Use of selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors in the treatment of depression in adults with HIV.
OBJECTIVE
To review the safety and efficacy of selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) for the treatment of depression in adults with HIV.


METHODS
We searched Pre-MEDLINE and MEDLINE (1966-May 2004) using terms including generic names of antidepressants and antiretrovirals, depression, HIV, and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. All English-language articles were included in this review.


RESULTS
SSRIs may be effective and better tolerated than tricyclic antidepressants in HIV-positive adults. SSRIs did not appear to affect CD4+ cell counts.


CONCLUSIONS
Controlled trials comparing SSRIs are lacking; thus, it is difficult to determine whether one SSRI is more efficacious than another. It appears that most SSRIs may be used in HIV-positive adults. If drug-drug interactions are a concern, sertraline, citalopram, and possibly escitalopram may be considered.
Caballero
Joshua
J
College of Pharmacy, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210-1291, USA.
Nahata
Milap C
MC
D000328:Adult; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003863:Depression / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology*; D004347:Drug Interactions; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors