Zonisamide for Depression Not Responding to Duloxetine
Author Information
Author(s): Michele Fornaro, Matteo Martino, Bruna Dalmasso, Salvatore Colicchio, Marzia Benvenuti, Giulio Rocchi, Andrea Escelsior, Giulio Perugi
Primary Institution: University of Genova
Hypothesis
Can zonisamide augmentation improve outcomes in major depressive disorder patients not responding to duloxetine?
Conclusion
Zonisamide may be a potential augmentation option for some depressed patients receiving low doses of duloxetine.
Supporting Evidence
- 38.5% of patients responded to duloxetine alone by week 12.
- 58.3% of patients achieved response by week 24 after adding zonisamide.
- Patients experienced significant weight reduction while on zonisamide.
Takeaway
This study looked at whether adding zonisamide could help people with depression who weren't getting better on duloxetine alone. It seems like it might help some people feel better.
Methodology
40 MDD outpatients received duloxetine for 12 weeks, followed by zonisamide augmentation for 12 more weeks if they did not respond.
Potential Biases
The sample may have excluded more severe cases of depression, leading to potential bias in results.
Limitations
The study was small, open-label, and lacked a control group, making the findings preliminary.
Participant Demographics
All participants were Caucasian, aged 18 or older, with a mean age of 47 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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