The current randomized, masked, placebo-controlled study was performed to explore the efficacy of combination therapy with omega-3 fatty acids plus citalopram versus citalopram plus placebo (olive oil). Forty-two subjects participated in this nine-week study of combination therapy (two 1 g capsules containing a blend of 900 mg eicosapentaenoic acid, 200 mg docosahexaenoic acid, and 100 mg of other omega-3 fatty acids twice daily plus citalopram) versus monotherapy (two 1 g capsules of olive oil per day plus citalopram) in the initial treatment of individuals with major depressive disorder (MDD). Results revealed that the combination therapy demonstrated significantly greater improvement in Hamilton Depression Rating scale scores over time (P = 0.008) beginning at week four (P = 0.014). The authors concluded that combination therapy was more effective than monotherapy in decreasing signs and symptoms of MDD during the eight weeks of active treatment; however, combination therapy did not seem to enhance the speed of the initial antidepressant response. These results suggest that there may be an advantage to combining omega-3 fatty acids with a selective serotonin uptake inhibitor in the initial treatment of individuals with MDD. J Clin Psychopharmacol. 2012 Feb;32(1):61-4. PMID: 22198441.
