Introduction: There are no controlled studies dedicated to research of side effects of antidepressants. It is a well known fact that antidepressants reciprocally differ according to their type, intensity and frequency of appearance of certain side effects. For example, cardiovascular and anticholinergic effects are essential feature of the tricyclics whereas gastrointestinal and sexual side effects are registered during the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Interruptions of therapy or irregular use of drugs because of the appearance of side effects are not rare. Serious side effects of drugs are the fourth cause of death in the USA. Aim: The aim of this study is the evaluation of appearance of side effects comparing three different groups of antidepressants: venlafaxine, amitriptyline and paroxetine. Material and methods: The study included 90 in-patients as well as outpatients of both sexes aged 18-65 who were treated for major depressive disorder at Psychiatric Clinic in Banjaluka. 30 patients were treated with amitriptyline 75-250 mg, 30 patients were treated with paroxetine 20-40 mg and 30 patients were treated with venlafaxine 75-300 mg. The selection of patients was done on the basis of diagnosis of major depressive disorder. Results: Most patients did not have serious side effects. The study confirmed high efficiency of the mentioned drugs as well as the fact that paroxetine causes a bit more side effects in comparison with two other antidepressants.
Key words: depression, antidepressants, side effects of drugs.
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