Beyond first-line antidepressants: lithium, quetiapine, or esketamine? Integrating meta-analyses and preliminary head-to-head evidence

Key Points

• The aim is to evaluate the effectiveness of lithium, quetiapine, and esketamine in treating depression and reconsider the treatment approaches currently in use.
• Integrated meta-analyses of existing data
• Comparison of pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties
• Analysis of side effects and contraindications
• The analysis suggests the need for updated treatment algorithms in depression care
• Differences in side effects and treatment profiles lead to potential re-evaluation of clinical guidelines