Classification of Antidepressants

CLASSIFICATION

These drugs vary significantly in their chemical and pharmacological properties. One convenient way is to combine both aspects and classify accordingly.

I. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)

Harmine, Harmaline

α-methyl tryptamine, α-ethyl tryptamine

II. Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)

1. Imino dibenzyl derivatives

2. Dibenzo cycloheptane derivatives

2. Dibenzoxepine derivatives

4. Dibenzoxazepine derivatives

III. Second-generation antidepressants

1. Bicyclic: Viloxamine, Zimeldine

2. Tricyclic: Dibenzepine, Amoxapine, Imprindole

3. Tetracyclic: Mamprotiline, Mianserin

IV. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

V. Selective NE reuptake inhibitors

a. Venlafaxine

b. Nisoxetin

c. Roboxetine

VI . Benzodiazepines

a. Alprazolam

VII. Electro convulsive therapy

VIII. Miscellaneous

1. ß-Adreno receptor agonists salbutamol, clenbutral

2. Thyrotropine releasing hormone (TSH)

3. Others: trazadone, nomifenzine, bupropion, fluvoxamine