A Review on Gender Difference in Relation to Antidepressants

Shaik Salma sultana*, Pendem Ram Sai
Department of Pharmacology, Jagan’s College of Pharmacy, Jangalakandriga, SPSR Nellore, Andhra Pradesh, India.

ABSTRACT
Epidemiological studies suggest there are considerable differences in the prevalence and presentation of depression in men and women. Women are more than twice as likely to be diagnosed with depression and may also report more atypical and anxiety symptoms than men. Men and women also differ in the metabolism and distribution of antidepressants and the presence of oestrogen in women of childbearing age may interfere with the mechanism of action of a number of antidepressants. These differences have led many researchers to question whether antidepressants are equally effective and tolerated in men and women. While some reports suggest that selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are more effective and result in fewer adverse drug reactions in women than tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), gender differences in antidepressant response remains a controversial topic.
Keywords: Depression, gender, oestrogen, GABA, tricyclic antidepressants