← Back to Search

General Anesthetic

Propofol for Depression

Phase 2 & 3
Waitlist Available
Led By Brian J Mickey, MD, PhD
Research Sponsored by University of Utah
Eligibility Criteria Checklist
Specific guidelines that determine who can or cannot participate in a clinical trial
Must have
Failure of at least 2 adequate antidepressant medication trials within the past 2 years
Age 18-55 years
Must not have
ECT within the past 3 months
Incompetent to provide consent
Timeline
Screening 3 weeks
Treatment Varies
Follow Up approximately 36 days after randomization
Awards & highlights
Approved for 10 Other Conditions
No Placebo-Only Group
All Individual Drugs Already Approved

Summary

This trial will compare how well two different doses of propofol work as an antidepressant, as well as any potential side effects.

Who is the study for?
This trial is for adults aged 18-55 with major depressive disorder or bipolar disorder, who've had a moderate-to-severe episode lasting 2 months to less than 5 years and haven't improved after trying at least two antidepressants in the past two years. Exclusions include contraindications to propofol, certain medical conditions, substance abuse issues, recent suicidal behavior, and pregnancy.
What is being tested?
The study tests the antidepressant effects of propofol at two different doses. It also looks for biomarkers that might indicate how well the treatment works. Participants will be compared based on these varying doses to see which is more effective.
What are the potential side effects?
Propofol can cause side effects like drowsiness, dizziness, nausea or vomiting. In some cases it may lead to allergic reactions due to its components such as egg lecithin or soybean oil.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

You may be eligible if you check “Yes” for the criteria below
Select...
I've tried at least 2 antidepressants in the last 2 years without success.
Select...
I am between 18 and 55 years old.
Select...
I have been diagnosed with major depressive disorder or bipolar disorder.
Select...
I am currently experiencing a severe episode of depression.

Exclusion Criteria

You may be eligible for the trial if you check “No” for criteria below:
Select...
I have not had electroconvulsive therapy in the last 3 months.
Select...
I am unable to understand or sign a consent form.
Select...
I use benzodiazepine, opioid, ACE inhibitor, or ARB medication daily.
Select...
I have heart problems like angina or heart failure.
Select...
My blood pressure or diabetes is not well-managed.
Select...
I am allergic to propofol, egg lecithin, soybean oil, or similar substances.
Select...
ECT was not suitable for me or did not work well in the last 5 years.
Select...
I have not had a traumatic brain injury or significant neurological issues in the past year.
Select...
My kidney or liver is not functioning properly.

Timeline

Screening ~ 3 weeks
Treatment ~ Varies
Follow Up ~approximately 36 days after randomization
This trial's timeline: 3 weeks for screening, Varies for treatment, and approximately 36 days after randomization for reporting.

Treatment Details

Study Objectives

Study objectives can provide a clearer picture of what you can expect from a treatment.
Secondary study objectives
Hamilton Depression Rating Scale

Awards & Highlights

Approved for 10 Other Conditions
This treatment demonstrated efficacy for 10 other conditions.
No Placebo-Only Group
All patients enrolled in this study will receive some form of active treatment.
All Individual Drugs Already Approved
Therapies where all constituent drugs have already been approved are likely to have better-understood side effect profiles.

Trial Design

2Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Group I: Propofol Low DoseExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
low propofol injectable, individually dosed, three times per week
Group II: Propofol High DoseExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
high propofol injectable, individually dosed, three times per week
Treatment
First Studied
Drug Approval Stage
How many patients have taken this drug
Propofol
FDA approved

Find a Location

Who is running the clinical trial?

University of UtahLead Sponsor
1,147 Previous Clinical Trials
1,699,032 Total Patients Enrolled
Brian J Mickey, MD, PhDPrincipal InvestigatorUniversity of Utah
1 Previous Clinical Trials
20 Total Patients Enrolled

Media Library

Propofol (General Anesthetic) Clinical Trial Eligibility Overview. Trial Name: NCT03684447 — Phase 2 & 3
Major Depressive Disorder Research Study Groups: Propofol High Dose, Propofol Low Dose
Major Depressive Disorder Clinical Trial 2023: Propofol Highlights & Side Effects. Trial Name: NCT03684447 — Phase 2 & 3
Propofol (General Anesthetic) 2023 Treatment Timeline for Medical Study. Trial Name: NCT03684447 — Phase 2 & 3
~7 spots leftby Jan 2026