What is a recommended first-line medication for the treatment of depression?

The recommendation of sertraline as a first-line treatment for depression is based on its efficacy and safety profile. Sertraline is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), which works by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain, a neurotransmitter often found to be deficient in individuals suffering from depression.

SSRIs, including sertraline, are generally preferred due to their tolerability, lower side effect profile compared to older antidepressants, and their relatively favorable safety in overdose situations. Clinical guidelines often endorse SSRIs as a first-line option for the treatment of major depressive disorder because they have been well-studied in both efficacy and safety, especially for a wide range of patients, including those with comorbid conditions.

In contrast, amitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant that is less commonly used as a first-line treatment due to its side effects and potential toxicity in overdose. Phenelzine, which is a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), is generally used when other treatments have failed due to dietary restrictions and drug interactions. Fluoxetine, another SSRI, is also effective but is less frequently prescribed compared to sertraline for initial treatment because sertraline may have a more favorable side