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Pharmacologic Treatment of Depression

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Pharmacologic Treatment of Depression

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Pharmacologic Treatment of Depression

Heather Kovich, MD, Shiprock-University of New Mexico Family Medicine Residency


Program and Northern Navajo Medical Center, Shiprock, New Mexico
William Kim, MS, MD, Shiprock-University of New Mexico Family Medicine Residency Program, Shiprock, New Mexico
Anthony M. Quaste, PharmD, USPHS, Northern Navajo Medical Center, Shiprock, New Mexico

The prevalence of depression and the use of antidepressant medications have risen steadily in the United States over the
past three decades. Antidepressants are the most commonly prescribed medications for U.S. adults 20 to 59 years of age.
Second-generation antidepressants (e.g., selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake
inhibitors, serotonin modulators, atypical antidepressants) are first-line therapy for depression. Psychotherapy, including
cognitive behavior therapy and other types of individual and group therapy, is also a first-line treatment. The combination
of medication and psychotherapy is preferred for severe depression. Treatment history, comorbidities, costs, and risk of
adverse effects should be considered when choosing an antidepressant medication. Although many patients use antidepres-
sants indefinitely, few studies have examined safety and effectiveness beyond two years. There is an increased risk of relapse
or recurrence of depressive symptoms when an antidepressant is discontinued, compared with continued use. Gradually
tapering the dosage while concurrently providing cognitive behavior therapy can decrease this risk. High-quality evidence
on antidepressant use in pregnancy is lacking. Depression and use of antidepressants are both associated with preterm birth.
(Am Fam Physician. 2023;​107(2):​173-181. Copyright © 2023 American Academy of Family Physicians.)

The use of antidepressant medications in the United States depressed mood, anhedonia, changes in weight or sleep pat-
has increased fivefold since the introduction of selective sero- terns, fatigue, psychomotor agitation or retardation, feelings
tonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in the late 1980s.1,2 Between of worthlessness or guilt, impaired concentration, and recur-
2015 and 2018, the percentage of U.S. adults who reported rent thoughts of death.6,8 Clinical trials of antidepressants
taking an antidepressant medication in the past 30 days was often use major depressive episode as an inclusion criterion.
13.2%, compared with 2.4% between 1988 and 1994.1,2 Although most patients with clinician-identified depression
Antidepressants are the most commonly prescribed medi- do not meet diagnostic criteria for a major depressive epi-
cations for U.S. adults 20 to 59 years of age.3 Rates of depres- sode, many are prescribed antidepressants.9
sion and suicide have increased, primarily among those Second-generation antidepressants are the most common
younger than 25 years.4,5 The percentage of adults 18 to 25 medications used to treat depression in the United States.10
years of age reporting a major depressive episode in the past These include SSRIs (e.g., escitalopram, paroxetine), serotonin-
year doubled from 8.8% in 2005 to 17% in 2020. During the norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs;​e.g., duloxe-
same period, rates among adults 26 years and older increased tine [Cymbalta], venlafaxine), serotonin modulators (e.g.,
only slightly from 6.2% to 7.1%.6,7 nefazodone, trazodone), and atypical antidepressants
The definition of a major depressive episode is based on (e.g., bupropion, mirtazapine).
the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders,
5th ed., criteria for major depressive disorder.6,8 Five or more Effectiveness
depressive symptoms must be present for at least two weeks, Despite thousands of clinical trials, the effectiveness of anti-
cause distress or functional impairment, and not be due to depressants is not well established. High-quality reviews of
another medical or psychiatric condition. Symptoms include randomized controlled studies show a statistically signifi-
cant improvement in depression with use of antidepressant
See related editorial on page 123. medications.11,12 A 2016 systematic review showed that the
CME This clinical content conforms to AAFP criteria for
number needed to treat for response to treatment or remis-
CME. See CME Quiz on page 127. sion is 9 for tricyclic antidepressants, 7 for SSRIs, and 6 for
Author disclosure:​ No relevant financial relationships. venlafaxine.11 Outcomes of other studies challenge these
Patient information:​A handout on this topic is available
conclusions, with minimal difference in symptoms between
with the online version of this article. placebo and antidepressants, publication bias favoring effec-
tiveness, and pharmaceutical industry sponsorship of most

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PHARMACOLOGIC TREATMENT OF DEPRESSION

Shared decision-making should be used when choosing


WHAT’S NEW ON THIS TOPIC an initial treatment. Prior treatment and response, comor-
bidities, costs, and risk of adverse effects should be consid-
Pharmacologic Treatment of Depression ered. Pharmacogenetic testing, intended to tailor therapy to
Between 2015 and 2018, the percentage of U.S. adults an individual’s genetic variants, has not shown consistent
who reported taking an antidepressant medication in the benefit in outcomes or cost-effectiveness.21
past 30 days was 13.2%, compared with 2.4% between For the general adult population, treatment should
1988 and 1994. start with a second-generation antidepressant or psycho­
Modest evidence shows that escitalopram, mirtazapine, therapy.10,16,17 If an antidepressant is selected, modest evi-
paroxetine, venlafaxine, and amitriptyline are the most dence shows that escitalopram, mirtazapine, paroxetine,
effective antidepressants for reducing acute depressive venlafaxine, and amitriptyline are most effective in reduc-
symptoms by greater than 50% at eight weeks. ing depressive symptoms by greater than 50% at eight weeks
A 2021 network meta-analysis demonstrated a low risk (odds ratio = 1.19 to 1.96).12
of ventricular arrhythmia or sudden cardiac death in
those taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, Adverse Effects
serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, or tricyclic Nausea and vomiting were the most commonly reported
antidepressants. symptoms leading to antidepressant discontinuation during
Typical symptoms of antidepressant discontinuation clinical trials. Patients taking SNRIs have a higher incidence
syndrome can be described using the FINISH mnemonic of nausea and vomiting than those taking SSRIs.22 Other
(flulike symptoms, insomnia, nausea, imbalance, sensory common adverse effects across drug classes include sexual
disturbances, hyperarousal). adverse effects and weight gain, although these are less likely
with bupropion.22,23
Despite concerns about increased risk of cardiac arrhyth-
clinical trials.11,13,14 A recent national survey of adults with mia with SSRIs, a 2021 network meta-analysis demonstrated
depression revealed that those who used antidepressants a low risk of ventricular arrhythmia or sudden cardiac
had no improvement in health-related quality of life at two death in those taking SSRIs, SNRIs, or tricyclic antidepres-
years of follow-up compared with those who did not use sants.24 QT prolongation can occur with these drug classes;​
antidepressants.15 therefore, caution should be used when combining them
Psychotherapy (e.g., behavior therapy, cognitive therapy, with other medications that cause QT prolongation (e.g.,
cognitive behavior therapy, interpersonal psychotherapy, antiemetics, antiarrhythmics, neuroleptics). Bupropion has
psychodynamic therapy, supportive therapy) is also a first- the lowest risk of QT prolongation in patients at high risk of
line treatment for depression.16,17 The effectiveness of psycho- ventricular arrhythmias. Because of its side effect profile and
therapy is similar to that of antidepressants in the primary potential for beneficial antiplatelet activity, sertraline may be
care setting (relative risk [RR] = 1.03;​95% CI, 0.88 to 1.22).18 preferred for those with ischemic heart disease.25
Evidence for cognitive behavior therapy is more robust than Long-term adverse effects should also be considered when
for other types of therapy.10 The combination of psychother- prescribing antidepressants. Limited-quality evidence,
apy and pharmacotherapy may be more effective than either including a 12-year cohort study, found a correlation
treatment alone for moderate or severe depression and may between SSRI use and falls (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.48;​95% CI,
reduce risk of relapse and recurrence.17,19,20 1.39 to 1.59);​fractures (HR = 1.30;​95% CI, 1.21 to 1.39);​and
all-cause mortality (HR = 1.38; 95% CI, 1.26 to 1.51).26
Selection of Initial Depression Therapy In a review of 21 antidepressants, citalopram, escitalo-
Guidelines from the United Kingdom’s National Institute pram, fluoxetine, sertraline, and vortioxetine (Trintellix)
for Health and Care Excellence recommend against rou- were most tolerated with less discontinuation of treatment
tinely offering medication for mild to moderate depression (odds ratio = 0.43 to 0.77).12 Adverse effects associated with
(defined as a Patient Health Questionnaire-9 score of less antidepressants are summarized in Table 1.23,27-36
than 16). If the patient prefers medication, SSRIs are rec-
ommended. Active monitoring, group exercise, and several Duration of Treatment
types of individual and group therapy are recommended as The treatment of depression is often described in three
management options. For more severe depression, a combi- phases. The acute phase of six to 12 weeks is intended to
nation of individual cognitive behavior therapy and an anti- induce remission of symptoms and aid in recovery of func-
depressant (SSRI or SNRI) is recommended.17 tion. The continuation phase of four to nine months is aimed

174 American Family Physician www.aafp.org/afp Volume 107, Number 2 ◆ February 2023
PHARMACOLOGIC TREATMENT OF DEPRESSION

SORT:​KEY RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Evidence
Clinical recommendation rating Comments

In the primary care setting, antidepressant medication and psychotherapy A Network meta-analysis, systematic
should be offered for the treatment of depression.17-20 reviews, clinical practice guidelines

Second-generation antidepressants, including selective serotonin reuptake B Clinical practice guidelines, sys-
inhibitors, serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, serotonin tematic reviews
modulators, and atypical antidepressants, are recommended first-line
medications for the treatment of depression. Choice of medication should
be guided by shared decision-making, with consideration of prior treat-
ment and response, comorbidities, costs, and risk of adverse effects.10,16,17

When antidepressants are discontinued, the risk of relapse or recurrence of A Double-blind randomized con-
depressive symptoms is higher than when treatment is continued.42-44 trolled trial, systematic reviews,
meta-analyses

When discontinuing antidepressants, cognitive behavior therapy should be B Two studies included in larger
used to help prevent relapse and recurrence of depressive symptoms. 56 meta-analysis

Pregnant and postpartum patients should be screened for depression.61 B Systematic reviews of six clinical
trials (n = 11,869) showing decrease
in depressive symptoms in patients
who are screened, even in the
absence of follow-up measures

Fluoxetine and paroxetine should be avoided in older patients. Rec- C Clinical practice guidelines
ommended alternatives include duloxetine (Cymbalta), sertraline, and
escitalopram.77

A = consistent, good-quality patient-oriented evidence;​ B = inconsistent or limited-quality patient-oriented evidence;​ C = consensus, disease-
oriented evidence, usual practice, expert opinion, or case series;​For information about the SORT evidence rating system, go to https://​w ww.aafp.
org/afpsort.

at reducing relapse (return of symptoms). The maintenance adds to a patient’s risk of future episodes, indefinite main-
phase is intended to prevent recurrence (a new episode of tenance treatment is often recommended for patients with
depression) after one year of treatment.10,37 three or more episodes of depression.37
Although up to 75% of patients discontinue antidepres-
sant use within six months, others continue indefinitely.38 Discontinuation
The increase in antidepressant use over the past 30 years The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders,
is largely due to longer treatment duration. 39 The longer 5th ed., defines antidepressant discontinuation syndrome as
patients are in the maintenance phase, the less often treat- “a set of symptoms that can occur after an abrupt cessation
ment is reviewed by their primary care physicians.40 Few (or marked reduction in dose) of an antidepressant medica-
studies have evaluated safety and effectiveness beyond two tion that was taken continuously for at least one month.”8
years.41 Effects typically manifest within two to four days and can
Whenever antidepressants are discontinued, there is an last for several months.46 Typical symptoms can be described
increased risk of relapse or recurrence, with the highest risk using the FINISH mnemonic (flulike symptoms, insomnia,
in the first six months.42-44 Compared with antidepressants, nausea, imbalance, sensory disturbances, hyperarousal).47
psychotherapy may have a longer duration of benefit and Patients should be counseled on symptoms that may occur
lower rate of relapse after discontinuation.15 with abrupt cessation of treatment.48
U.S. guidelines do not specify a duration of treatment for Symptoms of antidepressant discontinuation syndrome
antidepressants.10,16 Canadian guidelines recommend at least can be difficult to distinguish from relapse and recurrence.
six months of treatment and two years or more for those at The prevalence of these symptoms varies, but some reviews
higher risk of relapse.45 Because each episode of depression have found that 50% of patients are affected.46 Regardless of

February 2023 ◆ Volume 107, Number 2 www.aafp.org/afp American Family Physician 175
PHARMACOLOGIC TREATMENT OF DEPRESSION

pharmacologic mechanism, the risk of antidepressant dis- a taper of several months may be needed.51-54 Tapering strate-
continuation syndrome is higher for drugs with a shorter gies are detailed in Table 3.51-53 A dose taper of approximately
half-life (Table 2).49,50 25% every four weeks and a faster taper of 12.5% every two
Despite a lack of head-to-head trials, research shows that weeks are both reasonable strategies. A gradual taper has
a slow medication taper of at least 14 days is best practice;​ been shown to result in as few as 5% of patients experiencing

TABLE 1

Adverse Effects Associated With Antidepressant Medications


Adverse effect Risk Associated medications Time to onset Evidence

Gastrointestinal Odds ratio = 1.55 (95% CI, 1.35 to SSRIs, especially when used Anytime Meta-analysis27
bleeding 1.78) with nonsteroidal anti- during
inflammatory drugs or treatment
antiplatelet drugs;​risk mit-
igated by acid-suppressing
medications

Hepatotoxicity Incidence = 0.5% to 3% Nefazodone, bupropion, Anytime Literature


duloxetine (Cymbalta), during review 28
trazodone treatment

Hyponatremia Incidence = 0.06% to 2.6% SSRIs, SNRIs, mirtazapine, Within the Literature
(sodium < 130 TCAs first month review 29
mEq per L [130
mmol per L])

Osteoporosis Hazard ratio = 1.88 (95% CI, 1.48 to SSRIs, SNRIs Over 10 Prospective
and fractures 2.39) for fragility fracture years cohort30

QT prolongation Dose dependent Citalopram, escitalopram, At initiation Cross-sectional


amitriptyline Typically retrospective
U.S. Food and Drug Admin- dependent studies31,32
istration warns against on coexisting
exceeding recommended risk factors
dose of citalopram (≤ 60
years of age, 40 mg per day;​
> 60 years, 20 mg per day)

Sexual adverse Weighted mean incidence = 40% Trend toward increased risk Within the Meta-analysis33,34
effects (95% CI, 28.3 to 52.6) across obser- with escitalopram and par- first week
vational studies oxetine;​decreased risk with
bupropion

Suicidality Age-related risk Duloxetine, fluoxetine, parox- Not defined Systematic


< 18 years:​odds ratio = 2.39 (95% etine, sertraline, venlafaxine review, meta-
CI, 1.31 to 4.3) analysis of
clinical reports35
≥ 18 years:​odds ratio = 0.81 (95%
CI, 0.51 to 1.2)

Weight gain Rate ratio SSRIs, SNRIs, TCAs​ Over 10 years Population-
(> 5%) 1.21 (95% CI, 1.20 to 1.23) for SSRIs Decreased risk with (highest risk based cohort
bupropion in first two study, system-
1.17 (95% CI, 1.13 to 1.21) for SNRIs years) atic review23,36
1.16 (95% CI, 1.14 to 1.18) for TCAs

SNRI = serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor;​SSRI = selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor;​TCA = tricyclic antidepressant.
Information from references 23 and 27-36.

176 American Family Physician www.aafp.org/afp Volume 107, Number 2 ◆ February 2023
PHARMACOLOGIC TREATMENT OF DEPRESSION

discontinuation symptoms.55 Use of cognitive behavior ther- via breast milk have been documented only in case reports,
apy during the medication taper may help prevent relapse or most commonly with fluoxetine and citalopram. The effects
recurrence.56 are nonspecific and include irritability and decreased feed-
ing. Overall, there is little evidence to support a causal link
Special Populations between antidepressant use in breastfeeding patients and
PREGNANT PATIENTS adverse effects in their infants.73
Approximately 12% of patients in the perinatal period meet
criteria for major depressive disorder.57 Patients with untreated OLDER ADULTS
depression during pregnancy have a higher incidence of Approximately 50% of patients older than 65 years who have
preterm birth and low-birth-weight infants compared with depression report at least a 50% improvement in symptoms
those without depression.58 Treatment of depression has not
been shown to improve these outcomes, and SSRIs may be
independently associated with preterm birth.59,60 TABLE 2
Screening pregnant and postpartum patients for depres-
sion is associated with a 2% to 9% reduction in absolute risk Comparative Risk of Antidepressant
of depression at three to five months, with or without treat- Discontinuation Syndrome for Selected
ment.61 The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends Antidepressants
that clinicians provide or refer pregnant and postpartum Antidepressant Risk*
patients who are at increased risk of perinatal depression to Atypical antidepressant
counseling interventions.62 Bupropion +
For patients taking antidepressants before pregnancy, dis- Mirtazapine +
continuation is more likely to lead to relapse when depression
is severe or recurrent. A meta-analysis showed that discon- Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor
tinuation of antidepressants in patients with mild to moder- Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq) +++
ate depression is not significantly associated with relapse.63 Venlafaxine +++
Patients should continue their antidepressant when, through Duloxetine (Cymbalta) ++
shared decision-making, the risk of relapse is determined to Milnacipran +
be greater than the risk of rare neonatal complications. SSRI
Cohort studies have inconsistently shown a small cor- Fluvoxamine +++
relation between first-trimester SSRI use and cardiac mal- Paroxetine +++
formations (RR = 1.24;​95% CI, 1.11 to 1.37).64-66 SSRI use Citalopram ++
during the third trimester may increase the risk of newborn Escitalopram ++
respiratory distress, tremors, and admission to the neonatal Sertraline ++
intensive care unit.67-69 Discontinuation of SSRIs in the third Fluoxetine +
trimester does not improve these outcomes.70 There are no
data on long-term neurocognitive effects. SSRI/partial 5-HT1A receptor agonist
A U.S. Food and Drug Administration advisory on SSRI use Trazodone ++
during pregnancy and the risk of persistent pulmonary hyper- Vortioxetine (Trintellix) ++
tension in newborns cites conflicting findings;​a causal rela- Vilazodone (Viibryd) +
tionship is unclear.71 A systematic review and meta-analysis Tricyclic antidepressant
found a slightly increased risk of persistent pulmonary Imipramine +++
hypertension in newborns with prenatal exposure to SSRIs Nortriptyline +++
and SNRIs (number needed to harm = 1,000).72 Amitriptyline ++
Clomipramine ++
BREASTFEEDING PATIENTS
Desipramine ++
Antidepressants transfer into breast milk in low concen- Doxepin ++
trations. This transfer is thought to be lower for paroxetine
and sertraline than other antidepressants, producing unde- SSRI = selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor; 5-HT = serotonin.

tectable concentrations in infant plasma. Fluoxetine and *—High risk = +++;​moderate risk = ++;​low risk = +.
venlafaxine produce the highest infant plasma concentra- Information from references 49 and 50.
tions. Potential adverse effects in infants exposed to SSRIs

February 2023 ◆ Volume 107, Number 2 www.aafp.org/afp American Family Physician 177
PHARMACOLOGIC TREATMENT OF DEPRESSION
TABLE 3

Tapering Strategies for Antidepressant Medications


Strategy Description Example Comments

10% reduc- Reduce dose every four Citalopram:​ Formulated using


tion per week weeks to match 10% 40 mg for four weeks pharmacokinetic data
reduction in serotonin but difficult to precisely
20 mg for four weeks
transporter occupancy implement
19 mg for four weeks
9.1 mg for four weeks
5.4 mg for four weeks
3.4 mg for four weeks
2.3 mg for four weeks
1.5 mg for four weeks
0.8 mg for four weeks
0.37 mg for four weeks

Three- to Reduce dose by 25% Citalopram:​ Easier to accomplish in


four-month every four weeks or by 40 mg for four weeks real-world practice, but
taper 12.5% every two weeks linear dose decrease
30 mg for four weeks may still result in
20 mg for four weeks antidepressant discon-
15 mg for four weeks tinuation syndrome
10 mg for four weeks
7.5 mg for four weeks
5 mg for four weeks
2.5 mg for four weeks

Cross taper Slowly decrease dose Citalopram (current Sertraline (new Exposure to multiple
of the current medica- medication, 40-mg medication):​ serotonergic agents
tion while increasing starting dose):​ has inherent risks
dose of the new 30 mg for four weeks 12.5 mg for four weeks Potential for
medication cytochrome P450–
20 mg for four weeks 18.75 mg for four weeks
mediated drug
15 mg for four weeks 25 mg for four weeks reactions depending
10 mg for four weeks 37.5 mg for four weeks on drug choice
7.5 m
 g for four weeks 50 mg for four weeks Increased pill burden
5 mg for four weeks 75 mg for four weeks and financial strain for
patients
2.5 m
 g for four weeks 100 mg for four weeks

Direct switch Start a new medication Discontinue citalopram, Initiate sertraline, 50 mg May be difficult to
immediately after dis- 20 mg determine if patient-
continuing the current reported adverse
one effects are due to
the new agent or
antidepressant discon-
tinuation syndrome

continues

with antidepressant use.74 Although prior studies showed older patients with dementia-related psychosis. Some drugs
no difference in the effectiveness of antidepressants in older are associated with higher rates of remission compared with
patients, a 2019 network meta-analysis found that response placebo:​quetiapine (RR = 2.38), mirtazapine (RR = 1.90),
rates are significantly higher with quetiapine (RR = 2.09) and and duloxetine (RR = 1.52). In older patients, fall risk should
duloxetine (RR = 1.83) in this population compared with pla- be evaluated and steps taken to mitigate the risk because
cebo.75 Quetiapine includes a U.S. Food and Drug Admin- untreated depression and antidepressant use can both con-
istration boxed warning due to increased mortality risk in tribute to falls.76

178 American Family Physician www.aafp.org/afp Volume 107, Number 2 ◆ February 2023
PHARMACOLOGIC TREATMENT OF DEPRESSION
TABLE 3 (continued)

Tapering Strategies for Antidepressant Medications


Strategy Description Example Comments

Moderate Current medication is Citalopram (current medication):​ Potential for


switch tapered down, followed 20 mg for four weeks antidepressant discon-
by a washout period of tinuation syndrome
15 mg for four weeks
two or three days due to drug-free period
10 mg for four weeks
New medication is ini- More time-consuming
tiated at a conservative 7.5 mg for four weeks but considered to be
dose, then increased 5 mg for four weeks safer
2.5 mg for four weeks
Discontinue for two- to three-day washout period
Start sertraline:​
25 mg for four weeks
37.5 mg for four weeks
50 mg for four weeks

Conservative Current medication is Same as moderate switch but with longer washout Potential for
switch tapered down, followed period (seven days for most drugs, except those with antidepressant discon-
by a washout period of long half-lives [e.g., fluoxetine]) tinuation syndrome
four or five half-lives due to drug-free period
New medication is ini- Patients must wait
tiated at a conservative longer for treatment
dose, then increased benefit from new
medication

Information from references 51-53.

Because older adults are at greater risk of adverse drug


reactions, initiating treatment at approximately one-half of The Authors
the usual adult starting dose is often recommended. Guide- HEATHER KOVICH, MD, is program director of the
lines recommend sertraline, duloxetine, or escitalopram as Shiprock-University of New Mexico Family Medicine Resi-
good first-line options for older patients.77 Bupropion, mir- dency and a family physician at the Northern Navajo Medical
Center, Shiprock.
tazapine, and venlafaxine are also considered appropriate
because of their favorable side effect profiles. Paroxetine is WILLIAM KIM, MS, MD, is associate program director of
associated with more anticholinergic effects, and fluoxetine the Shiprock-University of New Mexico Family Medicine
Residency.
has a greater risk of agitation and overstimulation;​neither
should be used in older adults.77 Before initiating SSRIs and ANTHONY M. QUASTE, PharmD, USPHS, is a clinical phar-
SNRIs in older adults, clinicians should screen for a history macist at Indian Health Service, Northern Navajo Medical
Center.
of hyponatremia and measure serum sodium level two to
four weeks after initiating therapy.77 Address correspondence to Heather Kovich, MD, Northern
Navajo Medical Center, P.O. Box 160, Hwy 491, Shiprock, NM
87420 (email:​heather.kovich@​ihs.gov). Reprints are not avail-
This article updates previous articles on this topic by Kovich and
able from the authors.
DeJong78;​Adams, et al.79;​and Warner, et al.80

Data Sources:​PubMed searches were completed using key


terms such as depression, antidepressant, and antidepressant
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