Network Meta-Analysis Ranks 21 Antidepressants for Acute Depression

This landmark network meta-analysis provides the largest comparative efficacy and tolerability ranking of antidepressants available, informing evidence-based agent selection for acute major depressive disorder.

antidepressantsmajor depressive disordernetwork meta-analysisSSRIsescitalopramsertralineamitriptylineagomelatinevortioxetinecomparative efficacypsychopharmacology Psychiatry / Psychopharmacology

Background Information

Antidepressants show varied efficacy and acceptability for major depressive disorder.

This study reviews the comparative efficacy and acceptability of 21 antidepressants for treating major depressive disorder in adults, helping guide evidence-based treatment decisions. All antidepressants were more effective than placebo; agomelatine and fluoxetine showed higher acceptability with fewer discontinuations. The findings highlight differences in efficacy and acceptability among antidepressants, providing valuable insights for prescribing decisions in major depressive disorder. Antidepressants vary significantly in efficacy and acceptability, informing personalized treatment in major depressive disorder.

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Authors: Cipriani A, Furukawa TA, Salanti G, Chaimani A, Atkinson LZ, Ogawa Y, Leucht S, Ruhe HG, Turner EH, Higgins JPT, Egger M, Takeshima N, Hayasaka Y, Imai H, Shinohara K, Tajika A, Ioannidis JPA, Geddes JR

Citation: Cipriani A, Furukawa TA, Salanti G, et al. Comparative Efficacy and Acceptability of 21 Antidepressant Drugs for the Acute Treatment of Adults With Major Depressive Disorder: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis. Focus (American Psychiatric Publishing). 2026;24(2):252-262. doi:10.1176/appi.focus.26024115

Article Links: PubMed · Journal / DOI · Free Full Text (PMC)

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Executive Summary

Study Design

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