Nitrous oxide as an adjunctive therapy in major depressive disorder: a randomized controlled double-blind pilot trial
Braz. J. Psychiatry (São Paulo, 1999, Impr.)
;
43(5): 484-493, Sept.-Oct. 2021. tab, graf
Article
in English
| LILACS
| ID: biblio-1345467
ABSTRACT
Objective:
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is related to glutamatergic dysfunction. Antagonists of glutamatergic N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR), such as ketamine, have antidepressant properties. Nitrous oxide (N2O) is also a NMDAR antagonist. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of augmenting antidepressant treatment with N2O.Methods:
This double blind, placebo-controlled randomized parallel pilot trial was conducted from June 2016 to June 2018 at the Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo. Twenty-three subjects with MDD (aged 18 to 65, on antidepressants, with a score > 17 on the 17-item-Hamilton Depression Rating Scale [HAM-D17]) received 50% N2O (n=12; 37.17±13.59 years) or placebo (100% oxygen) (n=11; 37.18±12.77 years) for 60 minutes twice a week for 4 weeks. The primary outcome was changes in HAM-D17 from baseline to week 4.Results:
Depressive symptoms improved significantly in the N2O group (N2O from 22.58±3.83 to 5.92±4.08; placebo from 22.44±3.54 to 12.89±5.39, p < 0.005). A total of 91.7% and 75% of the N2O group subjects achieved response (≥ 50% reduction in HAM-D17 score) and remission (HAM-D17 < 7), respectively. The predominant adverse effects of N2O treatment were nausea, vomiting, and headache.Conclusion:
N2O treatment led to a statistically significant reduction in HAM-D17 scores compared to placebo. Clinical trial registration Brazilian Register of Clinical Trials, RBR-5rz5ch
Full text:
Available
Index:
LILACS (Americas)
Main subject:
Depressive Disorder, Major
Type of study:
Controlled clinical trial
Country/Region as subject:
South America
/
Brazil
Language:
English
Journal:
Braz. J. Psychiatry (São Paulo, 1999, Impr.)
Journal subject:
Psychiatry
Year:
2021
Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Brazil
Institution/Affiliation country:
USP/BR
/
Universidade de São Paulo (USP)/BR
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