A Systematic Review: Effectiveness Of Different Routes Of Administration For Antidepressants

Depression treatment involves various routes of antidepressant administration, each affecting efficacy and patient outcomes. Oral antidepressants are the most common but may have delayed onset and first-pass metabolism limitations. In contrast, intravenous and intranasal ketamine provide rapid effects, making them suitable for treatment-resistant cases. Subcutaneous ketamine is noted for its cost-effectiveness, while transdermal patches enhance patient adherence by avoiding first-pass metabolism. However, challenges such as variations in bioavailability and differing side effect profiles exist across administration methods. The choice of administration route is essential for optimizing treatment efficacy and adherence, particularly for patients with specific needs. Future research should focus on refining novel routes like intranasal and transdermal systems and developing personalized approaches to improve therapeutic outcomes in managing depression.