Second-Generation Antidepressants to Treat Depression: Clinical Practice Guideline

The American College of Physicians (ACP) has developed a clinical practice guideline for the use of second-generation antidepressants to treat patients with depressive disorders. The ACP’s recommendations are based on a systematic review of 203 studies of 12 antidepressants, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), and selective serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors.

Efficacy of antidepressants in treating major depression did not differ; the incidence of specific adverse events did differ. For example, nausea and vomiting were more common with the SNRI venlafaxine than with SSRIs. Other adverse events were associated with various agents: sertraline with diarrhea,…