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Wang Y, Lu Z, Xun G. Effect of aripiprazole on promoting cognitive function and enhancing clinical efficacy in patients with first-episode depression on escitalopram: A randomized controlled trial. J Affect Disord 2024; 344:159-168. [PMID: 37827257 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.10.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To explore the effect of escitalopram combined with aripiprazole on cognitive function in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD), and to evaluate the clinical efficacy of the combination therapy. METHOD A total of 70 patients with first-episode MDD were randomly divided into the study group or the control group, receiving escitalopram combined with aripiprazole (5 mg/day) or escitalopram monotherapy respectively for 8 weeks. The severity of illness was assessed by using the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAMD) at baseline, at the end of 4th and 8th week, and cognitive function was assessed by using the THINC integrated tool (THINC-it), the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST), and the Continuous Performance Test (CPT). Rating Scale for Extrapyramidal Side Effects (RSESE) was applied to assess adverse reactions. RESULTS The average HAMD-17 and HAMA scores decreased over time in both the control and the study groups, but the reductions were not statistically different between two groups with the passage of time. In WCST, total number of response (TR) of the study group decreased relative to the baseline at the end of the eighth week, but the control group did not significantly change during whole eight weeks. Perseverative errors (PE) in the control group eventually decreased at the end of Week 8 compared to that at Week 4, but in the study group, it was a continuous trend of decrease. In CPT, the decrease of leakage responses (LR) in the study group was higher than that of the control group in 2-digit number, and LR of the control group was higher than that of the study group at the end of Week 8 in 4-digit number. The downtrend of LR in 4-digit number kept for the whole period in study group, while in the control group, the LR did not decrease significantly until the end of Week 8 compared to that at baseline. CONCLUSION Escitalopram combined with a low-dose of aripiprazole, and escitalopram monotherapy could both enhance cognitive function of MDD patients, while the improvements of combination therapy might happen relatively earlier. The combined use of escitalopram and aripiprazole might be more beneficial to the domains of executive function (EF) and continuous attention compared to escitalopram monotherapy. There was no significant differences between two treatment options in alleviating depressive and anxiety symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingtan Wang
- The National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders and Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China; Department of Mental Health, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Zhe Lu
- Peking University Sixth Hospital, Peking University Institute of Mental Health, Beijing, China
| | - Guanglei Xun
- Shandong Mental Health Center, Shandong University, Jinan, China.
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Kulkarni A. A head-to-head randomised controlled trial of aripiprazole versus quetiapine as augmenting agents in treatment-resistant depression. ADVANCES IN HUMAN BIOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.4103/aihb.aihb_59_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
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Comparison of the Efficacy and Safety of Aripiprazole Versus Bupropion Augmentation in Patients With Major Depressive Disorder Unresponsive to Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors: A Randomized, Prospective, Open-Label Study. J Clin Psychopharmacol 2017; 37:193-199. [PMID: 28129308 DOI: 10.1097/jcp.0000000000000663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of aripiprazole versus bupropion augmentation in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) unresponsive to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). METHODS This is the first randomized, prospective, open-label, direct comparison study between aripiprazole and bupropion augmentation. Participants had at least moderately severe depressive symptoms after 4 weeks or more of SSRI treatment. A total of 103 patients were randomized to either aripiprazole (n = 56) or bupropion (n = 47) augmentation for 6 weeks. Concomitant use of psychotropic agents was prohibited. Montgomery Asberg Depression Rating Scale, 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating scale, Iowa Fatigue Scale, Drug-Induced Extrapyramidal Symptoms Scale, Psychotropic-Related Sexual Dysfunction Questionnaire scores were obtained at baseline and after 1, 2, 4, and 6 weeks of treatment. RESULTS Overall, both treatments significantly improved depressive symptoms without causing serious adverse events. There were no significant differences in the Montgomery Asberg Depression Rating Scale, 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating scale, and Iowa Fatigue Scale scores, and response rates. However, significant differences in remission rates between the 2 groups were evident at week 6 (55.4% vs 34.0%, respectively; P = 0.031), favoring aripiprazole over bupropion. There were no significant differences in adverse sexual events, extrapyramidal symptoms, or akathisia between the 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS The present study suggests that aripiprazole augmentation is at least comparable to bupropion augmentation in combination with SSRI in terms of efficacy and tolerability in patients with MDD. Both aripiprazole and bupropion could help reduce sexual dysfunction and fatigue in patients with MDD. Aripiprazole and bupropion may offer effective and safe augmentation strategies in patients with MDD who are unresponsive to SSRIs. Double-blinded trials are warranted to confirm the present findings.
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Lai CH, Wu YT, Chen CY, Hou YC. Gray matter increases in fronto-parietal regions of depression patients with aripiprazole monotherapy: An exploratory study. Medicine (Baltimore) 2016; 95:e4654. [PMID: 27559967 PMCID: PMC5400334 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000004654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
We investigated the treatment effects of aripiprazole monotherapy in first-episode medication-naïve patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). The accompanying changes in the gray matter volume (GMV) were also explored.Fifteen patients completed the trial and received structural scans by 3-Tesla magnetic resonance imaging at baseline and partially responding state (sixth week). To account for the test-retest bias, 27 healthy controls were scanned twice within 6 weeks. We utilized optimized voxel-based morphometry with different comparisons between groups.The partially responding patients with MDD had greater GMV in left middle frontal gyrus and left superior parietal gyrus when compared with baseline. However, they had decreases in the GMV of right orbitofrontal gyrus and right inferior temporal gyrus after response. The partially responding patients with MDD still had residual GMV deficits in right superior frontal gyrus when compared with controls. However, the lack of second patient group without aripiprazole intervention would be a significant limitation to interpret the aripiprazole-specific effects on GMV.The changes in the GMV of fronto-parieto-temporal regions and residual GMV deficits in the superior frontal gyrus might represent "state-dependent brain changes" and "residual-deficit brain regions," respectively, for aripiprzole monotherapy in MDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chien-Han Lai
- Department of Psychiatry, Chung Shan Hospital
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Radiological Sciences
- Institute of Biophotonics
| | - Yu-Te Wu
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Radiological Sciences
- Institute of Biophotonics
- Brain Research Center, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei
- Correspondence: Yu-Te Wu, Institute of Biophotonics, National Yang Ming University, No. 155, Sec. 2, Linong Street, Taipei, 112 Taiwan, Taiwan, ROC. (e-mail: )
| | - Cheng-Yu Chen
- Department of Family Medicine, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation
| | - Yi-Cheng Hou
- Department of Nutrition, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, New Taipei City
- School of Nutrition and Health Sciences, College of Public Health and Nutrition, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
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Han C, Wang SM, Lee SJ, Jun TY, Pae CU. Optimizing the Use of Aripiprazole Augmentation in the Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder: From Clinical Trials to Clinical Practice. Chonnam Med J 2015; 51:66-80. [PMID: 26306301 PMCID: PMC4543152 DOI: 10.4068/cmj.2015.51.2.66] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2015] [Revised: 07/20/2015] [Accepted: 07/21/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a recurrent, chronic, and devastating disorder leading to serious impairment in functional capacity as well as increasing public health care costs. In the previous decade, switching therapy and dose adjustment of ongoing antidepressants was the most frequently chosen subsequent treatment option for MDD. However, such recommendations were not based on firmly proven efficacy data from well-designed, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trials (RCTs) but on practical grounds and clinical reasoning. Aripiprazole augmentation has been dramatically increasing in clinical practice owing to its unique action mechanisms as well as proven efficacy and safety from adequately powered and well-controlled RCTs. Despite the increased use of aripiprazole in depression, limited clinical information and knowledge interfere with proper and efficient use of aripiprazole augmentation for MDD. The objective of the present review was to enhance clinicians' current understanding of aripiprazole augmentation and how to optimize the use of this therapy in the treatment of MDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changsu Han
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sheng-Min Wang
- International Health Care Center, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Soo-Jung Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, Bucheon St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea College of Medicine, Busan, Korea
| | - Tae-Youn Jun
- Department of Psychiatry, St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Chi-Un Pae
- Department of Psychiatry, Bucheon St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea College of Medicine, Busan, Korea. ; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicines, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
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Pae CU, Wang SM, Han C, Lee SJ, Patkar AA, Masand PS, Serretti A. Vortioxetine: a meta-analysis of 12 short-term, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials for the treatment of major depressive disorder. J Psychiatry Neurosci 2015; 40:174-86. [PMID: 25350320 PMCID: PMC4409435 DOI: 10.1503/jpn.140120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2014] [Revised: 07/05/2014] [Accepted: 08/12/2014] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vortioxetine was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in September 2013 for treating major depressive disorder (MDD). Thus far, a number of randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials (RCTs) of vortioxetine have been conducted in patients with MDD. We performed a meta-analysis to increase the statistical power of these studies and enhance our current understanding of the role of vortioxetine in the treatment of MDD. METHODS We performed an extensive search of databases and the clinical trial registry. The mean change in total scores on the 24-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D) and the Montgomery- Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) from the baseline were the primary outcome measures. The secondary efficacy measures were the response and remission rates, as defined by a 50% or greater reduction in HAM-D/MADRS total scores and as a score of 10 or less in the MADRS and 7 or less in the HAM-D total scores at the end of treatment. RESULTS We included 7 published and 5 unpublished short-term (6-12 wk) RCTs in our meta-analysis. Vortioxetine was significantly more effective than placebo, with an effect size (standardized mean difference [SMD]) of -0.217 (95% confidence interval [CI] -0.313 to -0.122) and with odds ratios (ORs) for response and remission of 1.652 (95% CI 1.321 to 2.067) and 1.399 (95% CI 1.104 to 1.773), respectively. Those treated with vortioxetine did not differ significantly from those treated with selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors/agomelatine with regard to the SMD of the primary outcome measure (0.081, -0.062 to 0.223) or for response (OR 0.815, 95% CI 0.585 to 1.135) and remission (OR 0.843, 95% CI 0.575 to 1.238) rates. Discontinuation owing to lack of efficacy (OR 0.541, 95% CI 0.308 to 0.950) was significantly less common among those treated with vortioxetine than among those who received placebo, whereas discontinuation owing to adverse events (AEs; OR 1.530, 95% CI 1.144 to 2.047) was significantly more common among those treated with vortioxetine than among those receiving placebo. There was no significant difference in discontinuation rates between vortioxetine and comparators owing to inefficacy (OR 0.983, 95% CI 0.585 to 1.650), whereas discontinuation owing to AEs was significantly less common in the vortioxetine than in the comparator group (OR 0.728, 95% CI 0.554 to 0.957). LIMITATIONS Studies examining the role of vortioxetine in the treatment of MDD are limited. CONCLUSION Although our results suggest that vortioxetine may be an effective treatment option for MDD, they should be interpreted and translated into clinical practice with caution, as the meta-analysis was based on a limited number of heterogeneous RCTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi-Un Pae
- From the Department of Psychiatry, The Catholic University of Korea College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea (Pae, Wang, Lee); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA (Pae, Patkar); Department of Psychiatry, Korea University, College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea (Han); Global Medical Education, New York, NY, USA (Masand); and Institute of Psychiatry, Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy (Serretti)
| | - Sheng-Min Wang
- From the Department of Psychiatry, The Catholic University of Korea College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea (Pae, Wang, Lee); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA (Pae, Patkar); Department of Psychiatry, Korea University, College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea (Han); Global Medical Education, New York, NY, USA (Masand); and Institute of Psychiatry, Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy (Serretti)
| | - Changsu Han
- From the Department of Psychiatry, The Catholic University of Korea College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea (Pae, Wang, Lee); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA (Pae, Patkar); Department of Psychiatry, Korea University, College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea (Han); Global Medical Education, New York, NY, USA (Masand); and Institute of Psychiatry, Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy (Serretti)
| | - Soo-Jung Lee
- From the Department of Psychiatry, The Catholic University of Korea College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea (Pae, Wang, Lee); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA (Pae, Patkar); Department of Psychiatry, Korea University, College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea (Han); Global Medical Education, New York, NY, USA (Masand); and Institute of Psychiatry, Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy (Serretti)
| | - Ashwin A. Patkar
- From the Department of Psychiatry, The Catholic University of Korea College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea (Pae, Wang, Lee); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA (Pae, Patkar); Department of Psychiatry, Korea University, College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea (Han); Global Medical Education, New York, NY, USA (Masand); and Institute of Psychiatry, Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy (Serretti)
| | - Praksh S. Masand
- From the Department of Psychiatry, The Catholic University of Korea College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea (Pae, Wang, Lee); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA (Pae, Patkar); Department of Psychiatry, Korea University, College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea (Han); Global Medical Education, New York, NY, USA (Masand); and Institute of Psychiatry, Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy (Serretti)
| | - Alessandro Serretti
- From the Department of Psychiatry, The Catholic University of Korea College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea (Pae, Wang, Lee); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA (Pae, Patkar); Department of Psychiatry, Korea University, College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea (Han); Global Medical Education, New York, NY, USA (Masand); and Institute of Psychiatry, Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy (Serretti)
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Pae CU, Seo HJ, Lee BC, Seok JH, Jeon HJ, Paik JW, Kwak KP, Ham BJ, Han C, Lee SJ. A Meta-Analysis Comparing Open-Label versus Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trials for Aripiprazole Augmentation in the Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder: Lessons and Promises. Psychiatry Investig 2014; 11:371-9. [PMID: 25395967 PMCID: PMC4225200 DOI: 10.4306/pi.2014.11.4.371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2013] [Revised: 09/20/2013] [Accepted: 09/20/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The present study is to provide whether open-label studies (OLS) may properly foresee the efficacy of randomized, placebo-controlled trials (RCTs) using OLSs and RCTs data for aripiprazole in the treatment of MDD, with the use of meta-analysis approach. METHODS A search of the studies used the key terms "depression and aripiprazole" from the databases of PubMed/PsychInfo from Jan 2005 through July 2013. The data were selected and verified for publication in English-based peer-reviewed journals based on rigorous inclusion criteria. Extracted data were delivered into and run by the Comprehensive Meta Analysis program v2. RESULTS The pooled SMDs for the primary efficacy measure was statistically significant, pointing out the significant reduction of depressive symptoms after aripiprazole augmentation (AA) to current antidepressant treatment in OLSs (pooled SMD=-2.114, z=-9.625, p<0.001); similar results were also found in RCTs (pooled SMD=-2.202, z=-6.862, p<0.001). The meta-regression analysis revealed no influence of the study design for treatment outcome. CONCLUSION There was no difference in the treatment effects of aripiprazole as an augmentation therapy in both OLSs and RCTs, indicating that open-label design may be a potentially useful predictor for treatment outcomes of controlled-clinical trials. The proper conduction of OLSs may provide informative, useful and preliminary clinical data and factors to be involved in controlled-clinical trials, by which we may have better understanding on the role of AA (e.g., dosing issues, proper duration of treatment, specific population for AA) implicated in the treatment of MDD in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi-Un Pae
- Department of Psychiatry, The Catholic University of Korea College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Duram, NC, USA
| | - Ho-Jun Seo
- Department of Psychiatry, The Catholic University of Korea College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Boung Chul Lee
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong-Ho Seok
- Department of Psychiatry, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hong Jin Jeon
- Department of Psychiatry, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong-Woo Paik
- Department of Psychiatry, Kyunghee University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung-Phil Kwak
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, School of Medicine, Dongguk University, Gyeongju, Republic of Korea
| | - Byung-Joo Ham
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Changsu Han
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Soo-Jung Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, The Catholic University of Korea College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Nasr S, Wendt B, Popli A, Crayton J. Comparing outcomes of adjunctive treatment in depression: aripiprazole versus bupropion. J Affect Disord 2014; 162:50-4. [PMID: 24767005 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2014.03.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2014] [Accepted: 03/14/2014] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adjunctive therapy in depression is often used in patients with an inadequate response to antidepressant therapy. METHODS Utilizing a chart review from a private, outpatient psychiatric clinic, patients with adjunctive medication added to their antidepressant were reviewed. Demographic information, diagnoses, medication history, and QIDS SR16 depression scores were collected and recorded at each visit and entered into a database. RESULTS Significant reductions were observed in the QIDS score of aripiprazole (n=70) and bupropion (n=83) patients after the first visit. At the first visit, 70% of aripiprazole patients had lower QIDS score compared to baseline visit, with 17% achieving remission, whereas 66% of bupropion users had lower scores at the first visit compared to baseline visit, with 23% achieving remission. At the end of the observation period 50% of patients on aripiprazole achieved remission compared to 33% of bupropion patients. Both groups of patients had significant reductions in their QIDS symptom scores of sadness, concentration, and general interest. In addition, aripiprazole patients had a decrease in the thoughts of death and suicide score while bupropion patients had decreases in the low energy score. None of the differences in QIDS line-item scores between aripiprazole and bupropion patients were statistically significant. LIMITATIONS This study was a small scale, retrospective study that did not have a placebo control group. CONCLUSION Aripiprazole and bupropion were comparable in significantly lowering patients' QIDS SR16 scores and helping over 50% of the patients achieve remission. Differences in line-item QIDS score were also observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suhayl Nasr
- Nasr Psychiatric Services, Michigan City, IN, United States; Indiana University, Department of Psychiatry, Michigan City, IN, United States; University of Notre Dame, Department of Psychology, Notre Dame, IN, United States; Memorial Epworth Center, South Bend, IN 46617, United States.
| | - Burdette Wendt
- Nasr Psychiatric Services, Michigan City, IN, United States
| | - Anand Popli
- Nasr Psychiatric Services, Michigan City, IN, United States; Indiana University, Department of Psychiatry, Michigan City, IN, United States
| | - John Crayton
- Nasr Psychiatric Services, Michigan City, IN, United States
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Han C, Wang SM, Seo HJ, Lee BC, Jeon HJ, Kim W, Kwak KP, Pae CU. Aripiprazole augmentation, antidepressant combination or switching therapy in patients with major depressive disorder who are partial- or non-responsive to current antidepressants: a multi-center, naturalistic study. J Psychiatr Res 2014; 49:75-82. [PMID: 24268719 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2013.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2013] [Revised: 10/30/2013] [Accepted: 11/04/2013] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
There has been no studies comparing the clinical benefits of aripiprazole augmentation (AT), antidepressant combination (AC), and switching to a different antidepressant (SW) in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) patients partially or not responding to an initial antidepressant. AT, AC, or SW was chosen by patients. The primary efficacy measure was the proportion of patients showing an improvement in the Clinical Global Impression-Clinical Benefit (CGI-CB) score at week 8. Secondary efficacy measures included changes in CGI-CB, CGI-Severity (S) and subjective satisfaction scores. Remission and responder analysis were also employed. A total of 295 patients were enrolled. The most preferred strategy was AT (n = 156, 52.9%), followed by AC (n = 93, 31.5%) and SW (n = 46, 15.6%). The improver was significantly higher in AT (74.1%) compared with AC (48.1%; p < 0.001) and similar to SW (73.5%, p = 0.948), whereas no significant difference was found between AC and SW. Similar results were also found in the most secondary endpoint measures proving a superiority of AT over AC without differences between AT and SW. Tolerability profiles were similar across the three groups; however, the mean weight gain for SW (-0.1 kg) was significantly less than that for AC (1.3 kg, p < 0.05). Patients preferred AT to AC or SW when an antidepressant was ineffective in treating their depression. Among the three treatment strategies, overall AT yielded greater clinical benefit than did AC and SW. Adequately powered, well-controlled clinical trials are strongly warranted to confirm our findings due to methodological shortcomings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changsu Han
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sheng-Min Wang
- Department of Psychiatry, The Catholic University of Korea College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ho-Jun Seo
- Department of Psychiatry, The Catholic University of Korea College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Boung Chul Lee
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hong Jin Jeon
- Department of Psychiatry, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Won Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, Inje University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung-Phil Kwak
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, School of Medicine, Dongguk University, Gyeongju, Republic of Korea
| | - Chi-Un Pae
- Department of Psychiatry, The Catholic University of Korea College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, 2218 Elder St., Duram, NC, USA.
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Han C, Wang SM, Kato M, Lee SJ, Patkar AA, Masand PS, Pae CU. Second-generation antipsychotics in the treatment of major depressive disorder: current evidence. Expert Rev Neurother 2014; 13:851-70. [DOI: 10.1586/14737175.2013.811901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a chronic, recurrent mental disease that causes serious disability. Because currently available antidepressants have limited efficacy with respect to response and remission in patients with MDD, clinicians must choose the best available treatment interventions for patients who do not respond to initial antidepressant treatment. The existing literature demonstrates that augmentation with atypical antipsychotics (AAs) shows higher response and remission rates compared with antidepressant monotherapy, but is associated with more withdrawals due to adverse events. In this paper, specific clinical issues in the use of AA augmentation for patients with MDD are briefly discussed. Given the limited information and clinical knowledge on the proper and effective use of AAs for MDD, future research should focus on practical clinical issues that can be commonly seen in routine practice but have not been addressed yet. This is because the use of AAs is likely to expand as there is good evidence for their effectiveness and tolerability as augmentation therapy for patients with MDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi-Un Pae
- Department of Psychiatry, Bucheon St Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, College of Medicine, 2 Sosa-Dong, Wonmi-Gu, Bucheon, Kyounggi-Do, 420-717, Republic of Korea.
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Do we need to consider ethno-cultural variation in the use of atypical antipsychotics for Asian patients with major depressive disorder? CNS Drugs 2013; 27 Suppl 1:S47-51. [PMID: 23709361 DOI: 10.1007/s40263-012-0033-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Asian and western countries differ in the prevalence, symptom manifestation, diagnostic procedures, patient recognition and treatments of major depressive disorder (MDD), according to a number of studies. Ethnic differences in pharmacological profiles are also important in the prescription of certain antipsychotic medications because they may impact treatment outcomes and adverse events. Differential pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of antipsychotics may be practically useful in the control of specific depressive symptoms. Furthermore, patient compliance with prescribed medications has been found to be different across races and ethnicities. Therefore, this article explores practical clinical issues for the use of atypical antipsychotics in patients with MDD, focusing on ethno-cultural differences.
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Terao T. Small doses of aripiprazole augmentation of antidepressant treatment: a report of 3 cases. PRIMARY CARE COMPANION TO THE JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PSYCHIATRY 2012; 10:252-3. [PMID: 18615160 DOI: 10.4088/pcc.v10n0312e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Aripiprazole augmentation strategy in clomipramine-resistant depressive patients: an open preliminary study. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2012; 22:132-6. [PMID: 21784621 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2011.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2011] [Revised: 06/16/2011] [Accepted: 06/25/2011] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Recent evidence supports the use of second generation antipsychotics in drug resistant depression. The aim of the present open-label study was to evaluate the effect of aripiprazole as an add-on medication in drug-resistant depressed patients who had not responded to clomipramine. Thirty-five patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) were included in the study. All patients had not responded to a previous adequate treatment with an SSRI and had been receiving clomipramine (daily doses ranging from 100 to 300 mg) for 113.9 ± 18.9 days without getting significant clinical improvement. Aripiprazole was added at the fixed dose of 5mg/day and clinical status as well as clomipramine plasma levels were monitored before and after 4, 8, and 24 weeks of combined treatment. Hamilton depression rating scale scores significantly decreased over the follow-up period with 91.4% and 34.3% of patients getting a response or a remission, respectively, after 24 weeks of combined treatment. No worsening of clomipramine-related side effects nor new side effects were observed. The clinical improvement was accompanied by a progressive and significant increase in clomipramine plasma levels. With the limitation of an open-label design, these data suggest for the first time the putative efficacy and safety of aripiprazole in combination with a tricyclic medication in drug resistant depressed patients. The role of the observed pharmacokinetic interaction in the mechanism of aripiprazole antidepressant activity remains to be proved.
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Pae CU, Forbes A, Patkar AA. Aripiprazole as adjunctive therapy for patients with major depressive disorder: overview and implications of clinical trial data. CNS Drugs 2011; 25:109-27. [PMID: 21254788 DOI: 10.2165/11538980-000000000-00000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Aripiprazole was initially approved to treat schizophrenia and later approved for bipolar mania, as a monotherapy and an adjunctive therapy (manic or mixed episodes), and for irritability associated with autism. Aripiprazole is a partial agonist at dopamine D(2) and D(3) and serotonin 5-HT(1A) receptors, and is an antagonist at 5-HT(2A) receptors. This profile, and convincing preliminary data from small-scale studies, provided the rationale for the large-scale exploration of aripiprazole for unipolar depression. Recently, three 6-week, large-scale, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials demonstrated clinically meaningful efficacy for aripiprazole as an adjunctive therapy to antidepressants for treating major depressive disorder (MDD). In November 2007, aripiprazole was approved by the US FDA as an adjunctive therapy to antidepressants for treating MDD, with support from two of the above-mentioned trials. In the trials, aripiprazole was demonstrated to be safe and well tolerated, and showed a minimal trend for weight gain over the course of a 6-week treatment. The incidence of akathisia was higher than that reported in studies of patients with schizophrenia; however, most cases were mild to moderate and infrequently lead to discontinuation (5/1090 from all three trials). This comprehensive review provides an overview of the data from all three 6-week studies (including a pooled analysis) and from an unpublished 52-week, open-label extension study, to inform physicians and facilitate reasonable treatment decisions. In addition, specific issues associated with the use of aripiprazole as an adjunctive therapy in patients with MDD, including possible early treatment effect, appropriate timing of therapy initiation, appropriate dosing and duration of treatment, possible differential effect on depressive subgroups and long-term tolerability, are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi-Un Pae
- Department of Psychiatry, Bucheon St. Marys Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea College of Medicine, Bucheon, Kyounggi-Do, Republic of Korea.
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Aripiprazole: a clinical review of its use for the treatment of anxiety disorders and anxiety as a comorbidity in mental illness. J Affect Disord 2011; 128 Suppl 1:S11-20. [PMID: 21220076 DOI: 10.1016/s0165-0327(11)70004-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although anxiety disorders are common, optimal treatment is elusive. More than half of anxiety patients treated with an adequate course of antidepressants fail to fully improve: treatment resistance, residual symptoms, and recurrence/relapse remain a challenge. Recently, atypical antipsychotics have been considered for treatment-resistant anxiety disorders. This review will explore the available data for the role of aripiprazole in the treatment of anxiety. METHODS PubMed and conference abstracts were searched for randomized, double-blind studies that investigated the efficacy of aripiprazole in anxiety; its efficacy in bipolar disorder and depression was also explored for comparison. RESULTS A number of studies have shown atypical antipsychotics to be effective in anxiety, and currently available data suggest that aripiprazole augmentation in patients with anxiety disorders is likely as effective as other atypical antipsychotic drugs. Although there have been no randomized, controlled trials, aripiprazole has been found to be effective in treating anxiety disorders in two open-label trials. This combined with the larger data base demonstrating its utility in bipolar disorder and depression, its safety profile and its unique mechanism of action, make aripiprazole for anxiety an intriguing avenue of exploration. LIMITATIONS Data from large randomized, controlled trials on the use of atypical antipsychotics for anxiety in general, and aripiprazole in particular, are currently lacking. CONCLUSION The results of open-label trials of aripiprazole in anxiety provide enough support to warrant its further study. This, combined with a larger data base demonstrating its utility in bipolar disorder and depression, its safety profile and its unique mechanism of action, make aripiprazole for anxiety an intriguing avenue of exploration.
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Boulton DW, Balch AH, Royzman K, Patel CG, Berman RM, Mallikaarjun S, Reeves RA. The pharmacokinetics of standard antidepressants with aripiprazole as adjunctive therapy: studies in healthy subjects and in patients with major depressive disorder. J Psychopharmacol 2010; 24:537-46. [PMID: 18832427 DOI: 10.1177/0269881108096522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Possible effects of the atypical antipsychotic aripiprazole on the pharmacokinetics of standard antidepressant therapies (ADTs) were assessed in two open-label, non-randomised studies in healthy subjects (Studies 1 and 2) and two placebo-controlled studies in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) (Studies 3 and 4). Healthy subjects received venlafaxine 75 mg/day (Study 1; N = 38) or escitalopram 10 mg/ day (Study 2; N = 25) with the addition of aripiprazole 10-20 mg/day (10 mg/day fixed dose in Study 2) for 14 days. Patients with MDD (N = 498; Studies 3 and 4) received escitalopram (10-20 mg/day), fluoxetine (20-40 mg/day), paroxetine controlled-release (37.5-50 mg/day), sertraline (100-150 mg/day) or venlafaxine extended-release (150-225 mg/day) for 8 weeks plus placebo. Incomplete responders were randomised (1:1) to placebo or adjunctive aripiprazole 2-20 mg/day. Blood samples were collected for pharmacokinetic analysis of ADTs. Plasma concentration-time data from Studies 3 and 4 were combined for statistical analysis. In healthy subjects, point estimates [90% CI] for the ratios of geometric means of C( max) (venlafaxine 1.148 [1.083-1.217]; escitalopram 1.04 [0.99-1.09]) and AUC(TAU) (venlafaxine 1.183 [1.130-1.238]; escitalopram 1.07 [1.04-1.11]) indicated no meaningful increase in ADT exposure in the presence of aripiprazole. In patients, point estimates for mean plasma concentration ratios indicated no substantial effect of aripiprazole on any ADT escitalopram 0.970 [0.911-1.033], fluoxetine 1.177 [1.049-1.321], paroxetine 0.730 [0.598-0.892], sertraline 0.958 [0.887-1.035] or venlafaxine 0.966 [0.887-1.051]. Aripiprazole had no meaningful effects on the pharmacokinetics of standard ADTs in either healthy subjects or patients with MDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- D W Boulton
- Bristol-Myers Squibb, Princeton, NJ 08543, USA.
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Wisniewski PhD SR, Chen PhD CC, Kim MD MBA E, Kan PhD HJ, Guo PhD Z, Carlson PhD BX, Tran Pharm D BCPP QV, Pikalov MD PhD A. Global benefit-risk analysis of adjunctive aripiprazole in the treatment of patients with major depressive disorder. Pharmacoepidemiol Drug Saf 2009; 18:965-72. [DOI: 10.1002/pds.1805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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Khan A. Current evidence for aripiprazole as augmentation therapy in major depressive disorder. Expert Rev Neurother 2008; 8:1435-47. [PMID: 18928339 DOI: 10.1586/14737175.8.10.1435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Aripiprazole (Abilify) is the first atypical antipsychotic approved as adjunctive therapy for the treatment of major depressive disorder. The pharmacological basis of the action of aripiprazole in major depressive disorder remains unclear, but it may be related to its potent partial agonism of the dopamine D(2)/D(3) receptors, partial agonism of the 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)(1A) receptor and antagonism of the 5-HT(2A) receptor. This article reviews findings on the efficacy and tolerability of aripiprazole from two identical placebo-controlled trials and from smaller open-label and retrospective studies. At doses of 2-15 mg/day aripiprazole was efficacious and well tolerated as adjunctive therapy to antidepressants in patients who had not responded to monotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arif Khan
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
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Nelson JC, Pikalov A, Berman RM. Augmentation treatment in major depressive disorder: focus on aripiprazole. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2008; 4:937-48. [PMID: 19183784 PMCID: PMC2626914 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s3369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a disabling psychiatric condition for which effective treatment remains an outstanding need. Antidepressants are currently the mainstay of treatment for depression; however, almost two-thirds of patients will fail to achieve remission with initial treatment. As a result, a range of augmentation and combination strategies have been used in order to improve outcomes for patients. Despite the popularity of these approaches, limited data from double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled studies are available to allow clinicians to determine which are the most effective augmentation options or which patients are most likely to respond to which options. Recently, evidence has shown that adjunctive therapy with atypical antipsychotics has the potential for beneficial antidepressant effects in the absence of psychotic symptoms. In particular, aripiprazole has shown efficacy as an augmentation option with standard antidepressant therapy in two, large, randomized, double-blind studies. Based on these efficacy and safety data, aripiprazole was recently approved by the FDA as adjunctive therapy for MDD. The availability of this new treatment option should allow more patients with MDD to achieve remission and, ultimately, long-term, successful outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Craig Nelson
- University of California San Francisco, 401 Parnussus Avenue, Box 0984-F,San Francisco, California, USA.
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Pae CU, Serretti A, Patkar AA, Masand PS. Aripiprazole in the treatment of depressive and anxiety disorders: a review of current evidence. CNS Drugs 2008; 22:367-88. [PMID: 18399707 DOI: 10.2165/00023210-200822050-00002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Despite the availability of different classes of drugs for the treatment of depressive and anxiety disorders, there are a number of clinically significant unmet needs, such as a high prevalence of treatment resistance, partial response, subsyndromal symptomatology, recurrence and relapse. With the approval of atypical antipsychotics, which are associated with a lower adverse effect burden than typical antipsychotics, consideration of their off-label use for the treatment of affective disorders and various other psychiatric disorders has become a viable option. However, consideration should be given to the US FDA black box warning indicating that atypical antipsychotics may increase mortality risk, particularly in the elderly population with dementia-related psychosis. There has been much conjecture about the utility of these atypical drugs to facilitate traditional antidepressant therapy, either in combination (from the initiation of therapy) or as adjunctive therapy (in the case of partial/incomplete response). Nevertheless, at present, available evidence from randomized, placebo-controlled trials is sparse, and a formal risk/benefit assessment of the use of these agents in a nonpsychotic patient population is not yet possible. As a representative agent from the atypical antipsychotic class with a novel mechanism of action and a relatively low adverse effect burden, aripiprazole represents an interesting potential treatment for depressive and anxiety disorders. In this review, we focus on the rationale for the use of aripiprazole in these disorders. Preclinical data suggests that aripiprazole has a number of possible mechanisms of action that may be important in the treatment of depressive and anxiety disorders. Such mechanisms include aripiprazole action at serotonin (5-HT) receptors as a 5-HT1A partial receptor agonist, a 5-HT2C partial receptor agonist and a 5-HT2A receptor antagonist. Aripiprazole also acts as a dopamine D2 partial receptor agonist, and has a possible action at adrenergic receptors. Furthermore, aripiprazole may have possible neuroprotective effects. Clinical studies demonstrate that aripiprazole may be useful in the treatment of bipolar depression, major depressive disorder, treatment-resistant depression and possibly anxiety disorders. Clinical data also suggest that aripiprazole may have a lower adverse effect burden than the other atypical drugs. Future research may confirm the potential utility of aripiprazole in the treatment of depressive and anxiety disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi-Un Pae
- Department of Psychiatry, Kangnam St Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea.
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Sokolski KN. Adjunctive aripiprazole for bupropion-resistant major depression. Ann Pharmacother 2008; 42:1124-9. [PMID: 18492784 DOI: 10.1345/aph.1k630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the effects of adjunctive aripiprazole in patients with major depression refractory to adequate therapy with bupropion. CASE SUMMARY Four consecutive patients diagnosed with major depression that was not responsive to a minimum of 2 months of therapy with bupropion 150-450 mg/day were given adjunctive aripiprazole 2.5-10 mg/day and followed for at least 4 months. Chart notes were used to record patient responses. All patients reported rapid improvement in depressive symptoms following the addition of low-dose aripiprazole. Antidepressant effects were sustained for at least 4 months in all patients; however, the mood disturbance subsequently returned in 2 patients. Adjunctive aripiprazole was well tolerated, with one patient developing akathisia that responded to lowering the aripiprazole dose and another exhibiting worsening of preexisting insomnia. Weight and metabolic parameters were not monitored during the observation period. DISCUSSION Transitory improvements in depressive symptoms that occurred in some of the 4 patients may have been due to compensatory mechanisms in dopaminergic systems. Adjunctive use of the atypical antipsychotic aripiprazole has been demonstrated to benefit depressed patients who are resistant to selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors. The response to aripiprazole in patients refractory to bupropion has not been previously reported. CONCLUSIONS Adjunctive aripiprazole given in low doses resulted in rapid improvements in depressed patients who were refractory to adequate therapy with bupropion. Additional studies are required to determine whether these results can be generalized to other depressed individuals who are refractory to bupropion treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth N Sokolski
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA.
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The efficacy and safety of aripiprazole as adjunctive therapy in major depressive disorder: a second multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. J Clin Psychopharmacol 2008; 28:156-65. [PMID: 18344725 DOI: 10.1097/jcp.0b013e31816774f9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 249] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Nonresponse to one or more antidepressants is common and an important public health problem. This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of adjunctive aripiprazole or placebo to standard antidepressant therapy (ADT) in patients with major depressive disorder who showed an inadequate response to at least 1 and up to 3 historical and 1 additional prospective ADT. The study comprised a 7-28-day screening, an 8-week prospective treatment, and a 6-week randomization phase. During prospective treatment, patients experiencing a major depressive episode (17-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression total score > or = 18) received single-blind adjunctive placebo plus clinicians' choice of ADT (escitalopram, fluoxetine, paroxetine controlled-release, sertraline, or venlafaxine extended-release). Subjects with inadequate response were randomized to adjunctive placebo (n = 190) or adjunctive aripiprazole (n = 191) (starting dose 5 mg/d, dose adjustments 2-20 mg/d, mean end-point dose of 11.0 mg/d). The primary efficacy endpoint was the mean change in Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale total score from end of prospective treatment phase to end of randomized treatment phase (last observation carried forward). Mean change in Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale total score was significantly greater with adjunctive aripiprazole than placebo (-8.5 vs -5.7; P = 0.001). Remission rates were significantly greater with adjunctive aripiprazole than placebo (25.4% vs 15.2%; P = 0.016) as were response rates (32.4% vs 17.4%; P < 0.001). Adverse events occurring in 10% of patients or more with adjunctive placebo or aripiprazole were akathisia (4.2% vs 25.9%), headache (10.5% vs 9.0%), and fatigue (3.7% vs 10.1%). Incidence of adverse events leading to discontinuation was low (adjunctive placebo [1.1%] vs adjunctive aripiprazole [3.7%]). Aripiprazole is an effective and safe adjunctive therapy as demonstrated in this short-term study for patients who are nonresponsive to standard ADT.
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