Why did sertraline have no greater effect than placebo?
The authors offer possible explanations as to why sertraline was not superior to placebo overall in this study. First, it is known that 35 percent of studies of approved, active antidepressants do not show greater efficacy of the antidepressant over placebo. Second, it is possible that the dose range for sertraline of 50 to 100 milligrams (mg) per day during the first 8 weeks, chosen to ensure effective treatment while minimizing side effects, may not have been adequate despite extensive discussions among study designers to find the best possible dose range. 12. What is sertraline? Sertraline is an FDA-approved antidepressant of the type known as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). Serotonin is a neurotransmitter, a chemical messenger in the brain, that is thought to be in low supply in individuals suffering from depression. An SSRI, such as sertraline, works by blocking the reuptake of serotonin in the nerve cells in the brain, thus making more serotonin available for pro
