Accidental discovery of antidepressants and antipsychotics has changed the image of psychiatry. The development of psychopharmacology is further influencing this speciality. More specific and safer antidepressants led to the shift of diagnostic and treatment of depression to outpatient departments and to primary care. The study of mechanism of their efficacy contributes to the search of common etiopathogenic factors of psychic and somatic disorders. Nowadays, we have antidepressants, which specifically influence neurotransmitters, playing a significant role in depression – noradrenaline, dopamine and serotonin. The deficit of individual neurotransmiters is associated with certain syndromes (symptoms). In some patient we assume a more pronounced alteration of noradrenergic and/or dopaminergic system, in others an alteration of serotonergic system. A simple laboratory differentiation is not available; that is why we base the diagnosis on present symptoms. Further the concept of noradrenaline and dopamine reuptake inhibitors is discussed. Finally, clinical experience with the only available NDRI – bupropion is summarised.

        Key words: new antidepressants, noradrenaline and dopamine reuptake inhibitors, buproprion.