Tianeptine combination for partial or non‐response to selective serotonin re‐uptake inhibitor monotherapy

Abstract

The goal of this study was to assess the efficacy and tolerability of tianeptine in combination with selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor (SSRI) in partial responders or non-responders to SSRI monotherapy. In this prospective, open-label, 6-week study, 150 patients with major depressive disorder who had previously not responded or partially responded to SSRI monotherapy were recruited. Tianeptine was given in combination with an SSRI for 6 weeks. Significant improvements were observed in the mean scores of the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS), Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), and Clinical Global Impression-Severity (CGI-S). The change in the mean HDRS, MADRS, and CGI-S scores was significant from week 1. The response rates were 64.7% (HDRS) and 68.7% (MADRS), and the remission rates were 34.0% (HDRS) and 42.0% (MADRS) at week 6. Thirty-six patients (24.0%) reported adverse events that were determined by the investigator to be related to one of the study drugs. The tianeptine and SSRI combination was generally well-tolerated. A combination strategy with tianeptine may be an effective and well-tolerated tool for patients who have failed to adequately respond to SSRI monotherapy.