There currently exists no antidepressant without side effects. But many new antidepressants work as well as the older ones and have FEWER side effects. Some of these medications primarily affect the neurotransmitter serotonin, and are called "selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors" (SSRIs). These include fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), fluvoxamine (Luvox), paroxetine (Paxil), and citalopram (Celexa).The late 1990s ushered in new medications that, like the tricyclics, affect both norepinephrine and serotonin but have fewer side effects. These new medications include venlafaxine (Effexor) and nefazadone (Serzone). Other newer medications chemically unrelated to these are the sedating mirtazepine (Remeron) and the more activating bupropion (Wellbutrin). Wellbutrin has not been associated with weight gain or sexual dysfunction but is not used for people with, or at risk for, a seizure disorder. Each antidepressant differs in its side effects and in its effectiveness in treating an individual person, but the majority of people with depression can be treated effectively by one of these antidepressants. It is best to consult a psychiatrist before taking any of these drugs.