Depression is one of the most common mental illnesses, affecting around 280 million people worldwide, and it is estimated that around 1/5th of the French population will experience an episode of depression in their lifetime. It can occur at any age, but is more frequent in adults.

In the case of moderate to severe depressive episodes, and as a complement to psychotherapy, drug treatment may be proposed. 

The therapeutic effect of antidepressants is not immediate: it takes two to four weeks for symptoms to improve. Undesirable effects are possible, especially at the start of treatment or when doses are increased.

Therapeutic pharmacological follow-up (STP) is strongly recommended for several reasons:
To check compliance.
In the absence of common therapeutic thresholds, doses must be adjusted individually in stages, taking into account clinical response and tolerance.
As metabolism is hepatic, there is a risk of drug interactions.
There is considerable inter-individual pharmacokinetic variability: half-life varies according to the patient's genetic profile.  

Cerba has recently extended its range of products to include 2nd generation : selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs): Citalopram, and its enantiomer Escitalopram, Fluoxetine, Fluvoxamine, Paroxetine, Sertraline and selective serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs): Venlafaxine, Duloxetine and others: Mianserine, Mirtzapine, Vortioxetine.*.

1st generation dosages are still available : Imipraminic (or tricyclic) antidepressants (Imipramine, Amitriptyline, Clomipramine).

*Previously, these dosages were outsourced to the Limoges University Hospital.

Pre-analytical information : 
Type of tube: dry tube without gel
Shipment: frozen
Analysis frequency: twice a week.

Please do not hesitate to contact us 
Yours faithfully 

Cerba International Customer Relations Department
intgb@lab-cerba.com