This review addresses the pharmacotherapy of antidepressants in the elderly. We performed a search based on Medline and the Cochrane Library. In addition to a meta-analysis of 17 randomised controlled studies, 36 randomised controlled trials of patients over the age of 60 published between 1980 and 2005 in English met the selection criteria and were included. Existing evidence suggests that no one class of antidepressant drugs has been found to be more effective than another in the treatment of depression in the elderly. Although newer antidepressants are not more effective than older ones, they are better tolerated and are safe especially in overdose. The adverse effect data suggest modest superiority of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors over tricyclic antidepressants. The evidence available indicates that antidepressant treatment of four weeks has a beneficial effect compared to placebo. As to prevention of relapse and recurrence, antidepressants should be continued for at least six months after good initial response. In patients with high risk of relapse, treatment should be continued for at least two years. Long-term efficacy has been shown for dosulepin, nortriptyline and citalopram. In patients with dementia with persistent and significant symptoms antidepressant treatment may be indicated. At present, clomipramine, citalopram and sertraline have been reported as being superior to placebo. There is a paucity of data on the use of antidepressants in very elderly individuals, patients with significant comorbidity and patients with dementia. More data on the effect of antidepressants in the elderly, especially in the over 80-age group are needed.