Between 2015 and 2018, the percentage of U.S. adults who reported taking an antidepressant medication in the past 30 days was 13.2%, compared with 2.4% between 1988 and 1994.

Modest evidence shows that escitalopram, mirtazapine, paroxetine, venlafaxine, and amitriptyline are the most effective antidepressants for reducing acute depressive symptoms by greater than 50% at eight weeks.

A 2021 network meta-analysis demonstrated a low risk of ventricular arrhythmia or sudden cardiac death in those taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, or tricyclic antidepressants.

Typical symptoms of antidepressant discontinuation syndrome can be described using the FINISH mnemonic (flulike symptoms, insomnia, nausea, imbalance, sensory disturbances, hyperarousal).