Aripiprazole augmentation of antidepressants for postpartum depression: a preliminary report

Arch Womens Ment Health. 2015 Feb;18(1):131-4. doi: 10.1007/s00737-014-0462-3. Epub 2014 Sep 17.

Abstract

We describe the results of an open-label study designed to assess the effectiveness and tolerability of aripiprazole addition to an antidepressant in patients with major depressive disorder with postpartum onset who had not experienced significant clinical improvement following an adequate trial of an antidepressant. Eight of ten women completed the trial with augmentation of aripiprazole (2-10 mg) to their existing antidepressant treatment. Our results suggest a possible therapeutic role for aripiprazole when added to an antidepressant in non-breastfeeding women with postpartum depression. Aripiprazole addition appeared effective and safe with no serious adverse events reported.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antidepressive Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Antipsychotic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Aripiprazole
  • Depression, Postpartum / drug therapy*
  • Depressive Disorder, Major / drug therapy*
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Piperazines / therapeutic use*
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
  • Quinolones / therapeutic use*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antidepressive Agents
  • Antipsychotic Agents
  • Piperazines
  • Quinolones
  • Aripiprazole