A Practical Approach to Prescribing Antidepressants
abstract
This abstract is available on the publisher's site.
Access this abstract nowAlthough antidepressant drugs do not differ much in their efficacy rates, the particular characteristics of one drug may make it a better choice in a given patient. This article provides insight into the art of prescribing antidepressants in primary care, with recommendations for prescribing for patients with chronic pain, sexual dysfunction, anxiety, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, severe insomnia, old age, diabetes, and heart problems.
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A Practical Approach to Prescribing Antidepressants
Cleve Clin J Med 2013 Oct 01;80(10)625-631, E Shultz, DA MaloneFrom MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.
Pharmaceutical treatment for depression is unique in that there is little difference in efficacy among antidepressants, and we often choose a drug based on its side effects or its other benefits. This review does a nice job of reminding us which antidepressants may be best when depression is associated with other medical conditions. Here is a summary.
Probably the best treatment is through you. Although you can still cause side effects, the artful clinician with placebo works just about as well as an active drug for mild to moderate depression, each having about a 58% response rate.1 Don’t underestimate the healing power of a compassionate ear and a therapeutic plan, even if it is with a sugar pill!
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