Second Generation Antidepressive Agents, also known as Atypical Antidepressants or Atypical Antidepressive Agents, refer to a class of medications used in the treatment of depression and other mood disorders. These drugs, developed after the first-generation antidepressants, have a distinct mechanism of action and are considered to have greater safety and tolerability profiles.
Second Generation Antidepressive Agents work by altering the levels of specific neurotransmitters in the brain, particularly serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. By modulating the activity of these neurotransmitters, these medications aim to regulate mood, improve sleep patterns, and enhance general well-being.
These medications are called "second generation" due to their improved selectivity and reduced side effects compared to older antidepressant classes such as tricyclic antidepressants and monoamine oxidase inhibitors. They are known for their ability to produce fewer anticholinergic effects, such as dry mouth, constipation, and blurred vision, which were common with their predecessors.
Common examples of second-generation antidepressive agents include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as fluoxetine, sertraline, and escitalopram. Other agents that fall into this category include serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) like venlafaxine and duloxetine, as well as dopamine-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (DNIs) such as bupropion.
These antidepressants are prescribed to alleviate symptoms of depression, anxiety disorders, and certain types of pain disorders. However, it is important to note that their efficacy and tolerability might vary from person to person, and they must be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
