In a previous post we explored the possible reasons for the dramatic increase in antidepressant use over the past two decades. One theory is that antidepressants are being overprescribed to people who are not clinically diagnosed with depression or a mood disorder. But for the many individuals who do suffer from clinical depression, medication can be an effective and sometimes life-saving treatment option. The decision to take medication to treat your depression can be a difficult choice. Many of our members on MyDepressionConnection ask about which antidepressants are the “best.” This is an impossible question to answer because so much depends upon the individual’s diagnosis, body chemistry, ability or willingness to tolerate side effects, and many other factors. The more precise question is, “Which antidepressant is right for me?” In making such a decision a review of the medical literature and research can be helpful. In this post we are going to take a look at the latest research on which antidepressants are rated as the most effective.
Note: The decision to take medication to treat your depression is a personal choice. Nobody can make this choice for you. Take the time to research any drugs you may use including possible side effects or interactions with other medications. If you do decide you want to try medication discuss your options with your doctor to find the antidepressant right for you.
Do the newer antidepressants (Effexor and Cymbalta) work better than older medications such as Prozac or Celexa?
There appears to be some evidence that the newer and more costly SNRI’s (serotonin and norepinephrin reuptake inhibitors) do not work any better than the generic and less expensive older class of antidepressants called SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors). Here is some of the research on this topic:
• A 2009 Consumer Reports survey found that SSRI’s such as Lexapro, Celexa, Prozac and Zoloft are just as effective and with fewer side effects than some of the newer SNRI’s like Cymbalta and Effexor. According to Nancy Metcalf, the senior program editor for Consumer Reports Health, their survey showed “…that a combination of therapy and medication works best, and that despite the intense marketing push consumers are subjected to, there is no evidence that newer drugs like Pristiq and Cymbalta work any better than older medications in their class.”
• A 2008 study by Gartlehner et. al. shows similar results as the Consumer Reports survey. The study authors concluded that: “Current evidence does not warrant the choice of one second-generation antidepressant over another on the basis of differences in efficacy and effectiveness. Other differences with respect to onset of action and adverse events may be relevant for the choice of a medication.”
Which antidepressants have been found to be the most effective?
