Several different classes of antidepressants(ADs) with newer drugs becoming available have been used for the phamacological management of a broad spectrum of mental disorders, among which depressive disorder is most commonly indicated. Successful clinical use of ADs requires a complete understanding of the psychopharmacological properties of ADs and on accurate knowledge of patients, characteristics based on clinical experience and theoretical framework. This paper aims at providing some practical information on the clinical use of ADs to assist clinicians in treating patients with major depression. The author describes (1) different classes of ADs and their presumed mechanisms of action, (2) clinical characteristics of ADs focusing on side-effect profiles, (3) some issues arising during the treatment course such as : a) pretreatment tasks, b) choice of ADs, c) therapeutic drug dose and monitoring of drug concentration, d) three stages of treatment and e) strategies in refractory depression and (4) ADs in special patient groups.