Initiating and Titrating Antidepressants

In the US, most antidepressant prescriptions are written by non-psychiatric providers. Therefore it is important that PCPs understand practices for prescribing. The indications for these medications include unipolar depression, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, and eating disorders.

The selection of antidepressants is usually based on:

• Presenting symptom profile
• Side effects, potential drug interactions, and comorbidities
• Response to previous trials
• Patient preference
• Cost