Side effects in the modern psychopharmacology of depression

Although the most commonly used antidepressants (ie, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) have a lower incidence of side effects compared to the earlier antidepressants (ie, tricylic antidepressants), some less serious and a few potentially serious side effects are associated with the range of newer antidepressants and adjuvant agents used to augment the efficacy of antidepressants. Primary care physicians engaged in the modern practice of psychopharmacologic treatment of depression need to be aware of the range of side effects, from minor to more serious. This article focuses on the more common side effects of antidepressants used in the modern treatment of depression.