Proton MRS Study of SSRI-Zolpidem Interactions

Sleep disturbances are a primary complaint in at least 35% of depressed patients, and upwards of one third of individuals taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) to treat major depressive disorder (MDD) also take prescription sleep-aids. Several controlled trials have documented the effectiveness of combining hypnotics with antidepressants in order to improve disordered sleep in MDD, but it is unclear if benzodiazepines and related drugs can cause or worsen depression. A recent study in which nightly administration of the benzodiazepine-like hypnotic zolpidem (Ambien®) was added to the SSRI citalopram demonstrated that while depressive symptoms were not improved by the combination treatment, this regimen also did not worsen symptoms in a clinically significant manner. However, the adverse events reported from that trial---although limited---confirm a number of case reports documenting psychiatric incidents related to this drug combination, and these accounts suggest collectively that the potential exists for zolpidem-antidepressant interactions.

Within the brain, SSRIs are believed to exert their actions primarily in cortical regions where they increase GABA levels. Conversely, we and others have shown that zolpidem and conventional benzodiazepines reduced GABA levels in the thalamus and occipital cortex, respectively. Moreover, the zolpidem-induced reduction in GABA was accompanied by increased self-reported ratings of generally unpleasant or aversive-like subjective feelings, suggesting a relationship between them may exist. A possible implication of this finding is that administration of benzodiazepine-like drugs during SSRI treatment may exacerbate negative affect or depressed mood states by countering the restorative effects of SSRIs on dysfunctional GABA in MDD. The present study begins to address this hypothesis by employing proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H MRS) at a field strength of 4 Tesla to assess the effects of a therapeutic dose of zolpidem (10 mg) administered acutely to volunteers maintained on stable SSRI treatment for the treatment of MDD.

The primary aim of the study outlined in this protocol is to investigate drug-induced changes in the 1H MRS-visible pool of GABA in single voxels located within the anterior cingulate and thalamus following acute administration of zolpidem relative to placebo in depressed volunteers. The secondary aim is to collect information regarding the subjective effects engendered by each of the interventions. This information, in conjunction with data showing how each treatment affects brain chemistry, will help us understand the neurobiological mechanisms that may contribute to alterations in mood states when this popular hypnotic is combined with stable SSRI treatment.

A total of 20 depressed but otherwise healthy volunteers will be enrolled at McLean Hospital to participate in this 2-visit (1 screening visit, 1 study visit) single-blind, placebo-controlled study, double-scan study. Participants will be between 21 and 40 years of age, they can be either male or female, and there are no restrictions regarding ethnic background. Participants will be maintained on stable SSRI therapy for the treatment of MDD, but they will not meet DSM-IV criteria for other major psychiatric disorders (including any substance abuse and/or dependence). They cannot report a family history of alcoholism, medical conditions that could affect drug disposition, and they will not be taking any medications other than their SSRIs. Participants also cannot have any MRI scanning contraindications (including pregnancy). They must be able to provide informed consent.

Volunteers will visit the laboratory for a screening visit during which s/he will sign the informed consent form, and undergo both physical and psychiatric exams, as well as a structural screening MRI. The second visit will involve pre-study assessments, a standard breakfast, questionnaire sets, drug treatment, two scanning sessions, and lunch. After a baseline period during which participants will answer computerized questionnaires, they will receive a study medication (10 mg zolpidem or placebo) and then answer the questionnaires. Just prior to beginning the approximately 45-min scanning session (45-min post-medication), participants will be transported to the 4T scanner in a wheelchair and be positioned within the scanner. A small blood sample will be taken after the scan. In the afternoon, participants will receive another treatment and then answer the questionnaires. Just prior to beginning the approximately 45-min scanning session (45-min post-medication), participants will be transported to the 4T scanner in a wheelchair and be positioned within the scanner. A second small blood sample will be taken after the scan. The scanning session will be followed by hourly questionnaire sets until the end of the 8-hr visit at which point participants will take a taxicab home.

An exhaustive screening procedure ensures that participants entering the study have no contraindicating conditions. All procedures are performed by experts specifically trained in their respective areas to minimize risks, discomfort, and adverse events. Participants are well informed of the potential risks of the study. The informed consent form is detailed and explicit. Participants are provided with unlimited time to read the consent and study personnel review it in detail before participants sign. In addition, participants have the opportunity to ask questions before, during, and after consent and at any time during the study. Participants can earn up to a total of $250 for completing the study.