Background
We previously reported that intravenous (IV) scopolamine administration produced rapid
and robust antidepressant effects in a sample consisting of both unipolar and bipolar
depressives. The present study aimed to replicate this finding in an independent sample
limited to unipolar depressives.
Methods
Outpatients with major depressive disorder (MDD; n = 23; 22 were included in analyses) participated in a double-blind, placebo-controlled,
crossover trial. Subjects were randomized into either a P/S or S/P sequence (P = block
of three placebo sessions; S = block of three scopolamine sessions; [4.0 μg/kg IV]).
Sessions occurred 3 to 5 days apart, such that time spent in each block lasted 1.5
to 2 weeks and the interval between blocks was 3 to 5 days. The Montgomery-Asberg
Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) served as the primary outcome measure.
Results
Following the initial block, the group receiving scopolamine first (S/P) showed a
32% reduction in MADRS scores (p < .001), which exceeded the corresponding change of 6.5% under placebo (P/S; p = .009), confirming the a-priori hypothesis. Improvement was significant at the first
evaluation that followed scopolamine administration (p = .011). In Block 2, the P/S group showed a 53% reduction in MADRS scores (p = .001) following scopolamine versus placebo, whereas the reduction seen in S/P subjects
who received scopolamine during Block 1 persisted as they received placebo during
Block 2. Scopolamine induced drowsiness, blurred vision, dry mouth, light-headedness,
and reduced blood pressure, which were sufficiently well tolerated that no subject
dropped out because of side effects.
Conclusions
These results replicate previous finding that scopolamine produces a rapid and robust
antidepressant response.
Key Words
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: January 15, 2010
Accepted:
November 22,
2009
Received in revised form:
November 20,
2009
Received:
August 21,
2009
Identification
Copyright
Published by Elsevier Inc.
