According to a new study slated for publication in the next issue of The Lancet, the commonly prescribed antidepressant Zoloft appears to be the best choice when initiating medication treatment for moderate to severe depression.
Zoloft is also the most affordable medication among the antidepressants that the study judged to be most effective – something which is critical in the current economic climate, where the cost of health care is perhaps as important as the quality of health care.
The efficacy and acceptability of several popular antidepressants were considered, including Zoloft (sertraline), Lexapro (escitalopram), Remeron (mirtazapine), Effexor (venlafaxine), Cymbalta (duloxetine), Prozac (fluoxetine), Paxil (paroxetine), and Edronax (reboxetine).
The study, a meta-analysis of 117 randomized trials involving more than 25,000 patients and 12 new-generation antidepressants, found that, “[c]linically important differences exist between commonly prescribed antidepressants for both efficacy and acceptability in favour of escitalopram and sertraline.”
While several of the medications were found to have similar effectiveness in treating depression, Zoloft and Lexapro topped the list in terms of acceptability, indicating significantly fewer people taking these medications stopped treatment for their depression.
In addition to the favorable efficacy and acceptability profiles of both medications, study authors note that "[s]ertraline seems to be better than escitalopram because of its lower cost in most countries.” They caution, however, that “in the absence of a full economic model, this recommendation cannot be made unequivocally, because several other costs are associated with the use of antidepressants[.]”
Nevertheless, with the current global economic crisis in full swing, the significance of affordable, effective treatments for depression should not be underestimated.
Mental health professionals are seeing an increase in patients presenting with anxiety, stress and depression. Additionally, many people already diagnosed with depression are finding they are affected more than usual. Anxiety, fear and anger are common among people suffering from depression during an economic downturn. Calls from creditors, overdue credit card bills, and difficulties paying the mortgage and putting food on the table only add to feelings of inadequacy and guilt.
According to The American Psychiatric Association nearly half of Americans it surveyed in September reported feeling stressed about their ability to provide for their family’s basic needs.
And, with 8 out of 10 people surveyed naming the economy as a major source of stress, low-cost medication treatments are not only appreciated by patients having difficulties paying their bills, they’re essential. Thus, medications that strike the balance between benefits, tolerability and cost may be the best first-choice to fill this growing global need.
Disclosures: Dr. Reyes is not affiliated with, and owns no stock/interest in, any pharmaceutical company.
Related Links:
Video: Treating Depression - illumistream
Antidepressants: Selecting One for You - Mayo Clinic
When Do Meds Make the Difference? - American Psychological Association
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im aways depressed and not because ive been on any drugs.i cant afford them.im always tierd butt figity energy drinks make me sick feeling.pills make me nausious.what do i do?or can take?