This study aims to examine the antidepressant efficacy of riluzole, employing a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 8 week trial of adjunctive trial in treatment-resistant major depressive disorder (TRD). Preclinical studies have shown riluzole to modulate Glu release and clearance, and to have potent neuroprotective properties, promoting neuro-resiliency. Other preclinical data now also show the drug to have antidepressant-like effects in rodent models used to screen for antidepressant activity. In addition, several small open-label clinical studies further suggest riluzole has antidepressant and anxiolytic properties, even in patients who do not respond to standard monoaminergic antidepressant and anxiolytic medications.
This study aims to examine the antidepressant efficacy of riluzole, employing a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, adjunctive trial in treatment-resistant major depressive disorder (TRD).