This review focuses on selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and other newer antidepressants and their use in adults presenting with depressive disorders. The following questions and topics are addressed:

• What are the indications for antidepressant use in depression?

• How well do the newer antidepressants work?

• How safe are the newer antidepressants?

• How cost effective are the newer antidepressants?

• How do the newer antidepressants compare with older pharmacological treatments for depression?

• How are the newer antidepressants taken and monitored?

• How soon they will work and what to do if they don’t work

• Switching antidepressants

• Stopping antidepressants