An open study of buspirone augmentation of serotonin reuptake inhibitors in refractory depression.

BACKGROUND

We evaluated the efficacy of buspirone in the augmentation of antidepressant response to the serotonin reuptake inhibitors.

METHOD

Twenty-five patients with major depressive disorder who had failed several previous treatments for their current depressive episode were included. After failing a trial of fluoxetine or fluvoxamine, they received buspirone in addition to the serotonin reuptake inhibitor for 3 weeks in an open clinical trial.

RESULTS

Seventeen of 25 patients had a marked or complete antidepressant response.

CONCLUSION

These data provide clinical evidence suggesting that buspirone augmentation may be useful clinical alternative in depressed patients who fail to respond to a serotonin reuptake inhibitor.