ACP guidelines recommend 2nd-generation antidepressants

Second-generation treatments for depression are all equally effective, according to a new clinical practice guideline published in the Annals of Internal Medicine by the American College of Physicians.

"The studies we analyzed show that second-generation drugs have different adverse effects but are equally effective for treating depression," said the guideline's lead author Amir Qaseem.

"ACP recommends that physicians make treatment decisions based on side effects, cost and patient preferences, and make necessary changes in therapy if the response is not sufficient after six to eight weeks. Doctors should also assess patient status and adverse effects on a regular basis starting within one to two weeks of starting the treatment," Dr Qaseem continued.