The review article provides a comprehensive overview of the advancements in analytical techniques for monitoring antidepressant drugs across various matrices, including pharmaceutical, and biological samples. Depression, affecting over 280 million people globally, is associated with significant morbidity and mortality, necessitating effective treatment options. The review categorizes antidepressants into five main classes: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), Reversible Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), and atypical antidepressants. Although antidepressant medications are generally effective, many patients fail to respond adequately to treatment, underscoring the need for more comprehensive and individualized monitoring approaches, such as combining therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM), pharmacogenetic profiling, and clinical symptom tracking, to better manage treatment resistance. Monitoring drug concentrations in plasma, blood, and urine can help identify subtherapeutic levels or non-adherence, which are potential contributors to treatment resistance. For this purpose, bioanalytical methods represent the most appropriate analytical approach, enabling precise and reliable quantification of drug levels in biological matrices. The article emphasizes the importance of various analytical techniques such as liquid chromatography, mass spectrometry, and spectrophotometry. Notably, spectrometric methods are highlighted for their cost-effectiveness and reliability in analyzing low concentrations of drugs. The review fills a critical gap in the literature by consolidating data on analytical methods for monitoring antidepressant levels, while also addressing concerns like drug misuse and associated cardiovascular risks. It serves as a valuable resource for researchers and clinicians, offering insights that support the development of drug analysis techniques, delivery systems, and the clinical application of antidepressants.
Keywords: Antidepressant drugs; gas chromatography; high-performance thin layer chromatography; liquid chromatography; mass spectrometry; spectrophotometry.