Antidepressant Drugs: MAOIs and Other Agents

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors, or MAOIs, inhibit monoamine oxidase, increasing neurotransmitter levels.

Atypical antidepressants encompass drugs with distinct mechanisms that modulate neurotransmission in the brain.

For instance, bupropion weakly inhibits dopamine and norepinephrine reuptake, making it helpful in aiding smoking cessation.

Serotonin receptor antagonists like nefazodone and trazodone act as weak serotonin reuptake inhibitors and sedatives, effectively treating major depression and insomnia.

Mirtazapine, a central presynaptic ɑ₂ -sympatholytic, enhances serotonin and norepinephrine neurotransmission but may cause sedation and weight gain.

Vortioxetine inhibits serotonin reuptake, agonizes 5-HT_1a receptors, and antagonizes 5-HT₃ and 5-HT₇ receptors, making it versatile for managing depression.

Vilazodone acts as both a serotonin reuptake inhibitor and a partial  5-HT_1a receptor agonist, contributing to its antidepressant effects.

Additional antidepressants include the NMDA antagonists—ketamine and esketamine and the GABA_A allosteric modulator—brexanolone.