Gut feelings in depression: microbiota dysbiosis in response to antidepressants

Antidepressants are a lifesaver for many people worldwide, regardless of their age or gender. Antidepressant therapy has been the choice for patients with depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia. The gut-brain axis (GBA) is a bidirectional pathway illustrating the communication between the brain and the gut microbiota and vice versa. Many studies have demonstrated the establishing of gut dysbiosis status in major depressive disorder. Meanwhile, the impact of antidepressant treatments on gut microbiota composition remains underexplored. Interestingly, several classes of antidepressants drugs, including monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonists, and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), exhibit antibacterial activities. Hence, this systematic review explores the impact of antidepressants on gut microbiota and and potential strategies to alleviate antidepressant-associated dysbiosis.