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Modafinil as adjunctive therapy in depressed outpatients
1Nasr Psychiatric Services, PC, Michigan City, Indiana 46360, USA. sjnasr@msn.com
Summary
Modafinil (PROVIGIL) may help depressed patients with poor antidepressant response. This wake-promoting agent improved mood, fatigue, and daily function with good tolerability.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Suboptimal response to antidepressants is common in major depressive disorder.
- Adjunctive treatments are needed to improve outcomes for these patients.
Observation:
- This retrospective chart review examined modafinil as an adjunct to antidepressant therapy in 78 outpatients.
- Detailed case studies of 3 patients were included.
Findings:
- Adjunctive modafinil significantly improved depression scores (Carroll Depression Rating Scale), overall feeling (Visual Analog Scale), and severity ratings (Clinical Global Impression of Severity).
- Modafinil rapidly enhanced wakefulness, reduced fatigue, and improved daily functioning.
- Modafinil was well tolerated when combined with antidepressants and other medications.
Implications:
- Modafinil may be a valuable adjunctive treatment for depressed patients, especially those experiencing sleepiness or fatigue.
- Further research into modafinil's role in augmenting antidepressant therapy is warranted.