Impact of Drug Tolerability on the Selection of Antidepressant Treatment in Patients With Major Depressive Disorder

Despite significant progress in the,development of antidepressant therapies, tolerability remains an important factor associated with the selection of appropriate antidepressant treatment. Side effects commonly reported by depressed patients taking antidepressants include weight gain, sexual dysfunction, and gastrointestinal effects. Tolerability issues associated with antidepressants can negatively impact treatment outcomes for patients with major depressive disorder. In addition, a drug's tolerability profile substantially influences a physician's choice of specific antidepressant therapy. Despite the availability of many antidepressants, empirical clinical evidence to guide physicians in making the best choice is limited and not always clear. Thus, it is key for clinicians to understand the short-and long-term outcomes and side effect profiles of the available antidepressants. CNS Spectr. 2009;14:12(Suppl 12):8-14.