs that don’t clearly fit into a single category, each one works differently and on different neurotransmitters.

Examples include (brand name italicized):

• Bupropion (Wellbutrin, Forfivo, Aplenzin)
• Mirtazapine (Remeron)
• Nefazodone
• Trazodone
• Vortioxetine (Trintellix)

Side Effects^[1]:

Each drug has its own side effects but most atypical antidepressants include the following:

• Dry mouth
• Drowsiness
• Lightheadedness