Risperidone augmentation of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in major depression.
BACKGROUND
At low doses, risperidone acts as a 5-HT2 antagonist. Preclinical data suggest 5-HT2 antagonists may enhance the action of serotonin. This report examines the clinical use of risperidone to augment selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) anti-depressants in patients who have not responded to SSRI therapy.


METHODS
In 8 patients with major depressive disorder without psychotic features (DSM-IV) who had not responded to an SSRI, risperidone was added to the ongoing SSRI treatment. Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression scores were obtained before and after the addition of risperidone.


RESULTS
These 8 patients remitted within 1 week of the addition of risperidone. Risperidone also appeared to have beneficial effects on sleep disturbance and sexual dysfunction.


CONCLUSIONS
Risperidone may be a useful adjunct to SSRIs in the treatment of depression.
Ostroff
R B
RB
Spectrum Psychiatric Group, P.C., Hamden, Conn 06518, USA.
Nelson
J C
JC
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000553:Ambulatory Care; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D005473:Fluoxetine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017374:Paroxetine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D018967:Risperidone / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012702:Serotonin Antagonists / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D005473:Fluoxetine; D017374:Paroxetine; D018967:Risperidone; D012702:Serotonin Antagonists; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors