Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors: a review of efficacy and tolerability in depression.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are now generally regarded as effective and better tolerated alternatives to tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) for the treatment of depression. SSRIs also seem to be as well tolerated as moclobemide, mirtazapine, venlafaxine, reboxetine and nefazodone and show comparable efficacy. Minor differences have been observed between some SSRIs and some of the newer antidepressants but these findings are far from conclusive. Widespread use of the SSRIs has highlighted some unforseen adverse effects associated with SSRIs, namely hyponatraemia, EPSE and sexual dysfunction. Overall, differences in efficacy and tolerability between individual SSRIs are small and clinically insignificant.
Pharmacy Dept, Maudsley Hospital, Denmark Hill, London SE5 8AZ, UK.
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D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D015201:Meta-Analysis as Topic; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013375:Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / Q000523:psychology
D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors