title: Switching antidepressants for treatment-resistant major depression.
abstract: A substantial proportion of patients suffering from major depression experience insufficient clinical response, despite appropriate treatment. Switching to a different monotherapy antidepressant medication is the preferred option for many patients and clinicians. The possible advantages of switching to a different monotherapy, as compared with adding a second agent (i.e., augmenting or combining), include reduced medication costs, fewer drug interactions, better adherence, and less patient burden over time. Response rates for switching, are based largely on open trials, which reveal a response rate of approximately 50%. These response rates are comparable to the response rates reported with augmentation or combination, again established largely by noncomparative open trials. This review article summarizes clinical considerations and available evidence regarding switching antidepressants in the treatment of major depression. Practical issues, such as when to consider switching and how to switch from one medication to another, are addressed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Tex 77030, USA. laurenm@bcm.tmc.edu
authors.forename: L B
authors.initials: LB
authors.lastname: Marangell
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D004565:Electroconvulsive Therapy; D006801:Humans; D008996:Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D008996:Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors