[A comparative analysis of effectiveness, tolerance and cost of second generation antidepressants in France]

While French authorities point to the need for rational prescribing, especially concerning psychotropic drugs, few data on the prescription of second-generation antidepressants (SGA) are synthesized for clinicians' use. Our objective is to carry out a comparative analysis of effectiveness and tolerability / acceptability of SGA. Considering the benefit/risk ratio and the cost (generic), the first-line treatment for a major depressive episode may be currently sertraline (50 mg / d). It may however have more digestive side effects than other SSRIs (due to the serotonin action), which calls for caution while increasing doses. Fluoxetine seems relevant in treatment of negative symptoms of schizophrenia (20mg / d) and in bulimia (60mg / d). Fluvoxamine seems relevant in the case of sexual side effects with a previous SSRI, in treatment of anxiety disorders (it's affinity for sigma receptors may confer a specific action) and in psychotic depression. Mirtazapine may be a treatment of interest when a fast remission of depressive symptoms (especially insomnia) is warranted but its tolerance profile makes it difficult to use.