Effectiveness of L-carnitine Supplementation to Sertraline for Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder: A Double-blind Randomized Placebo-controlled Trial

Abstract

Objectives: Despite the various treatment approaches proposed for major depressive disorder (MDD), the right treatment protocol for different patients is not the same. Supplementation of L-carnitine to antidepressants has been recommended in some studies; however, different results have been reported. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of adding L-carnitine to sertraline in the treatment of patients diagnosed with MDD. Material and Methods: This double-blind randomized controlled trial was conducted on 60 patients with MDD. The severity of the depressive disorder, as the primary research outcome, was assessed using the Beck depression inventory. The intervention group received 1000 mg of daily L-carnitine oral capsule along with 100 mg of sertraline; and the control group received a placebo (oral capsule containing 1000 mg of starch), along with 100 mg of sertraline every day. The primary outcome was assessed at baseline, the 3rd, and the 6th week. Results: Although depression score decreased in both groups over time, the difference between the two groups was not significant (P = 0.634). Three patients reported adverse side effects; however, the difference between the two groups was not significant (P = 0.554). Conclusion: Supplementation of L-carnitine to sertraline in patients with MDD did not show a significant effect on the improvement of depression severity.