Beyond the evidence: is there a place for antidepressant combinations in the pharmacotherapy of depression?
Up to 45% of patients with debilitating and potentially lethal depressive illness do not achieve remission with initial drug treatment. Using combinations of antidepressants as an early option for treatment-resistant depression has become increasingly common. Before trying combination therapy, it is essential first to ensure diagnosis is correct, and then to optimise antidepressant monotherapy, using an effective dose for an adequate period. Subsequently, augmentation of antidepressants with lithium and triiodothyronine should be considered, as these strategies are strongly supported by numerous clinical trials. Electroconvulsive therapy is the most effective treatment for severe depression. There is little evidence to support use of antidepressant combinations. Risk of toxicity and drug interactions mandate that combinations be used as a last resort, and only in specialist settings.
Keks
Nicholas A
NA
Monash University, Melbourne, VIC. nicholas.keks@med.monash.edu.au
Burrows
Graham D
GD
Copolov
David L
DL
Newton
Richard
R
Paoletti
Nick
N
Schweitzer
Isaac
I
Tiller
John
J
D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004351:Drug Resistance; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D006801:Humans; D019338:Polypharmacy
D000928:Antidepressive Agents