Pharmacotherapeutic options for the treatment of depression in patients with chronic kidney disease.

Depressive disorders occur in up to one-third of patients with chronic kidney disease CKD). First-line pharmacologic treatments include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and second generation agents, such as bupropion, mirtazapine, and venlafaxine. Although very little research has been conducted on the use of antidepressants in CKD, health care providers should be aware of renal dose adjustments for these agents, drug interactions, and potential adverse effects. This article reviews the epidemiology and significance of depression in patients with CKD and discusses drug therapy options for treatment of depression in this patient population.