Effect of antidepressants on various periodontal parameters: A case-control study.

Background: Various medications are used in the treatment of chronic systemic diseases that affect the periodontium. Antidepressants in mentally depressed patients are prescribed for a long term, but their effect on the periodontium has not been studied adequately. A case-control study was conducted to know the effect of two commonly prescribed antidepressants - venlafaxine (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor [SNRI]) and fluoxetine (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor [SSRI]).