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
[1] Mayo Clinic Staff. “Atypical Antidepressants.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 25 June 2016, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/in-depth/atypical-antidepressants/art-20048208.
