Psychostimulant augmentation of second generation antidepressants: a case series.
OBJECTIVE
The authors attempted to treat Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) suboptimally responsive to one of the newer (second-generation) antidepressants by augmentation with a psychostimulant medication.


METHODS
Seven cases of MDD showing a partial response to an adequate trial of a second generation antidepressant were augmented with a psychostimulant.


RESULTS
A marked improvement in clinical symptoms of depression was noted in all cases, with particular improvement in apathy and feelings of fatigue.


CONCLUSIONS
Psychostimulant augmentation of the newer generation antidepressants is a promising new strategy. Further controlled investigation is warranted to explore various aspect of this method.
Masand
P S
PS
Department of Psychiatry, SUNY Health Science Center at Syracuse 13210, USA.
Anand
V S
VS
Tanquary
J F
JF
D000328:Adult; D018687:Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D003913:Dextroamphetamine / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D019263:Dysthymic Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008774:Methylphenidate / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D008875:Middle Aged
D018687:Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D008774:Methylphenidate; D003913:Dextroamphetamine