Agomelatine as adjunctive therapy with SSRIs or SNRIs for major depressive disorder: a multicentre, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial

Background

Many traditional antidepressants work well for some patients but not for everyone, especially those with major depressive disorder (MDD). Agomelatine is a different type of antidepressant that may help enhance the effects of standard treatments like SSRIs and SNRIs. This study looks at how well agomelatine works when added to these traditional medications for patients who haven’t seen improvement.

Study Overview

This study lasted 8 weeks and involved multiple centers. It was designed to be double-blinded and randomized, meaning neither the participants nor the researchers knew who was receiving agomelatine or a placebo. Patients diagnosed with MDD who did not respond to SSRIs or SNRIs for at least two weeks were included. They were divided into two groups: one received agomelatine, and the other received a placebo, both alongside their ongoing antidepressant treatment.

Measuring Results

The severity of depression was measured using the Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD-17). The main goal was to see how much the scores changed by week 8. Secondary goals included measuring scores at weeks 2 and 4, as well as tracking clinical remission and any side effects.

Results

A total of 123 participants took part in the study, with 60 receiving agomelatine and 63 receiving the placebo. The results showed no significant difference in depression scores between the two groups after 8 weeks. There were also no notable differences in response rates or side effects.

Conclusions

This study did not find strong evidence that agomelatine improves outcomes for patients with MDD when used with SSRIs or SNRIs. However, it was generally well-tolerated, indicating it is safe to use alongside these traditional medications.

Next Steps for Clinics and Patients

Define Measurable Outcomes: Set clear goals for using agomelatine in treatment plans.
Select AI Tools: Choose AI solutions that can assist with monitoring and managing treatment.
Implement Gradually: Start with a pilot project to track results and improve patient care using insights from this study.