View article

Background: The pathophysiology of depression is associated with the hyperactivity of immune inflammatory responses. Cyclooxygenase‐2 inhibitors such as celecoxib reduce the production of pro‐inflammatory cytokines. The purpose of the present investigation was to assess the efficacy of celecoxib as an adjuvant agent in the treatment of major depression in a six‐week double blind and placebo controlled trial. Methods: Forty adult outpatients who met the DSM‐IV‐TR criteria for major depression participated in the trial. Patients have a baseline Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression score of at least 18. Patients were allocated in a random fashion: 20 to fluoxetine 40 mg/day plus celecoxib 400 mg/day (200 mg bid) (morning and evening) and 20 to fluoxetine 40 mg/day plus placebo. Patients were assessed by a psychiatrist at baseline and after 1, 2, 4, and 6 weeks after the medication started. Results …