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 .
Sexual dysfunction associated with the treatment of depression: A placebo-controlled comparison of bupropion sustained release and sertraline treatment
This study compared the sexual functioning effects as well as the safety and efficacy of bupropion sustained release ( bupropion SR ) and sertraline .  Three hundred sixty-four patients with normal sexual functioning and recurrent major depression were treated with bupropion SR ( 150 - 400 mg/day ) , sertraline ( 50 - 200 mg/day ) , or placebo for 8 weeks in this r and omized , double-blind , multicenter study . Patients ' depression , sexual functioning , and overall safety were assessed at regular clinic visits . Significantly ( P < 0.05 ) more patients treated with sertraline experienced orgasm dysfunction compared with patients treated with bupropion SR or placebo . Bupropion SR , but not sertraline , was statistically significantly superior to placebo in improving scores on all depression scales by the end of the study . Headache occurred with similar frequency in all groups . Gastrointestinal disturbances occurred more frequently with sertraline ;  insomnia and agitation occurred more frequently with bupropion SR . Small decreases in mean weight were seen with both active treatments ; the placebo group experienced a minor increase in mean weight . Both bupropion SR and sertraline were generally well tolerated , although sertraline was more often associated with sexual dysfunction .  Bupropion SR , but not sertraline , was statistically superior to placebo in relieving depression by the end of the study . Bupropion SR may offer advantages over sertraline in treating depressed patients concerned with sexual functioning
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 .