FLUOXETINE TRIAL IN SUICIDAL DEPRESSED ALCOHOLICS

The selective serotonergic agonist fluoxetine has demonstrated efficac y in the treatment of depression and has suggested efficacy in the tre atment of alcoholism. However, no trials with any selective serotonin agonist have been reported in patients who display both major depressi on and alcoholism. In this study, 12 patients with DSM-III-R diagnoses of major depressive disorder and alcohol dependence were treated open ly with fluoxetine for 8 weeks, with doses ranging from 20 mg to 40 mg p.o. qAM. All 12 patients reported prominent suicidal ideation upon a dmission to our hospital; 6 had made serious suicide attempts shortly before admission. Statistically significant improvements were noted on measures of depression and postdischarge alcohol consumption. No para doxical increases in suicidality were noted. These findings suggest th at fluoxetine has potential for treating the depressive symptoms and t he excessive alcohol intake of depressed alcoholics.