Hostname: page-component-586b7cd67f-vdxz6 Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-11-29T14:38:37.301Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

L-methylfolate augmentation of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIS) for major depressive disorder: Results of two randomized, double-blind trials

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  16 April 2020

G. Papakostas
Affiliation:
Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
R. Shelton
Affiliation:
Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
J. Zajecka
Affiliation:
Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
K. Rickels
Affiliation:
Psychiatry, Mood & Anxiety Disorders, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
A. Clain
Affiliation:
Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
L. Baer
Affiliation:
Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
D. Schoenfeld
Affiliation:
Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
E. Nelson
Affiliation:
University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
J. Barbee
Affiliation:
Louisiana State University Behavioral Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, USA
B. Lydiard
Affiliation:
Southeast Health Consultants, Charleston, SC, USA
D. Mischoulon
Affiliation:
Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
J. Alpert
Affiliation:
Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
S. Zisook
Affiliation:
University of San Diego VA Medical Center, San Diego, CA, USA
M. Fava
Affiliation:
Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA

Abstract

Core share and HTML view are not available for this content. However, as you have access to this content, a full PDF is available via the ‘Save PDF’ action button.
Introduction

Two randomized, controlled trials of L-methylfolate augmentation of SSRIs for major depressive disorder (MDD) were conducted using a novel study design (sequential parallel comparison design- SPCD).

Objectives/aims

To evaluate the efficacy of L-methylfolate augmentation using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale.

Methods

In study one (TRD-1), 148 outpatients with SSRI-resistant MDD were enrolled in a 60-day, SPCD study, divided into two 30-day periods (phases 1 and 2). Patients were randomized 2:3:3 to receive L-methylfolate (7.5mg/d in phase 1, 15mg/d in phase 2), placebo in phase 1 followed by L-methylfolate 7.5mg/d in phase 2, or placebo for both phases. Study two (TRD-2) involved 75 patients and was identical in design to TRD-1 except for the dose of L-methylfolate (15mg only).

Results

In the TRD-1 Study, L-methylfolate 7.5 mg/d was not found to be more effective than placebo. In phase 1 of the TRD-2 Study, 37% of patients on L-methylfolate 15mg/d responded and 18% of placebo patients responded, while in phase 2 among placebo non-responders, the response rates were 28% on L-methylfolate 15mg/d and 9.5% on placebo. When phases 1 and 2 were pooled according to the SPCD model, the difference in response rates was statistically significant in favor of L-methylfolate (p = 0.0399). The rates of spontaneously reported AEs and rates of study discontinuation appear r comparable between L-methylfolate and placebo in both studies. Rates of study discontinuation were also comparable

Conclusions

These studies suggest that L-methylfolate 15 mg/d may be a safe and effective augmentation strategy for inadequate response to SSRIs.

Type
P01-588
Copyright
Copyright © European Psychiatric Association2011
Submit a response

Comments

No Comments have been published for this article.