This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies. Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

Worldwide, nearly 6% of people experience depression. Many of them continue taking antidepressants after achieving symptomatic improvement, among other reasons to prevent a relapse of depression. An international team of researchers investigated which antidepressants, if any, can not only get patients well but also keep them well (sustained response).

This is the first large-scale study to compare different antidepressants for both short- and long-term use. Results have been published in The Lancet Psychiatry.

This study utilized evidence from 115 previously conducted randomized clinical trials, involving more than 30,000 participants in total. Researchers compared 20 antidepressants with one another and with the best-known antidepressant, fluoxetine. Results suggest that antidepressants can indeed keep people well during long-term use as well. Moreover, the study found evidence of differences between the various medications. These findings should inform the initial choice of antidepressants in view of their potential long-term use.

Three antidepressants were found to be more effective in the long term: escitalopram, agomelatine and duloxetine. These medications performed better than fluoxetine. "Escitalopram is already widely used," says first author Paul van Haaren. "Agomelatine works well, but one of its side effects is the risk of liver failure. Duloxetine is less well known and is prescribed less frequently as a first-line treatment."

Many international guidelines advise SSRIs as first-choice antidepressants. "Of these SSRIs, escitalopram now appears to be the most effective, also for long-term use.

Source link