Rb. Ostroff et Jc. Nelson, Risperidone augmentation of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in major depression, J CLIN PSY, 60(4), 1999, pp. 256-259
Background: At low doses, risperidone acts as a 5-HT2 antagonist. Preclinic
al data suggest 5-HT2 antagonists may enhance the action of serotonin. This
report examines the clinical use of risperidone to augment selective serot
onin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants in patients who have not res
ponded to SSRI therapy.
Method: In 8 patients with major depressive disorder without psychotic feat
ures (DSM-IV) who had not responded to an SSRI, risperidone was added to th
e 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 risperi
done. Risperidone also appeared to have beneficial effects on sleep disturb
ance and sexual dysfunction.
Conclusion: Risperidone may be a useful adjunct to SSRIs in the treatment o
f depression.