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Updated: Jun 13, 2026
12:21
Thermostabilization, Expression, Purification, and Crystallization of the Human Serotonin Transporter Bound to S-citalopram
Published on: November 27, 2016
Sertraline versus other antidepressive agents for depression
Andrea Cipriani1, Teresa La Ferla, Toshi A Furukawa
1Department of Medicine and Public Health, Section of Psychiatry and Clinical Psychology, University of Verona, Policlinico "G.B.Rossi", Piazzale L.A. Scuro, 10, Verona, Italy, 37134.
The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
|April 16, 2010
Summary
Sertraline shows a trend towards better efficacy and acceptability for major depression compared to other antidepressants. However, some newer agents may be more effective or better tolerated, and diarrhea is a common side effect of sertraline.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Trials
Background:
- Selective serotonin reuptuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are recommended as first-line treatment for depression.
- Preliminary data suggested sertraline may offer superior effectiveness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy, acceptability, and tolerability of sertraline versus tricyclics (TCAs), other SSRIs, and newer antidepressants in acute major depression treatment.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from 1966-2008.
- Searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane registers; hand-searched references; contacted experts.
- Extracted data on efficacy (response/remission), acceptability (completion rates), and tolerability (side effects).
Main Results:
- 59 mostly low-quality studies compared sertraline with other antidepressants.
- Sertraline showed favorable efficacy over fluoxetine and better acceptability/tolerability than amitriptyline, imipramine, paroxetine, and mirtazapine.
- Mirtazapine and bupropion demonstrated superior efficacy and acceptability, respectively; sertraline was linked to higher rates of diarrhea.
Conclusions:
- A trend favors sertraline for efficacy and acceptability in major depression treatment.
- However, some newer antidepressants may offer advantages.
- Crucially, many studies lacked reporting on patient-relevant outcomes specified in the review protocol.
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