Analytical Methods for Tetracyclic Antidepressants: A Comprehensive Review

ABSTRACT Depression is a mental illness that affects patients’ behavior, and it impacts approximately 264 million people globally. Tetracyclic antidepressants (TeCAs) are one class of medication that is available for the treatment of depression. These medications work by modifying hormones such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. TeCAs, such as setiptiline, amoxapine, mianserin, maprotiline, and mirtazapine, are four ring‐based compounds that assist in preventing the brain from reabsorbing the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and serotonin. Each of these medications interacts with adrenergic (α 1 and α 2 ) and serotonin (5HT 1 and 5HT 2 ) receptors independently. Using biological samples (plasma, blood, and urine) and pharmaceutical formulations, this review focuses on providing a complete overview of the various analytical conditions maintained for the medications in the above class and their metabolites. Major analytical methods such as mass spectrometry, gas chromatography, and high‐performance liquid chromatography are used to quantify and determine the drugs. This review provides a thorough understanding of impurity identification, pharmacokinetic and stability evaluations, and structural degradation quantification. It provides valuable and reliable information for research, enhancing their understanding of the subject matter.