Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors: Therapeutic alternatives to the tricyclics in the treatment of major depression

Around 8% of the industrialized world are affected by major depressive disorder, which is often a recurrent or chronic disorder. Although a common condition, it is under-recognized and under-treated in the primary care setting. When it is diagnosed, long-term treatment is often needed and tolerability is an important consideration. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRb) are as effective as tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), but are not associated with their often unacceptable and sometimes serious side-effects. In this review, SSRIs are explored as therapeutic alternatives to TCAs for the treatment of major depressive disorder. Depression 3:215–224 (1995/1996). © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.