Abstract

There are contradictory reports about the association of cytokines levels and major depressive disorder and the possible therapeutic role of aspirin for treating major depressive disorder (MDD). A clinical sample of adult out-patients with MDD was recruited. At recruitment, they were interviewed face to face according to DSM-IV diagnostic criteria. In addition, Hamilton depression rating scale was completed by a psychiatrist. The patients were invited to receive aspirin or placebo. All the 10 patients received 160mg/day aspirin plus citlaopram 20 mg/day. Eight out of ten patients showed severe anxiety and akathesia from early days of this trial. Except for two patients, we discontinued the medication during 14 days of this trial. Three patients were hospitalized due to anxiety and akathesia. Two patients reported suicidal behavior after the onset of this trial. This trial of aspirin adjuvant therapy for treating MDD suggests that this combination is not safe and there are some serious and intolerable adverse effects. This finding is in contrast to the suggestions assuming that aspirin may be effective for treating MDD. Aspirin may negatively impact on both pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines balance in depression. Aspirin may antagonize the antidepressant effect of citalopram.

Keywords: Anti-inflammatory agents, aspirin, depressive disorder, inflammation, NSAID, therapeutics, treatment outcome.

Graphical Abstract