Recent advances in the pharmacotherapy of major depression

Major depression and its pharmacotherapy have changed substantially during the last decade. Several new agents have been approved for clinical use, and psychiatric nurses must be aware of the benefits and potential adverse reactions associated with each. Moreover, more than 40 states now grant prescriptive authority to advanced practice nurses, and psychiatric nurses need a thorough and balanced knowledge of these agents to initiate and monitor treatment appropriately. This review highlights key features of several newer antidepressants: three selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors approved for major depression (fluoxetine [Prozac, Dista, Indianapolis, IN], sertraline [Zoloft, Roerig, New York, NY], and paroxetine [Paxil, SmithKline Beecham, Philadelphia, PA]), a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor venlafaxine (Effexor, Wyeth-Ayerst, Philadelphia, PA), and nefazodone (Serzone, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Princeton, NJ).