This 2011 study from the GENDEP project compared weight changes in 630 adults with moderate-to-severe unipolar depression treated with either nortriptyline (a tricyclic antidepressant) or escitalopram (an SSRI) over 26 weeks. Nortriptyline users experienced significant weight gain, averaging 1.2 kg at 12 weeks, with continued increase over six months. Weight
This systematic review evaluated 35 randomized controlled trials assessing the efficacy and safety of ketamine in treating Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). Intravenous (IV) ketamine demonstrated significant antidepressant effects in 70% of the studies, while oral and intranasal routes showed limited efficacy. Common adverse effects included nausea, vomiting, dizziness, diplopia, drowsiness,
This 2017 systematic review evaluated the efficacy of off-label augmentation strategies in unipolar depression by analyzing data from meta-analyses, randomized controlled trials, and case studies. The review identified five agents—modafinil, ketamine, pindolol, estrogen, and testosterone (in hormone-deficient patients)—with evidence supporting their clinical effectiveness when added to antidepressant regimens. Other agents
