Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) for Major Depression

Download or read book Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) for Major Depression written by Evelinda Trindade and published by . This book was released on 1997 with total page 130 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: 162 randomized controlled trials that compare selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) to placebo or other antidepressants were reviewed. Meta-analyses were undertaken to compare 1) efficacy, 2) completion rates, and 3) adverse effects of individual drugs and drug classes. Efficacy was not statistically significantly different among individual SSRIs or between SSRIs as a group and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) or other antidepressants. SSRIs were significantly more efficacious than placebo. Completion rates were not statistically significantly different among individual SSRIs or between SSRIs as a group and TCAs or other antidepressants. Completion rates with SSRIs were significantly better than with placebo. Differences in drop-outs (between SSRIs and TCAs) due to lack of effect or worsening of symptoms were not statistically significantly different. Neither were the differences in drop-out rates due to adverse events, except when adult and outpatient group were combined. SSRIs were shown to be associated with statistically significantly more: nausea, anorexia, diarrhea, anxiety, agitation, insomnia and nervousness than TCAs. On the other hand, patients on SSRIs have statistically significantly fewer rates of: dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision and dizziness than with TCAs.