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 .
Chronic benzodiazepine use in general practice patients with depression: an evaluation of controlled treatment and taper-off: report on behalf of the Dutch Chronic Benzodiazepine Working Group.
BACKGROUND Many patients with depression take benzodiazepine drugs long term despite the absence of continuing therapeutic value . AIMS To evaluate a treatment programme involving gradual discontinuation with or without simultaneous selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor ( SSRI ) prescribing and to determine the long-term outcome after benzodiazepine withdrawal . METHOD Patients went through three phases - change to an equivalent dose of diazepam ; subsequent r and omisation to either 20 mg of paroxetine or placebo ; and gradual reduction of diazepam in depression-free patients - with a follow-up after 2 or 3 years . RESULTS A total of 230 patients were recruited and 75 % in the paroxetine group and 61 % in the placebo group were successfully treated after 6 weeks ( P:=0.067 ) . After 2 or 3 years 13 % of patients were still benzodiazepine free : 26 % of those who had successfully tapered off benzodiazepine and 6 % of the total group . CONCLUSIONS Transfer to diazepam followed by gradual withdrawal is an effective way of discontinuing chronic benzodiazepine use . The addition of SSRI treatment is of limited value
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 .