Fluoxetine for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Overseen by Christopher Pittenger, MD, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Phase 1 & 2

Recruiting

Sponsor: Yale University

Must be taking: Fluoxetine

Must not be taking: Coumadin, MAOIs

Disqualifiers: Substance use disorder, Psychotic disorder, others

No Placebo Group

Approved in 2 Jurisdictions

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial uses brain scans and fluoxetine to treat unmedicated OCD patients. It aims to see how the brain changes with treatment and identify markers that predict treatment success. Fluoxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), has been used for many years to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and is recognized for its efficacy in reducing both obsessions and compulsions.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

Yes, participants must not be on any current psychoactive medication, except for occasional use of sleep aids. There is also a requirement to not have used psychotropic medications in the past 8 weeks.

What data supports the idea that Fluoxetine for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (also known as: Fluoxetine, Prozac) is an effective drug?

The available research does not provide any data on Fluoxetine for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. The articles focus on orthodontic treatments and do not mention Fluoxetine or its effectiveness for OCD or any other condition. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Is fluoxetine safe for humans?

Fluoxetine, also known as Prozac, is generally considered safe for humans, with studies showing it is well-tolerated and has a favorable side effect profile compared to older antidepressants. However, it may cause some side effects like akathisia (a feeling of restlessness) and, in rare cases, may lead to suicidal thoughts in a small subset of patients. ^{6 7 8 9 10}

How does the drug fluoxetine differ from other treatments for obsessive-compulsive disorder?

Fluoxetine is unique because it is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), which means it increases serotonin levels in the brain, helping to reduce symptoms of OCD. It has been shown to be effective in treating both OCD and depression, which often occur together, making it a versatile option for patients with these conditions. ^{7 11 12 13 14}

Research Team

Christopher Pittenger, MD, PhD

Principal Investigator

Professor of Psychiatry; Director, Yale OCD Research Clinic

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for adults with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) who are seeking treatment and appropriate for fluoxetine therapy. They must not be on psychoactive medication, pregnant, or have a family history of certain disorders. Healthy controls matched by demographics are also included.

Inclusion Criteria

Ability and willingness to participate in all study procedures, including clinical assessments and fMRI scans.

My family does not have a history of OCD or related disorders.

Signed informed consent, approved by the Yale Human Investigations Committee.

Exclusion Criteria

I have used sleep aids or painkillers within 3 days before a scan.

Pregnancy.

Any unstable medical, psychiatric, or neurological condition (including active or otherwise problematic suicidality) that may necessitate urgent treatment.

Trial Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Baseline Imaging

Participants undergo baseline fMRI imaging to establish initial brain network data

1 week

1 visit (in-person)

Treatment

OCD participants receive either immediate or placebo-delayed SSRI treatment, with fMRI imaging conducted over the course of treatment

18 weeks

Multiple visits (in-person) for imaging and assessments

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

4 weeks

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Fluoxetine (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor)

Trial Overview The study tests the effects of immediate versus delayed treatment with Fluoxetine on brain function in OCD patients using advanced fMRI scans to find predictors and changes associated with the drug's response.

Participant Groups

Group I: OCD Group Experimental Treatment 2 Interventions

The OCD group will comprise of unmedicated individuals with clinically significant OCD symptoms. OCD Subjects will be randomized, double-blind, to receive immediate or delayed (by 6 weeks as a placebo lead-in) pharmacotherapy.

Group II: Healthy Controls Active Control 1 Intervention

The healthy control group will be an age matched sample of unmedicated healthy adults who will be recruited and imaged once at baseline and the data compared with that of OCD subjects at baseline.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Yale University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,963

Recruited

3,046,000+

Nancy J. Brown

Yale University

Chief Medical Officer since 2020

MD from Yale School of Medicine

Peter Salovey

Yale University

Chief Executive Officer since 2013

PhD in Psychology from Yale University

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

Collaborator

Trials

3,007

Recruited

2,852,000+

Dr. Joshua A. Gordon

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

Chief Executive Officer since 2016

MD, PhD

Dr. Shelli Avenevoli

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

Chief Medical Officer

PhD

Findings from Research

A study involving 229 patients in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, found that the doctor-patient relationship was the most significant factor influencing patient satisfaction with orthodontic treatment, scoring an average of 4.33 out of 5.

Patients treated in public hospitals reported higher overall satisfaction compared to those in private hospitals, particularly in areas like situational aspects and residual categories, while private hospital patients were more satisfied with dental functions.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Patient Satisfaction with Orthodontic Treatment Received in Public and Private Hospitals in Dammam, Saudi Arabia. Aljughaiman, A., Alshammari, A., Althumairi, A., et al.[2020]

Maxillary protraction significantly promotes growth in the maxilla for patients with skeletal Class III malocclusions, as evidenced by changes in cephalometric measurements after treatment.

Coben analysis effectively identifies the underlying mechanisms of malocclusions and aids in designing treatment plans, showing clear improvements in facial structure and angles related to maxillary development.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[Using Coben analysis to evaluate the therapeutic effect of maxillary protraction on maxillary maldevelopment]. Jinliang, Z., Xun, L., Yujun, J., et al.[2020]

Orthodontic treatment can effectively enhance both tooth alignment and facial aesthetics, as demonstrated in a case study of a patient with maxillary retrusion and a concave profile.

The combination of maxillary expansion and face mask therapy led to significant improvements in the patient's soft tissue profile, particularly in projecting the upper lip.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The importance of the facial profile in orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning: a patient report. Siqueira, DF., Sousa, MV., Carvalho, PE., et al.[2010]

The review evaluates the effectiveness of orthodontics in correcting dental malocclusions and improving cosmetic appearance in adults, highlighting advancements in materials and techniques.

It categorizes diagnostic variables and therapeutic options, addressing various discrepancies such as alignment and soft-tissue issues, which are crucial for tailored treatment plans.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Esthetic considerations in adult orthodontic treatment. Salama, M., Sarne, O.[2005]

Early treatment of Class III malocclusion using rapid palatal expansion and maxillary protraction can significantly improve facial appearance and psychosocial development in children, as demonstrated in a case report.

With proper compliance, most patients achieved overcorrection in less than a year, and long-term follow-up over 5 years showed no tendency for relapse, indicating the effectiveness and stability of this treatment approach.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Management of skeletal class III malocclusion treated by manifold approach: 5 year follow-up. Tubaki, R., Sharmada, BK., Pai, SS., et al.[2016]

In a 32-week study involving 10 outpatients with obsessive-compulsive disorder, fluoxetine demonstrated significant improvement in obsessive-compulsive symptoms and anxiety within four weeks, with the most substantial benefits observed by eight weeks.

Fluoxetine was well-tolerated by all participants, with no serious side effects reported, indicating it is a safe and effective treatment option for managing obsessive-compulsive disorder.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Efficacy of long-term fluoxetine treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder. Frenkel, A., Rosenthal, J., Nezu, A., et al.[2013]

In a pilot study of 10 outpatients with OCD, a rapid increase in fluoxetine dosage led to depressive symptoms in 6 patients, highlighting the need for careful monitoring when adjusting doses.

Combining fluoxetine with a tricyclic antidepressant improved depressive symptoms in 8 patients, and switching to clomipramine resulted in improvements in both OCD and depression for 5 patients, suggesting alternative treatment strategies for managing co-occurring symptoms.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Obsessive compulsive disorder, depression, and fluoxetine. Hollander, E., Mullen, L., DeCaria, CM., et al.[2013]

In a study of 355 outpatients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), fluoxetine at doses of 20 mg, 40 mg, and 60 mg per day significantly reduced OCD symptoms compared to placebo, with the highest dose showing the greatest efficacy.

The treatment was generally safe, with only a few adverse events leading to discontinuation, indicating that fluoxetine is a viable option for managing OCD with manageable side effects.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A multicenter investigation of fixed-dose fluoxetine in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder. Tollefson, GD., Rampey, AH., Potvin, JH., et al.[2019]

Fluoxetine (Prozac) has been associated with suicidal thoughts and behaviors in some patients, particularly due to its potential to cause akathisia, a condition characterized by restlessness and an inability to stay still.

While fluoxetine is generally safer than older antidepressants like tricyclics, it is important to monitor a small subset of patients who may experience these adverse effects, as they could lead to increased suicidal ideation.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Revisiting fluoxetine (Proxac) and suicidal preoccupations. Tueth, MJ.[2019]

A case report describes a patient with post-stroke depression who experienced unusual episodes of sexual excitement while being treated with fluoxetine, suggesting a potential side effect of this medication.

The episodes were dose-dependent, indicating that higher doses of fluoxetine may increase the likelihood of this side effect, particularly in patients with underlying brain conditions.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Fluoxetine and orgasmic sexual experiences. Morris, PL.[2017]

In an 8-week study involving 53 patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), fluoxetine (FLX) at doses of 40 mg or higher significantly improved symptoms compared to placebo and the lower 20 mg dose.

The treatment was particularly effective in reducing compulsions more than obsessions, although a notable placebo effect was also observed, especially in the compulsion scores.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Efficacy of fluoxetine in Austrian patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder. Zitterl, W., Meszaros, K., Hornik, K., et al.[2022]

In a 12-week open trial involving 61 patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), fluoxetine significantly improved both depressive and OCD symptoms, suggesting its efficacy as a treatment.

The study found that baseline depression scores did not predict improvement in OCD symptoms, supporting the idea that serotonergic abnormalities play a key role in OCD, independent of depressive symptoms.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Open trial of fluoxetine in obsessive-compulsive disorder. Jenike, MA., Buttolph, L., Baer, L., et al.[2013]

In a 12-week open clinical trial involving 49 patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder, fluoxetine showed a response rate of 62% among those who completed at least 8 weeks of treatment, indicating its potential effectiveness for many patients.

Despite these promising results, further controlled trials are necessary to confirm fluoxetine's efficacy compared to placebo and other treatments, as well as to determine the best dosage, treatment duration, and relapse rates after stopping the medication.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Fluoxetine treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder: an open clinical trial. Liebowitz, MR., Hollander, E., Schneier, F., et al.[2013]

In a 10-week trial with 64 patients, fluoxetine (80 mg/day) was found to be significantly more effective than placebo in reducing OCD symptoms, while phenelzine (60 mg/day) showed limited effectiveness overall.

Phenelzine may only benefit a specific subgroup of OCD patients with symmetry obsessions, as the study did not find evidence supporting its use for the broader OCD population or those with high anxiety levels.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Placebo-controlled trial of fluoxetine and phenelzine for obsessive-compulsive disorder. Jenike, MA., Baer, L., Minichiello, WE., et al.[2022]

References

1. North Macedonia pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Patient Satisfaction with Orthodontic Treatment Received in Public and Private Hospitals in Dammam, Saudi Arabia. [2020]

2. China pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[Using Coben analysis to evaluate the therapeutic effect of maxillary protraction on maxillary maldevelopment]. [2020]

3. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The importance of the facial profile in orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning: a patient report. [2010]

4. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Esthetic considerations in adult orthodontic treatment. [2005]

5. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Management of skeletal class III malocclusion treated by manifold approach: 5 year follow-up. [2016]

6. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Efficacy of long-term fluoxetine treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder. [2013]

7. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Obsessive compulsive disorder, depression, and fluoxetine. [2013]

8. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A multicenter investigation of fixed-dose fluoxetine in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder. [2019]

9. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Revisiting fluoxetine (Proxac) and suicidal preoccupations. [2019]

10. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Fluoxetine and orgasmic sexual experiences. [2017]

11. Austria pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Efficacy of fluoxetine in Austrian patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder. [2022]

12. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Open trial of fluoxetine in obsessive-compulsive disorder. [2013]

13. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Fluoxetine treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder: an open clinical trial. [2013]

14. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Placebo-controlled trial of fluoxetine and phenelzine for obsessive-compulsive disorder. [2022]