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Calder AE, Rausch B, Liechti ME, Holze F, Hasler G. Naturalistic psychedelic therapy: The role of relaxation and subjective drug effects in antidepressant response. J Psychopharmacol 2024:2698811241278873. [PMID: 39302087 DOI: 10.1177/02698811241278873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/22/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) is permitted in Switzerland under its limited medical use program. Data from patients in this program represent a unique opportunity to analyze the real-world practice of PAT. AIMS This study compared the subjective effects of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and psilocybin between patients undergoing PAT and healthy volunteers. For the patients, it also investigated the relationship between antidepressant effects and six measures of acute drug effects. METHODS We compared data on acute psychedelic drug effects between 28 PAT patients with data from 28 healthy participants who participated in a randomized, double-blind crossover trial. All participants received varying doses of psilocybin and LSD. Subjective effects were assessed on an hourly basis during the acute drug effects, and the Mystical Experience Questionnaire (MEQ) was completed retrospectively. For patients, depressive symptoms were assessed using the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS). RESULTS Ratings of overall drug effect and mystical experience were similar across groups. Compared with healthy controls, patients reported lower ratings of ego dissolution. Patients showed a significant decrease in MADRS scores, and the greatest predictor of antidepressant outcome was relaxation during the PAT session. We did not observe a relationship between mystical-type experiences and antidepressant effects. Most patients experienced mild adverse effects which resolved within 48 h. CONCLUSION PAT reduced depressive symptoms in this heterogeneous patient group. Patients may experience more challenging psychedelic effects and reduced ego dissolution. Hourly assessment of drug effects may predict clinical outcomes better than retrospectively assessed mystical experiences, and the impact of relaxation during PAT should be investigated further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail E Calder
- Molecular Psychiatry Lab, Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Freiburg, Villars-sur-Glâne, Switzerland
| | - Benjamin Rausch
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Saarland University, Saarbuecken, Germany
| | - Matthias E Liechti
- Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Friederike Holze
- Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Gregor Hasler
- Molecular Psychiatry Lab, Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Freiburg, Villars-sur-Glâne, Switzerland
- Lake Lucerne Institute, Vitznau, Switzerland
- Freiburg Mental Health Network, Chemin du Cardinal-Journet 3, Villars-sur-Glâne, Switzerland
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Brisnik V, Rottenkolber M, Vukas J, Schechner M, Lukaschek K, Jung-Sievers C, Gensichen J, Thiem U, Drey M, Krüger N, Mair A, Guthrie B, Fischer S, Dreischulte T. Potential deprescribing indications for antidepressants between 2012 and 2019: repeated cross-sectional analysis in two Scottish health boards. BMC Med 2024; 22:378. [PMID: 39256761 PMCID: PMC11389559 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-024-03584-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2024] [Accepted: 08/23/2024] [Indexed: 09/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antidepressants have a pivotal role in the treatment of many psychiatric disorders, but there are concerns about long-term use and adverse effects. The objectives of this study were (1) to examine time trends in antidepressant use, (2) to estimate the prevalence of long-term and potential high-risk antidepressant use, and (3) to examine patient characteristics associated with potential deprescribing indications (PDIs) (i.e., simultaneous long-term and potential high-risk antidepressant use). METHODS Repeated population-based cross-sectional study for all 609,299 people aged ≥ 18 years resident in the Tayside or Fife regions of Scotland. The prevalence of antidepressant use was examined on June 30th (index date) of each year from 2012 to 2019, while the prevalence of long-term and potential high-risk use as well as PDIs was assessed and compared on the same dates in 2012 and 2019. Binary logistic regression modeling was used to examine patient characteristics associated with PDIs. RESULTS Antidepressant use increased by 27% from 12.0 to 15.3% among adult residents between 2012 and 2019. While the proportion of antidepressants users dispensed ≥ 1 antidepressant for > 2 years increased from 54.3 to 61.9% between 2012 and 2019, the proportion of antidepressant users triggering ≥ 1 indicator of potential high-risk use decreased slightly from 37.9 to 34.7%. In 2019, potential high-risk use most commonly related to indicators targeting fall risk (16.0%), cardiovascular risks (14.1%), insomnia (10.6%), and risk of orthostatic hypotension (8.6%). More than 1 in 4 (25.8%) antidepressant users had PDIs. The main risk factors associated with PDIs included increasing age (65-79, adjusted OR 14.12; 95% CI, 13.15-15.17), increasing number of drugs taken concomitantly (≥ 15 drugs, adjusted OR 7.37; 95% CI, 6.71-8.10), use of tricyclic antidepressants (≥ 50 mg) (adjusted OR 5.49; 95% CI, 5.02-6.01), and concomitant use of ≥ 2 antidepressants (adjusted OR 5.52; 95% CI, 5.20-5.85). CONCLUSIONS Long-term and potential high-risk use of antidepressants is widespread, and potential deprescribing indications (PDIs) are increasing, suggesting the need for a critical review of their ongoing use by clinicians. If deemed necessary, future deprescribing interventions may use the criteria applied here for identification of patients with PDIs and for evaluating intervention effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vita Brisnik
- Institute of General Practice and Family Medicine, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- Graduate Program "POKAL - Predictors and Outcomes in Primary Care Depression Care" (DFG-GrK2621), Munich, Germany
| | - Marietta Rottenkolber
- Institute of General Practice and Family Medicine, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Jochen Vukas
- Institute of General Practice and Family Medicine, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- Graduate Program "POKAL - Predictors and Outcomes in Primary Care Depression Care" (DFG-GrK2621), Munich, Germany
| | - Miriam Schechner
- Institute of General Practice and Family Medicine, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Karoline Lukaschek
- Institute of General Practice and Family Medicine, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- Graduate Program "POKAL - Predictors and Outcomes in Primary Care Depression Care" (DFG-GrK2621), Munich, Germany
| | - Caroline Jung-Sievers
- Graduate Program "POKAL - Predictors and Outcomes in Primary Care Depression Care" (DFG-GrK2621), Munich, Germany
- Institute of Medical Data Processing, Biometrics and Epidemiology (IBE), Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- Pettenkofer School of Public Health, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Jochen Gensichen
- Institute of General Practice and Family Medicine, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- Graduate Program "POKAL - Predictors and Outcomes in Primary Care Depression Care" (DFG-GrK2621), Munich, Germany
| | - Ulrich Thiem
- Department of Geriatrics, Albertinen-Haus, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Michael Drey
- Department of Medicine IV, Geriatrics, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Nils Krüger
- Department of Cardiology, German Heart Center Munich, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum Für Herz- Und Kreislaufforschung (DZHK), Partner Site Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany
| | - Alpana Mair
- Effective Prescribing and Therapeutics Division, Scottish Government, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
| | - Bruce Guthrie
- Advanced Care Research Centre, Usher Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Sebastian Fischer
- Institute of General Practice and Family Medicine, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- Psychiatric Services Lucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland
| | - Tobias Dreischulte
- Institute of General Practice and Family Medicine, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.
- Graduate Program "POKAL - Predictors and Outcomes in Primary Care Depression Care" (DFG-GrK2621), Munich, Germany.
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Henssler J, Schmidt Y, Schmidt U, Schwarzer G, Bschor T, Baethge C. Incidence of antidepressant discontinuation symptoms: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Lancet Psychiatry 2024; 11:526-535. [PMID: 38851198 DOI: 10.1016/s2215-0366(24)00133-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antidepressant discontinuation symptoms are becoming an increasingly important part of clinical practice, but the incidence of antidepressant discontinuation symptoms has not been quantified. An estimate of antidepressant discontinuation symptoms incidence could inform patients and clinicians in the discontinuation of treatment, and provide useful information to researchers in antidepressant treatments. We aimed to assess the incidence of antidepressant discontinuation symptoms in patients discontinuing both antidepressants and placebo in the published literature. METHODS We systematically searched Medline, EMBASE, and CENTRAL from database inception until Oct 13, 2022 for randomised controlled trials (RCTs), other controlled trials, and observational studies assessing the incidence of antidepressant discontinuation symptoms. To be included, studies must have investigated cessation or tapering of an established antidepressant drug (excluding antipsychotics, lithium, or thyroxine) or placebo in participants with any mental, behavioural, or neurodevelopmental disorder. We excluded studies in neonates, and those using antidepressants for physical conditions such as pain syndromes due to organic disease. After study selection, summary data extraction, and risk of bias evaluation, data were pooled in random-effects meta-analyses. The main outcome was the incidence of antidepressant discontinuation symptoms after discontinuation of antidepressants or placebo. We also analysed the incidence of severe discontinuation symptoms. Sensitivity and meta-regression analyses tested a selection of methodological variables. FINDINGS From 6095 articles screened, 79 studies (44 RCTs and 35 observational studies) covering 21 002 patients were selected (72% female, 28% male, mean age 45 years [range 19·6-64·5]). Data on ethnicity were not consistently reported. 16 532 patients discontinued from an antidepressant, and 4470 patients discontinued from placebo. Incidence of at least one antidepressant discontinuation symptom was 0·31 (95% CI 0·27-0·35) in 62 study groups after discontinuation of antidepressants, and 0·17 (0·14-0·21) in 22 study groups after discontinuation of placebo. Between antidepressant and placebo groups of included RCTs, the summary difference in incidence was 0·08 [0·04-0·12]. The incidence of severe antidepressant discontinuation symptoms after discontinuation of an antidepressant was 0·028 (0·014-0·057) compared with 0·006 (0·002-0·013) after discontinuation of placebo. Desvenlafaxine, venlafaxine, imipramine, and escitalopram were associated with higher frequencies of discontinuation symptoms, and imipramine, paroxetine, and either desvenlafaxine or venlafaxine were associated with a higher severity of symptoms. Heterogeneity of results was substantial. INTERPRETATION Considering non-specific effects, as evidenced in placebo groups, the incidence of antidepressant discontinuation symptoms is approximately 15%, affecting one in six to seven patients who discontinue their medication. Subgroup analyses and heterogeneity figures point to factors not accounted for by diagnosis, medication, or trial-related characteristics, and might indicate subjective factors on the part of investigators, patients, or both. Residual or re-emerging psychopathology needs to be considered when interpreting the results, but our findings can inform clinicians and patients about the probable extent of antidepressant discontinuation symptoms without causing undue alarm. FUNDING None.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Henssler
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany; Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, St Hedwig Hospital, Berlin, Germany
| | - Yannick Schmidt
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany
| | - Urszula Schmidt
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany
| | - Guido Schwarzer
- Institute of Medical Biometry and Statistics, Faculty of Medicine and Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Tom Bschor
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Christopher Baethge
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany.
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McDonald S, Wallis K, Horowitz M, Mann E, Le V, Donald M. Acceptability and optimisation of resources to support antidepressant cessation: a qualitative think-aloud study with patients in Australian primary care. Br J Gen Pract 2024; 74:e113-e119. [PMID: 38272680 PMCID: PMC10714746 DOI: 10.3399/bjgp.2023.0269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stopping long-term (>12 months) antidepressant use can be difficult due to unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Many people do not recognise withdrawal symptoms or understand how to minimise them while safely discontinuing antidepressants. To address the gaps, the authors developed the 'Redressing long-term antidepressant use' (RELEASE) resources, comprising a medicines information brochure, a decision aid, and drug- specific hyperbolic tapering protocols. AIM To explore patients' acceptability of the RELEASE resources to optimise their use and impact. DESIGN AND SETTING A think-aloud interview study among adults with lived experience of long-term antidepressant use conducted in south-east Queensland, Australia, between November 2021 and June 2022. METHOD Participants were purposively sampled from general practices and interviewed face-to-face or via videoconferencing. Participants verbalised their thoughts, impressions, and feelings while engaging with each resource. Interviews were analysed using a deductive coding framework, including codes related to acceptability and optimisation. Interviews were analysed in a series of four tranches, with iterative modifications made to resources after each tranche. RESULTS Participants (n = 14) reported the resources to be relevant, informative, motivational, and usable. Participants' comments informed modifications, including changes to wording, content order, and layout. Several participants expressed frustration that they had not had these resources earlier, with one reporting the information could have been 'life changing'. Many commented on the need for these resources to be widely available to both patients and doctors. CONCLUSION The RELEASE resources were found to be acceptable, useful, and potentially life changing. The effectiveness of these consumer-informed resources in supporting safe cessation of long-term antidepressants is currently being tested in general practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzanne McDonald
- General Practice Clinical Unit, Medical School, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Katharine Wallis
- General Practice Clinical Unit, Medical School, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Mark Horowitz
- Research and Development Department, North East London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Esther Mann
- University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Vilany Le
- University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Maria Donald
- General Practice Clinical Unit, Medical School, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
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Mahmood R, Wallace V, Wiles N, Kessler D, Button KS, Fairchild G. The lived experience of withdrawal from Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants: A qualitative interview study. Health Expect 2024; 27:e13966. [PMID: 39102706 PMCID: PMC10774987 DOI: 10.1111/hex.13966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Our knowledge of the broader impacts of antidepressant withdrawal, beyond physical side effects, is limited. Further research is needed to investigate the lived experiences of withdrawal, to aid clinicians on how to guide patients through the process. AIM To explore antidepressant users' experiences and views on the withdrawal process and how it affected their quality of life across multiple life domains. DESIGN AND SETTING We conducted in-depth qualitative interviews with 20 individuals from the community who had attempted to withdraw from Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor antidepressants in the past year. METHOD Semi-structured interviews were conducted online. A topic guide was used to ensure consistency across interviews. The interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim and analysed using inductive reflexive thematic analysis. RESULTS Five themes were generated. The first highlighted the challenges of managing the release from emotional blunting and cognitive suppression following antidepressant discontinuation. The second related to the negative impact of withdrawal on close relationships and social interactions. The third showed that concurrent with negative physical symptoms, there was a positive impact on health (exercise was reported by some as a coping mechanism). The fourth theme focused on support from GPs and families, emphasising the importance of mental health literacy in others. The final theme underscored the importance of gradual and flexible tapering in enabling a manageable withdrawal experience, and the consideration of timing. CONCLUSION The lived experience of withdrawal significantly impacts individuals' well-being. Participants emphasised that withdrawal is not just about physical side effects but also affects their emotional, cognitive, and social functioning. PATIENT AND PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT (PPI) Eight people attended individual online meetings to share their experiences of antidepressant withdrawal to help inform the study design and recruitment strategy. Insights from these meetings informed the development of the topic guide. Questions about GP involvement, family relationships, and mood and thinking changes were included based on this PPI work. This ensured the inclusion of topics important to antidepressant users and facilitated the researcher's questioning during the interviews.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Nicola Wiles
- Bristol Medical School, Centre for Academic Mental Health, Population Health SciencesUniversity of BristolBristolUK
| | - David Kessler
- Bristol Medical School, Centre for Academic Mental Health, Population Health SciencesUniversity of BristolBristolUK
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Vittengl JR, Jarrett RB, Ro E, Clark LA. Associations of antidepressant medication consumption with changes in personality pathology and quality of life among community-dwelling adults. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RISK & SAFETY IN MEDICINE 2024; 35:5-18. [PMID: 37718854 DOI: 10.3233/jrs-230016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although antidepressant medication (ADM) has produced small advantages over pill placebo in randomized controlled trials, consuming ADM has predicted prospectively increasing depressive symptom severity in samples of community-dwelling adults. OBJECTIVE We extended the community literature by testing ADM's relations to changes in personality and quality of life that may underpin depression. METHOD In this longitudinal, observational study, community-dwelling adults (N = 601) were assessed twice, 8 months apart on average. Assessments included depressive symptoms, personality, life satisfaction and quality, and prescription medication consumption. RESULTS Consuming ADM at time 1 predicted relative increases in depressive symptoms (dysphoria), maladaptive traits (negative affect, negative temperament, disinhibition, low conscientiousness), personality dysfunction (non-coping, self-pathology), and decreases in life satisfaction and quality from time 1 to 2, before and after adjustment for age, gender, race, income, education, physical health problems, and use of other psychotropics. In no analysis did ADM use predict better outcomes. CONCLUSION Among community-dwelling adults, ADM use is a risk factor for psychosocial deterioration in domains including depressive symptoms, personality pathology, and quality of life. Until mechanisms connecting ADM to poor outcomes in community samples are understood, additional caution in use of ADM and consideration of empirically supported non-pharmacologic treatments is prudent.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Robin B Jarrett
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Eunyoe Ro
- Department of Psychology, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, Edwardsville, IL, USA
| | - Lee Anna Clark
- Department of Psychology, Notre Dame University, Notre Dame, IN, USA
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Sharp T, Collins H. Mechanisms of SSRI Therapy and Discontinuation. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2024; 66:21-47. [PMID: 37955823 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2023_452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
SSRIs are one of the most widely used drug therapies in primary care and psychiatry, and central to the management of the most common mental health problems in today's society. Despite this, SSRIs suffer from a slow onset of therapeutic effect and relatively poor efficacy as well as adverse effects, with recent concerns being focused on a disabling SSRI discontinuation syndrome. The mechanism underpinning their therapeutic effect has long shifted away from thinking that SSRIs act simply by increasing 5-HT in the synapse. Rather, a current popular view is that increased 5-HT is just the beginning of a series of complex downstream signalling events, which trigger changes in neural plasticity at the functional and structural level. These changes in plasticity are then thought to interact with neuropsychological processes to enhance re-learning of emotional experiences that ultimately brings about changes in mood. This compelling view of SSRI action is underpinning attempts to understand fast-acting antidepressants, such as ketamine and psychedelic drugs, and aid the development of future therapies. An important gap in the theory is evidence that changes in plasticity are causally linked to relevant behavioural effects. Also, predictions that the SSRI-induced neural plasticity might have applicability in other areas of medicine have not yet been borne out. In contrast to the sophisticated view of the antidepressant action of SSRIs, the mechanism underpinning SSRI discontinuation is little explored. Nevertheless, evidence of rebound increases in 5-HT neuron excitability immediately on cessation of SSRI treatment provide a starting point for future investigation. Indeed, this evidence allows formulation of a mechanistic explanation of SSRI discontinuation which draws on parallels with the withdrawal states of other psychotropic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trevor Sharp
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
| | - Helen Collins
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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Gøtzsche PC, Demasi M. Interventions to help patients withdraw from depression drugs: A systematic review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RISK & SAFETY IN MEDICINE 2024; 35:103-116. [PMID: 37718853 DOI: 10.3233/jrs-230011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Depression drugs can be difficult to come off due to withdrawal symptoms. Gradual tapering with tapering support is needed to help patients withdraw safely. OBJECTIVE To review the withdrawal success rates, using any intervention, and the effects on relapse/recurrence rates, symptom severity, quality of life, and withdrawal symptoms. METHODS Systematic review based on PubMed and Embase searches (last search 4 October 2022) of randomised trials with one or more treatment arms aimed at helping patients withdraw from a depression drug, regardless of indication for treatment. We calculated the mean and median success rates and the risk difference of depressive relapse when discontinuing or continuing depression drugs. RESULTS We included 13 studies (2085 participants). Three compared two withdrawal interventions and ten compared drug discontinuation vs. continuation. The success rates varied hugely between the trials (9% to 80%), with a weighted mean of 47% (95% confidence interval 38% to 57%) and a median of 50% (interquartile range 29% to 65%). A meta-regression showed that the length of taper was highly predictive for the risk of relapse (P = 0.00001). All the studies we reviewed confounded withdrawal symptoms with relapse; did not use hyperbolic tapering; withdrew the depression drug too fast; and stopped it entirely when receptor occupancy was still high. CONCLUSION The true proportion of patients on depression drugs who can stop safely without relapse is likely considerably higher than the 50% we found.
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Wallis KA, Donald M, Horowitz M, Moncrieff J, Ware RS, Byrnes J, Thrift K, Cleetus M, Panahi I, Zwar N, Morgan M, Freeman C, Scott I. RELEASE (REdressing Long-tErm Antidepressant uSE): protocol for a 3-arm pragmatic cluster randomised controlled trial effectiveness-implementation hybrid type-1 in general practice. Trials 2023; 24:615. [PMID: 37770893 PMCID: PMC10537226 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-023-07646-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many people experience withdrawal symptoms when they attempt to stop antidepressants. Withdrawal symptoms are readily misconstrued for relapse or ongoing need for medication, contributing to long-term use (> 12 months). Long-term antidepressant use is increasing internationally yet is not recommended for most people. Long-term use is associated with adverse effects including weight gain, sexual dysfunction, lethargy, emotional numbing and increased risk of falls and fractures. This study aims to determine the effectiveness of two multi-strategy interventions (RELEASE and RELEASE+) in supporting the safe cessation of long-term antidepressants, estimate cost-effectiveness, and evaluate implementation strategies. METHODS DESIGN: 3-arm pragmatic cluster randomised controlled trial effectiveness-implementation hybrid type-1. SETTING primary care general practices in southeast Queensland, Australia. POPULATION adults 18 years or older taking antidepressants for longer than 1 year. Practices will be randomised on a 1.5:1:1 ratio of Usual care:RELEASE:RELEASE+. INTERVENTION RELEASE for patients includes evidence-based information and resources and an invitation to medication review; RELEASE for GPs includes education, training and printable resources via practice management software. RELEASE+ includes additional internet support for patients and prescribing support including audit and feedback for GPs. OUTCOME MEASURES the primary outcome is antidepressant use at 12 months self-reported by patients. Cessation is defined as 0 mg antidepressant maintained for at least 2 weeks. SECONDARY OUTCOMES at 6 and 12 months are health-related quality of life, antidepressant side effects, well-being, withdrawal symptoms, emotional numbing, beliefs about antidepressants, depressive symptoms, and anxiety symptoms; and at 12 months 75% reduction in antidepressant dose; aggregated practice level antidepressant prescribing, and health service utilisation for costs. SAMPLE SIZE 653 patients from 28 practices. A concurrent evaluation of implementation will be through mixed methods including interviews with up to 40 patients and primary care general practitioners, brief e-surveys, and study administrative data to assess implementation outcomes (adoption and fidelity). DISCUSSION The RELEASE study will develop new knowledge applicable internationally on the effectiveness, cost-effectiveness, and implementation of two multi-strategy interventions in supporting the safe cessation of long-term antidepressants to improve primary health care and outcomes for patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION ANZCTR, ACTRN12622001379707p. Registered on 27 October 2022.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharine A Wallis
- General Practice Clinical Unit, Medical School, The University of Queensland, Herston, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia.
| | - Maria Donald
- General Practice Clinical Unit, Medical School, The University of Queensland, Herston, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Mark Horowitz
- NHS Foundation Trust, Research and Development Department, London, Northeast London, UK
| | | | - Robert S Ware
- Griffith University, Nathan, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Joshua Byrnes
- Griffith University, Nathan, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Karen Thrift
- General Practice Clinical Unit, Medical School, The University of Queensland, Herston, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - MaryAnne Cleetus
- General Practice Clinical Unit, Medical School, The University of Queensland, Herston, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Idin Panahi
- General Practice Clinical Unit, Medical School, The University of Queensland, Herston, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Nicholas Zwar
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Robina, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
| | - Mark Morgan
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Robina, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
| | - Chris Freeman
- The University of Queensland, Herston, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Ian Scott
- The University of Queensland, Herston, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
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Moćko P, Śladowska K, Kawalec P, Babii Y, Pilc A. The Potential of Scopolamine as an Antidepressant in Major Depressive Disorder: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2636. [PMID: 37893010 PMCID: PMC10614934 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11102636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Major depressive disorder is one of the most severe mental disorders. It strongly impairs daily functioning, and, in extreme cases, it can lead to suicide. Although different treatment options are available for patients with depression, there is an ongoing search for novel therapeutic agents, such as scopolamine (also known as hyoscine), that would offer higher efficacy, a more rapid onset of action, and a more favorable safety profile. The aim of our study was to review the current clinical evidence regarding the use of scopolamine, a promising therapeutic option in the treatment of depression. A systematic literature search was performed using PubMed, Embase, and CENTRAL databases up to 5 June 2023. We included randomized placebo-controlled or head-to-head clinical trials that compared the clinical efficacy and safety of scopolamine in the treatment of major depressive disorder. Two reviewers independently conducted the search and study selection and rated the risk of bias for each study. Four randomized controlled trials were identified in the systematic review. The included studies investigated the use of scopolamine administered as an oral, intramuscular, or intravenous drug, alone or in combination with other antidepressants. The results indicated that scopolamine exerts antidepressant effects of varying intensity. We show that not all studies confirmed a statistically and clinically significant reduction of depressive symptoms vs. placebo. A broader perspective on scopolamine use in antidepressant treatment should be confirmed in subsequent large randomized controlled trials assessing both effectiveness and safety. Therefore, studies directly comparing the effectiveness of scopolamine depending on the route of administration are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paweł Moćko
- Health Policy and Management Department, Institute of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Skawińska 8, 31-066 Kraków, Poland;
| | - Katarzyna Śladowska
- Department of Nutrition and Drug Research, Institute of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Skawińska 8, 31-066 Kraków, Poland; (K.Ś.); (P.K.)
| | - Paweł Kawalec
- Department of Nutrition and Drug Research, Institute of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Skawińska 8, 31-066 Kraków, Poland; (K.Ś.); (P.K.)
| | - Yana Babii
- Department of Neurobiology, Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Smętna 12, 31-343 Kraków, Poland;
| | - Andrzej Pilc
- Department of Nutrition and Drug Research, Institute of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Skawińska 8, 31-066 Kraków, Poland; (K.Ś.); (P.K.)
- Department of Neurobiology, Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Smętna 12, 31-343 Kraków, Poland;
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11
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Geen C. Antidepressant discontinuation and the role of the pharmacist. Can Pharm J (Ott) 2023; 156:251-256. [PMID: 38222887 PMCID: PMC10786016 DOI: 10.1177/17151635231188340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Chelsea Geen
- Chelsea Geen is a fifth-generation community pharmacist and medical writer especially interested in dermatology, mental health and medication safety
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12
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Lullau APM, Haga EMW, Ronold EH, Dwyer GE. Antidepressant mechanisms of ketamine: a review of actions with relevance to treatment-resistance and neuroprogression. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1223145. [PMID: 37614344 PMCID: PMC10442706 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1223145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Concurrent with recent insights into the neuroprogressive nature of depression, ketamine shows promise in interfering with several neuroprogressive factors, and has been suggested to reverse neuropathological patterns seen in depression. These insights come at a time of great need for novel approaches, as prevalence is rising and current treatment options remain inadequate for a large number of people. The rapidly growing literature on ketamine's antidepressant potential has yielded multiple proposed mechanisms of action, many of which have implications for recently elucidated aspects of depressive pathology. This review aims to provide the reader with an understanding of neuroprogressive aspects of depressive pathology and how ketamine is suggested to act on it. Literature was identified through PubMed and Google Scholar, and the reference lists of retrieved articles. When reviewing the evidence of depressive pathology, a picture emerges of four elements interacting with each other to facilitate progressive worsening, namely stress, inflammation, neurotoxicity and neurodegeneration. Ketamine acts on all of these levels of pathology, with rapid and potent reductions of depressive symptoms. Converging evidence suggests that ketamine works to increase stress resilience and reverse stress-induced dysfunction, modulate systemic inflammation and neuroinflammation, attenuate neurotoxic processes and glial dysfunction, and facilitate synaptogenesis rather than neurodegeneration. Still, much remains to be revealed about ketamine's antidepressant mechanisms of action, and research is lacking on the durability of effect. The findings discussed herein calls for more longitudinal approaches when determining efficacy and its relation to neuroprogressive factors, and could provide relevant considerations for clinical implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- August P. M. Lullau
- Department of Biological and Medical Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Emily M. W. Haga
- Department of Biological and Medical Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Eivind H. Ronold
- Department of Biological and Medical Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Gerard E. Dwyer
- Department of Biological and Medical Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- NORMENT Centre of Excellence, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
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13
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Horowitz MA, Taylor D. Addiction and physical dependence are not the same thing. Lancet Psychiatry 2023; 10:e23. [PMID: 37479345 DOI: 10.1016/s2215-0366(23)00230-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Mark Abie Horowitz
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London W1T 7BN, UK; North East London NHS Foundation Trust, Ilford, UK.
| | - David Taylor
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK; Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, King's College London, London, UK
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14
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Moncrieff J, Cooper RE, Stockmann T, Amendola S, Hengartner MP, Plöderl M, Horowitz MA. The serotonin hypothesis of depression: both long discarded and still supported? Mol Psychiatry 2023; 28:3160-3163. [PMID: 37322064 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-023-02094-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Moncrieff
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK.
- Research and Development Department, Research and Development Department, North East London NHS Foundation Trust (NELFT), Rainham, UK.
| | - Ruth E Cooper
- NIHR Mental Health Policy Research Unit, Health Service and Population Research Department, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | | | - Simone Amendola
- Department of Applied Psychology, Zurich University of Applied Sciences, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Michael P Hengartner
- Department of Applied Psychology, Zurich University of Applied Sciences, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Martin Plöderl
- University Clinic of Psychiatry Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Mark A Horowitz
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK
- Research and Development Department, Research and Development Department, North East London NHS Foundation Trust (NELFT), Rainham, UK
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15
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Horowitz MA. Step change in guidance on withdrawing antidepressants. Br J Gen Pract 2023; 73:204. [PMID: 37105756 PMCID: PMC10147439 DOI: 10.3399/bjgp23x732669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Mark A Horowitz
- Clinical Research Fellow in Psychiatry & Trainee Psychiatrist, North East London NHS Foundation Trust and University College London (honorary).
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