Background
Excessive glutamatergic neurotransmission may contribute to the pathophysiology of
major depressive disorder (MDD). Recent evidence suggests that riluzole and other
agents that target glutamate neurotransmission may show antidepressant activity.
Methods
Ten patients with treatment-resistant depression had riluzole added to their ongoing
medication regimen for 6 weeks, followed by an optional 6-week continuation phase.
Depression and anxiety severity were assessed using the Hamilton Depression Rating
Scale (HDRS) and the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HARS). Linear mixed models were
used to test for a linear trend in HDRS and HARS scores across time with treatment.
Results
Subjects’ HDRS and HARS scores declined significantly following the initiation of
riluzole augmentation therapy. The effect of riluzole was significant at the end of
the first week of treatment and persisted for the 12-week duration of the study.
Conclusions
These data suggest that riluzole augmentation produces antidepressant and anxiolytic
effects in patients with treatment-resistant depression.
Key Words
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Article Info
Publication History
Published online: December 06, 2006
Accepted:
August 18,
2006
Received in revised form:
August 11,
2006
Received:
February 19,
2006
Identification
Copyright
© 2007 Society of Biological Psychiatry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
