Antidepressants, old and new - A review of their adverse effects and toxicity in overdose

Many new antidepressant medications are commercially available. Indications for their use also are expanding, especially in the management of patients with chronic pain syndromes. Most of these agents have significantly higher therapeutic indices than do the tricyclic antidepressants, which in overdose may be immediately Life-threatening. This article reviews these new drugs, including their indications, and their potential toxicities.