Combining Antidepressants in Acute Treatment of Depression: A Meta-Analysis of 38 Studies Including 4511 Patients.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Combining antidepressants (ADs) for therapy of acute depression is frequently employed, but randomized studies have yielded conflicting results. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis aimed at determining efficacy and tolerability of combination therapy.

Methods

MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, and CENTRAL databases were systematically searched through March 2014 for controlled studies comparing combinations of ADs with AD monotherapy in adult patients suffering from acute depression. The prespecified primary outcome was standardized mean difference (SMD), secondary outcomes were response, remission, and dropouts.

Results

Among 8688 articles screened, 38 studies were eligible, including 4511 patients. Combination treatment was statistically, significan

SUBMITTER: Henssler J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4756602 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature