1. Understanding Depression Slideshow
2. Take the Depression Quiz
3. Benefits of Depression Treatment

Medical Author:

Mary L Windle, PharmD

Pharmacy Editor:

Omudhome Ogbru, PharmD

Omudhome Ogbru, PharmD

Dr. Ogbru received his Doctorate in Pharmacy from the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy in 1995. He completed a Pharmacy Practice Residency at the University of Arizona/University Medical Center in 1996. He was a Professor of Pharmacy Practice and a Regional Clerkship Coordinator for the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy from 1996-99.

View Full Profile

This is NOT a complete list of side effects reported with atypical antidepressants. The doctor, health care provider, or pharmacist can discuss a more complete list of side effects.

• Manic episodes in persons with bipolar disorder (If not combined with a mood-stabilizing drug, atypical antidepressants may induce manic episodes in individuals with bipolar disorder.)
• Seizures (Atypical antidepressants may lower the threshold for seizures; that is, seizures may occur more easily. Caution is advised for individuals prone to seizures or those who have a history of seizures.)
• Drowsiness (Caution is advised when operating machinery, driving, or performing other tasks that require alertness.)
• bupropion (Wellbutrin, Wellbutrin SR, Wellbutrin XL, Zyban)
  • Contains the same active ingredient found in Zyban, which is used as an aid in smoking cessation treatment (Do not use bupropion with Zyban or other medications containing bupropion.)
  • More likely to cause seizures than other antidepressants, especially with doses above 450 mg/day (Seizures are also more likely in patients who have bulimia or anorexia nervosa and are treated with bupropion.)
  • Caution in narrow-angle glaucoma
  • Caution in slow gastric emptying (often present in diabetes)
• maprotiline (Ludiomil), mirtazapine (Remeron)
  • May increase appetite and cause weight gain
  • May decrease white blood cell count (The doctor will monitor this throughout the therapy.)
  • May cause urinary retention, blurred vision, heart rhythm abnormalities, dizziness, or constipation
  • Caution in heart disease and abnormal heart rhythms
• nefazodone (Serzone)
  • May cause liver impairment (Contact the doctor immediately if dark urine, anorexia, stomach or abdominal pain, or yellowing of the skin or eyes occurs.)
  • Caution in heart disease and abnormal heart rhythms
  • Lightheadedness or fainting when standing up from a sitting or lying position (Stand up gradually from lying down or sitting positions.)
• trazodone (Desyrel)
  • Caution in heart disease and abnormal heart rhythms
• venlafaxine (Effexor)
  • May cause sustained increases in blood pressure
  • May cause weight loss
  • May cause anxiety and insomnia
  • Decreased dose required for individuals with kidney or severe liver impairment

Must Read Articles Related to Understanding Antidepressant Medications

Depression Depression is a mental illness that affects 19 million Americans annually. Causes are genetic, environmental, and biological. Symptoms and signs include weight ...learn more >>

Disorders That Disrupt Sleep (Parasomnias) Parasomnias are disruptive sleep-related disorders. They are characterized by undesirable physical or verbal behaviors or experiences. Parasomnias occur in asso...learn more >>

Fatigue Fatigue is a common health complaint by individuals. Fatigue is also referred to as feeling weary, tired, exhausted, lethargic, and a lack of energy. There are ...learn more >>

See the Entire Understanding Antidepressant Medications Topic Guide »