Dexmedetomidine in the Treatment of Depression: An Up-to-date Narrative Review

Depressive disorders (DD) are common, and their prevalence is expected to rise over the next decade. linked significant morbidity mortality. The clinical conundrum of depressive lies in heterogeneity phenomenology etiology. Further, currently available antidepressants have several limitations, including a delayed onset action, limited efficacy, an unfavorable side effect profile. In this review, Dexmedetomidine (DEX), highly selective potent α2-adrenergic receptor (α2-AR) agonist, proposed as potentially novel antidepressant with multiple mechanisms action targeting various depression pathophysiological processes. These include modulation noradrenergic system, regulation neuroinflammation oxidative stress, influence on Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) levels, neurotransmitter systems, such glutamate. review begins introduction before moving discussion DEX's pharmacological features. phenomenological targets DD also explored, along existing preclinical evidence for putative anti-depressant effects. Finally, ends by presenting pertinent conclusions future directions.