Treatment-resistant depression is a complicated clinical problem resulting from multiple risk factors. It is currently a focus of integrated therapeutic strategies, encompassing multimodal therapies, including psychosocial and somatic therapy, optimized medications, and various neuromodulators. Other treatments for treatment-resistant depression include electroconvulsive therapy, vagus nerve stimulation, deep brain stimulation, and magnetic seizure therapy. Of all of these treatments, over a third of patients achieve complete remission, but the remaining patients suffer from residual symptoms.
Esketamine
A new drug, Esketamine, has been approved by the FDA for use
in the treatment of people with treatment-resistant depression. This means that
patients have used two other antidepressants without achieving remission or a
50% improvement in their mood. Fortunately for these patients, this new drug
offers hope and may actually help them live a normal life again. But what is it
and can it help you? Below, we will explore the benefits and drawbacks of
Esketamine and how it may help you.
Symbyax
Eli Lilly has approved a new drug to treat treatment
resistant depression, called TRD. The new drug, a combination of antidepressant
Prozac and antipsychotic Zyprexa, is the first approved by the FDA to treat the
acute symptoms of TRD. The new indications for Symbyax are adults who have not
responded to two rounds of antidepressant therapy and an antipsychotic.
Tachyphylaxis On Antidepressants
Ineffectiveness of an antidepressant is known as
tachyphylaxis. This condition results from excessive exposure to the drug. It
is often cured by increasing the dosage or withholding it completely. However,
it can also occur with any drug. In such cases, it is important to consult a
doctor. Your symptoms will be closely monitored by your physician, and the
medication may need to be changed.
Tachyphylaxis On Lithium
Tachyphylaxis on lithium for depression is a potential side
effect of this antidepressant. While it is rarely fatal, repeated exposures to
lithium can increase the risk of tachyphylaxis. Although these symptoms have
been described as transient, they can be permanent. A recent study found that
tachyphylaxis can significantly worsen the course of bipolar disease.
Tachyphylaxis On Fluoxetine
In cases of treatment-resistant depression, the patient's
response to fluoxetine therapy may cease to improve, which is known as
tachyphylaxis. Treatment-resistant depression may require a dose increase or
reduction in order to reverse the problem. In this case, the physician may
reduce the dose of fluoxetine to find the best combination of medication.
Tachyphylaxis may also occur with any type of antidepressant, including
lithium.
