UNMC is seeking 18 adults age 65 and older who are experiencing depression to participate in a study examining a new anti-depressant.
Unlike other anti-depressants, which work by increasing serotonin or norepinephrine in the brain, the new drug works in a different location in the nervous system, said William Burke, M.D., professor and vice-chairman of the department of psychiatry at UNMC and principal investigator on the study.
UNMC is one of 30 universities testing the new drug, which is currently unnamed. Other universities include including the University of California-Los Angeles, the University of Rochester and Washington University. UNMC received a $294,288 grant from a pharmaceutical company to conduct the study.
“It’s an anti-depressant that works differently than any other medication currently available and one we think would be particularly helpful for older adults,” Dr. Burke said. “Because of the way the drug operates, potentially it could reduce the usual anti-depressant side effects.”
Typical side effects of anti-depressants include nausea, sexual dysfunction, headaches and anxiety. Studies of the drug in younger people yielded positive results for minimizing side effects, Dr. Burke said.
“Specifically, we hope that the new drug would cause fewer gastrointestinal side effects,” Dr. Burke said. “We’re looking for it to cause less nausea and anxiety, and also help with sleep loss, which is a problem in older depressed patients.”
UNMC was selected to be part of the study because of its dedication to geriatric psychiatry, Dr. Burke said. “UNMC has a large geriatric psychiatry group that’s done a lot of psycho-pharmacology research,” he said. “As a part of this study we will maintain our commitment to understanding depression in older adults and to finding better methods of treatment.”
Individuals with depression usually exhibit four of the following symptoms for at least two to four weeks: sleep disturbance; decreases in energy, appetite, interest in activities and concentration; and increases in restlessness, anxiety, guilt and suicidal thoughts.
The study, which lasts more than one year, will be done in two stages. During the first stage all participants will take the drug for 10 weeks. Then, only participants who have responded well to the medication will enter the second stage where they will receive a placebo or further doses of the drug. The second stage lasts about a year.
“The study will rely on interviews with participants to determine their response to the drug,” Dr. Burke said.
Eligible study participants should be in reasonably good health, cognitively intact and have little to no memory problems. UNMC doctors will screen potential candidates who believe they suffer from depression but have not been diagnosed. Candidates on anti-depressants are eligible in some cases.
Individuals age 65 and older who are experiencing depression, as well as those who think they are experiencing depression, should call UNMC at (402) 354-6868 for more information about the study.