This study will determine the effectiveness of adding S-adenosyl methionine to antidepressant drug treatment in reducing depressive symptoms in depressed people who have not responded to antidepressants alone.
Some people with depression do not respond well to antidepressant treatment. S-adenosyl methionine (SAMe) is a naturally occurring compound that may have antidepressant effects. SAMe may also enhance the effectiveness of other antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). This study will determine the effectiveness of oral SAMe in enhancing the effects of SSRIs in patients currently not responding to SSRI treatment. This study will last 6 weeks. No follow-up visits will occur. Participants will be randomly assigned to add either oral SAMe or placebo to their existing SSRI regimen for 6 weeks. Depression scales and self-report questionnaires regarding depressive symptoms will be used to assess participants at the end of the study.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
73
Oral SAMe tosylate, up to 1600 mg per day for 6 weeks
Placebo to be taken daily for 6 weeks
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, Massachusetts, United States
Hamilton Depression Rating Scale Remission Rates
The proportion of remitters for SAMe versus placebo was 46.1% versus 17.6%. Remission is defined as a final score of 7 or less on Hamilton Depression Rating Scale 17 item .
Time frame: Measured at Week 6
HDRS17 Responders
35.8% versus 11.7%. Response is defined as a 50 percent or more score reduction on on Hamilton Depression Rating Scale 17 item .
Time frame: Measured at Week 6
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