SSRIs significantly increase the risk of both serious and non-serious adverse events .
The potential small beneficial effects seem to be outweighed by harmful effects .
Background The evidence on selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors ( SSRIs ) for major depressive disorder is unclear .
Methods Our objective was to conduct a systematic review assessing the effects of SSRIs versus placebo , ‘ active ’ placebo , or no intervention in adult participants with major depressive disorder .
A double-blind comparison of fluvoxamine, imipramine and placebo in depressed patients.
In a placebo-controlled , double-blind study of 91 out-patient depressives , the anti-depressant effect of fluvoxamine , a selective serotonin uptake inhibitor was compared to that of imipramine . Overall drug effects were relatively weak but analyses in selected sub-groups showed both active drugs superior to placebo .  Effects of fluvoxamine were more marked in non-situational depressives and it did not improve sleep while effects of imipramine were more marked in retarded depressives and on retardation ratings , suggesting that fluvoxamine may have a different pattern of clinical effects . Side effects of Fluvoxamine were predominantly gastrointestinal and it did not produce postural hypotension or anticholinergic side-effects
SSRIs significantly increase the risk of both serious and non-serious adverse events .
The potential small beneficial effects seem to be outweighed by harmful effects .
Background The evidence on selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors ( SSRIs ) for major depressive disorder is unclear .
Methods Our objective was to conduct a systematic review assessing the effects of SSRIs versus placebo , ‘ active ’ placebo , or no intervention in adult participants with major depressive disorder .