The new generation of antidepressants, Zoloft and Lexapro, are reported to be the most effective medication for treating depression.

According to a study published in The Lancet, sertraline (Zoloft) and escitalopram (Lexapro) are the most effective and best tolerated medication among available antidepressants and can therefore be prescribed as first-line treatments for moderate to severe depression.

Venlafaxine (Effexor) and mirtazapine (Remeron) were in the next round in terms of efficacy; many of the patients, however, were not satisfied with venlafaxine due to its side effects -- nausea and vomiting.

Compared to the studied medication, reboxetine (Edronax) was reported as the least effective antidepressant.

Scientists urge physicians to choose the best drug among the commonly prescribed antidepressants for each patient based on factors such as cost and side effects.

PKH/HGH