Effects of the Serotonin Transporter Gene Promoter Polymorphism onMirtazapine and Paroxetine Efficacy and Adverse Events in Geriatric MajorDepression

Abstract

These results support the hypothesis that the S allele of 5HTTLPR at the SLC6A4 locus is associated with a poor outcome after treatment with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. However, the major effect was on the tolerability of these drugs rather than efficacy. Results from mirtazapine-treated patients indicate that the effect of this polymorphism on outcome may depend on the mechanism of antidepressant action.