Antidepressant augmentation with lithium seems effective for both tricyclic antidepressants and second generation antidepressants, according to a recent systematic review and meta-analysis published in the online Journal of Affective Disorders.

While previous research on lithium augmentation focused mostly on tricyclic antidepressants, this meta-analysis covered lithium augmentation with tricyclic antidepressants as well as second generation antidepressants. Some 237 patients with unipolar major depression were involved in the meta-analysis’ nine randomized, placebo-controlled trials.

Overall, the odds ratio for lithium compared with placebo was 2.89, researchers reported. Side effects were rare and were no more frequent with lithium than placebo. 

“Despite its efficacy,” the authors noted, “use of lithium augmentation remains infrequent.”

The meta-analysis’ limitations included small study sizes and limited data for patients who were resistant to treatment, researchers reported.

—Jolynn Tumolo