Dopaminergic agents and stimulants as antidepressant augmentation strategies.
Dopaminergic agents and stimulants have been used to manage depression when conventional antidepressant treatments fail. We reviewed evidence for the role of dopaminergic dysfunction in depression, the use of dopaminergic agents as antidepressants, and the use of dopaminergic agents and stimulants as antidepressant adjuncts. Dopamine may be part of the pathophysiology of depression for a subset of patients. When used with caution and an appreciation of the potential risk of abuse, dopaminergic agents and stimulants may be useful for patients refractory to antidepressants alone.
Nierenberg
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AA
Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston 02114, USA.
Dougherty
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D
Rosenbaum
J F
JF
D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D015259:Dopamine Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D004351:Drug Resistance; D004357:Drug Synergism; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D006801:Humans; D010389:Pemoline / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic
D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D015259:Dopamine Agents; D010389:Pemoline