Optimizing pharmacotherapeutic options for the treatment of depression

Depression is the most common psychiatric disorder in the United States, Many pharmacotherapeutic options are available for treating patients with depression, and they have shown success in up to 80% of cases. Successful pharmacotherapy involves not only correct choice of agent but also appropriate dosing, monitoring, and duration of therapy along with patient compliance, Successful therapy also depends on maintaining therapeutic closes while minimizing side effects. Although the onset of effect if the same for all antidepressants, the side effect profiles may vary considerably among agents. The side effect profile is also affected by the patient's concurrent medical conditions and concomitant drug regimens.