What is the best antidepressant?

Results from several studies, including the STAR*D (STAR*D (NIMH-funded Sequenced Treatment Alternatives to Relieve Depression) trial suggest that there is no one superior antidepressant. Results from STAR*D suggest that if a patient does not respond after 10-12 weeks to the first antidepressant prescribed – roughly 25% will get better by instead trying a new second antidepressant medication. For those that do not respond after a second trial of an antidepressant after 10-12 weeks, about 7% will get better when a new third is tried. Instead of searching for the best antidepressant, it is more productive to match antidepressants based on side effects in order to improve their tolerability for patients.

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