Do SSRIs differ in their antidepressant efficacy

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) have been extensively studied worldwide and show at least equivalent efficacy to the tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs). Some of the SSRIs have demonstrated superior efficacy to TCAs in a number of subgroups including patients with severe depression, suicidal thoughts or depression associated with anxiety. There is currently a lack of direct comparative data between the different SSRIs, although the few studies which are available indicate overall equal efficacy. However, the pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic characteristics may result in different side-effects which might, in turn, lead to a characteristic pattern of use.