Application of Transdermal Drug Delivery System in Major Depressive Disorders

Abstract

Adherence to medications and dose optimization can be affected by several physiological and psychological factors such as undesirable side effects, dosing regimen, route of administration, nature of the illness, belief systems and personal attributes. Innovations in transdermal delivery systems (TDS) have made important contributions to medical practice by providing advances in the delivery of treatment with existing and novel drugs. TDS have significant advantages over other routes of administration, such as providing prolonged and steadier drug levels, the ability to interrupt treatment by removing the patch and less frequent dosing. Drug delivery through skin means avoidance of gastrointestinal incompatibility and hepatic first-pass metabolism, without the unpleasant and painful experiences with injections or rectal applications.