Release from Prozac: There are better antidepressants
A meta-analysis of 115 studies found that citalopram, duloxetine, and agomelatine are more effective than Prozac in long-term treatment of depression. However, researchers emphasize that there is no reason to switch a medication that is already helping a patient.
A meta-analysis of 115 studies found that certain antidepressants – citalopram, duloxetine, and agomelatine – showed better results than Prozac in long-term treatment of depression. The study, which analyzed trials lasting over 12 weeks (one even two years), compared each drug to fluoxetine (known in Israel as Prozac, Prisdol, and Flutine) due to its popularity in the US. It found that patients taking citalopram, duloxetine, or agomelatine were more likely to improve over time compared to those on Prozac. In contrast, bupropion (Wellbutrin/Zyban) and reboxetine (Edronax) performed less well. It also found that 62% of patients who continued taking a medication for at least six months maintained improvement, compared to 45% who were switched to a placebo. Researchers emphasize that there is no reason to switch a medication that is already helping a patient.