Efficacy of an Antiglutamatergic Agents in Treament-Resistant Deprepression

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The glutamatergic study may be important to the pathophysiology and treatment of mood disorders. Lamotrigine, an inhibitor of glutamate release, is an approved treatment for bipolar disorder. We found in two separate open studies that the glutamate modulating agent riluzole (inhibitor of glutamate release, and enhancer of AMPA trafficking and glutamate reuptake) was effective in treatment-resistant unipolar and bipolar depression. Collectively, these data suggest that the glutamatergic system may play a role in the pathophysiology and treatment of depression, and that agents which more directly reduce glutamatergic neurotransmission, may represent a novel class of antidepressants. The efficacy of riluzole in treatment-resistant bipolar depression is currently being tested in a double-blind placebo-controlled study. We are also testing the efficacy of riluzole in a 4-site study (Massachusetts General Hospital, Baylor College, Yale University and NIMH) as an add-on treatment in treatment-resistant depression. Acute efficacy will be determined by demonstrating a greater response rate in the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating scale. This controlled study is still ongoing and actively recruiting subjects. The study blind has not been broken. Results of the add-on riluzole study in treatment-resistant unipolar depression should be completed in 2-3 years.