Any drug used to relieve symptoms in depressive illness. The two main groups are the tricyclic antidepressants (TCADs) and the monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), which act by altering chemicals available to the central nervous system. Both may produce serious side effects and are restricted.

Any of a class of drugs used to treat depression; often have undesirable side effects; SYN. antidepressant drug. anti-depressant