Which group of antidepressants is commonly referred to as second-generation antidepressants?

The group of antidepressants commonly referred to as second-generation antidepressants includes atypical antidepressants. This classification emerged as pharmaceuticals were developed that had different mechanisms of action and side effect profiles compared to earlier classes of antidepressants.

Atypical antidepressants, such as bupropion, mirtazapine, and others, often target multiple neurotransmitters and can influence serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine levels in the brain. They differ in their pharmacological properties, efficacy, and tolerability, which allows for a more tailored approach in treating depression, particularly for patients who do not respond well to first-generation medications.

In contrast, first-generation antidepressants typically refer to tricyclic antidepressants and monoamine oxidase inhibitors, which have more severe side effects and interactions. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), while often categorized as first-line treatments for depression, are typically classified as part of the newer generation but don't fit the specific term "second-generation" as it is applied to atypical antidepressants. Therefore, the correct association of second-generation antidepressants with atypical agents highlights their relevance in modern psychiatric practice.