The pharmacologic treatment of depression.
BACKGROUND
Family physicians often provide the first line of treatment for patients with depression. Many effective drugs are now available for the pharmacologic treatment of depression.


METHODS
We searched Medline from 1991-96 under the topics of depressive disorders/treatment and antidepressant medications. Other sources were found by back-referencing from these references and from pharmacology texts.


RESULTS
Although antidepressants appear to be equally effective, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are frequently the drugs of choice because of their safety profile the less troublesome side effects.


CONCLUSIONS
When prescribing antidepressant medications, the clinician must educate patients about potential side effects and about the amount of time that must be allowed for therapeutic efficacy. Drug interactions and concurrent medical conditions are important factors in the choice of an antidepressant.
Majeroni
B A
BA
Department of Family Medicine, State University of New York at Buffalo 14215, USA.
Hess
A
A
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003863:Depression / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D004347:Drug Interactions; D004363:Drug Utilization / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005194:Family Practice; D005260:Female; D017408:Guidelines as Topic; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000188:drug therapy; D011297:Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014481:United States
D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors