The American journal of medicine
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Major depression is a common and disabling disorder with far-reaching social and economic implications. Nonetheless, major depression is treatable by one of the many currently available antidepressants with response rates of approximately 65-70%. Treatment of depression has improved in recent years because of the availability of effective and well-tolerated antidepressants, such as the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). ⋯ Venlafaxine, a recently available antidepressant that appears to have efficacy in treatment-refractory depression, may cause nausea that requires gradual upward dosage titration. Higher doses of venlafaxine may also cause elevations in blood pressure, heart rate, and serum cholesterol. As more is learned about the pathophysiology of depression, even more specific and well-tolerated antidepressants will be developed.