Omega-3 Fatty Acid Augmentation of Citalopram Treatment for Patients With Major Depressive Disorder

Abstract

The objective of this study was to explore the efficacy of combination therapy with citalopram plus omega-3 fatty acids versus citalopram plus placebo (olive oil) in the initial treatment of individuals with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). We hypothesized that combination therapy would not only lead to greater efficacy, but a more rapid onset of therapeutic response. Forty-two subjects participated in this nine week randomized, masked, placebo-controlled study of combination therapy (2 grams containing a blend of 900mg EPA, 200mg DHA, and 100mg other omega-3 fatty acids twice daily plus citalopram) versus monotherapy (2 grams olive oil per day plus citalopram) treatment of MDD. The combination therapy demonstrated significantly greater improvement in Hamilton Depression Rating scales scores beginning at week 4 (t = −2.48, df 38, p = 0.018) and continuing throughout the rest of the study (F = 7.32, df 1,177, p = 0.008). Combination therapy was more effective than monotherapy in decreasing signs and symptoms of MDD during the 8 weeks of active treatment, however, combination therapy did not seem to enhance the speed of the initial antidepressant response. These findings suggest that there may be an advantage to combining omega-3 fatty acids with a selective serotonin uptake inhibitor in the initial treatment of individuals with MDD. A larger definitive study is warranted.

Inflammatory cytokines in depression: Neurobiological mechanisms and therapeutic implications

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Autism as a disorder of deficiency of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and altered metabolism of polyunsaturated fatty acids

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Dietary Omega-6/Omega-3 and Endocannabinoids: Implications for Brain Health and Diseases

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