After having corrected for these apparent mistakes , we conducted a sensitivity analysis in which we also accounted for a possible moderating effect of age ; while this suggests SSRIs to be safe drugs in the non-elderly , they do confirm what is already known , that is , that they may enhance the risk for SAEs in the old .
According to a systematic review on the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors ( SSRIs ) in adult depression that was recently published in BMC Psychiatry , the results of which have been widely disseminated in lay media , these drugs increase the risk for serious adverse events ( SAEs ) while exerting poor antidepressant efficacy .
Efficacy and safety of vilazodone 20 and 40 mg in major depressive disorder: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
Vilazodone is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor and 5-HT1A partial agonist approved for major depressive disorder ( MDD ) treatment in adults . This was a 10-week , multicenter , double-blind , placebo-controlled and active-controlled , fixed-dose trial ( NCT01473381 ) . Adult patients with MDD ( Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders , 4th ed . , text revision criteria ) were r and omized 1 : 1 : 1 : 1 to vilazodone 20 or 40 mg/day , citalopram 40 mg/day , or placebo . Primary efficacy : Montgomery – Åsberg Depression Rating Scale ( MADRS ) ; secondary efficacy : Clinical Global Impressions-Severity and sustained response ( MADRS total score⩽12 for at least the last two consecutive double-blind visits ) . The intent-to-treat population comprised 1133 patients , ( placebo=281 ; vilazodone 20 mg/day=288 ; vilazodone 40 mg/day=284 ; citalopram=280  ) . MADRS and Clinical Global Impressions-Severity score change from baseline to week 10 was significantly greater for vilazodone 20 mg/day , vilazodone 40 mg/day , and citalopram versus  placebo . Sustained response rates were numerically higher , but not significantly different , in all active treatment groups versus placebo . The most common adverse events ( ≥5 % of vilazodone patients , twice the rate of placebo ) were diarrhea , nausea , vomiting  ( vilazodone 40 mg/day only ) , and insomnia . Improved sexual function ( Changes in Sexual Functioning Question naire scores ) was seen in all groups ; between-group differences were not significant . Vilazodone 20 and 40 mg/day demonstrated efficacy and tolerability in the treatment of MDD
After having corrected for these apparent mistakes , we conducted a sensitivity analysis in which we also accounted for a possible moderating effect of age ; while this suggests SSRIs to be safe drugs in the non-elderly , they do confirm what is already known , that is , that they may enhance the risk for SAEs in the old .
According to a systematic review on the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors ( SSRIs ) in adult depression that was recently published in BMC Psychiatry , the results of which have been widely disseminated in lay media , these drugs increase the risk for serious adverse events ( SAEs ) while exerting poor antidepressant efficacy .