Advances in the management of depression: implications for the obstetrician/gynecologist

The selection of an appropriate medication is important for successfully treating depression in women. Although antidepressants do not differ in their efficacy for the treatment of major depression, they do differ in their side effect profiles, toxicity, and mechanisms of action. Tricyclics, heterocyclics, and newer agents such as bupropion, fluoxetine, paroxetine, sertraline, and venlafaxine are used most commonly to treat depression in women. The dosages, side effects, indications, and precautions for these antidepressants are reviewed. Factors affecting selection of a particular antidepressant, as well as the general management of depression in women, are discussed.