This letter briefly comments on an earlier article by P Boyce & F Judd on the use of tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) for the treatment of severe depression. The current author suggests that Boyce & Judd rightly point out that the lethality of the TCAs in overdose is only one of many variables to be considered in treating patients’ suicide risk, & points out that effective treatment of depression remains the most trenchant response to suicide risk. (8 refs)