Effects of antidepressants on the gut microbiome

Data sourceMechanismDrug(s) implicated
In vitro modelsBacteriostatic effect on Lactobacillus spp.Escitalopram, mirtazapine [164]
Antimicrobial effect on Bifidobacterium animalis and Bacteroides fragilisDesipramine, venlafaxine, bupropion, phenelzine, escitalopram [161]
Animal modelsReduction in colony counts of Lactobacillus and Bacteroides in miceFluoxetine [163]
Reduction in gut commensals and increase in pathogenic organisms in fishFluoxetine [153]
Human studiesInconsistent effects on gut microbiota, with a possible slight increase in gut dysbiosisAntidepressants in general [162]