According to a new study published in Lancet, two different classes of anti-depressants that are the most likely to be prescribed for depressed Alzheimer Disease patients seem to be no more effective than placebo.

The two anti-depressants studied were sertraline (Zoloft), an SSRI and mirtazapine (Remeron), a tetracylic. It is implied that other anti-depressants in those classes would also be ineffective.

In addition to their lack of benefit, adverse events were much more common with the anti-depressants as well.

The authors recommend that anti-depressants be considered in those Alzheimer patients whose depression does not resolve by other means and/or within 3 months.