Quetiapine for Postpartum Depression
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial is testing quetiapine, a medication for mood disorders and sleep problems, on women with postpartum depression who don't respond well to typical antidepressants. The drug works by balancing brain chemicals to improve mood and sleep. Quetiapine has been used for treating schizophrenia, mood disorders, and sleep disturbances.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
Yes, you will need to stop taking any psychotropic drugs (medications that affect your mood, thoughts, or behavior) such as mood stabilizers, antidepressants, or sedatives/hypnotics to participate in this trial.
Is quetiapine generally safe for humans?
Quetiapine, also known as Seroquel, is generally well tolerated in adults and adolescents for conditions like bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. It has a low incidence of movement-related side effects (extrapyramidal symptoms) and is considered safe for these uses, but specific safety data for postpartum depression is limited.12345
How is the drug quetiapine unique for treating postpartum depression?
Quetiapine is unique for treating postpartum depression because it is an atypical antipsychotic that has shown effectiveness in treating mood disorders like bipolar disorder, which can include both manic and depressive episodes. This suggests it may help manage mood swings and depressive symptoms in postpartum depression, although its use in this specific condition is still being explored.14567
What data supports the effectiveness of the drug quetiapine for postpartum depression?
Quetiapine is effective in treating depression in people with bipolar disorder, showing rapid and sustained improvements in depressive and anxiety symptoms. It is also used off-label for anxiety and insomnia, which are common in postpartum depression, suggesting it might help with similar symptoms in this condition.14689
Who Is on the Research Team?
Verinder Sharma, MB
Principal Investigator
London Health Sciences Centre Research Institute OR Lawson Research Institute of St. Joseph's
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for outpatient women aged 18-45 who have given birth within the last 6 months and are experiencing postpartum depression, as indicated by specific scores on depression rating scales. They must be able to consent, communicate in English, and not be at high risk for suicide or currently receiving certain psychiatric treatments.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive quetiapine starting at 25 mg per day, with potential increases of 25-50 mg per week, up to a maximum of 150 mg per day by week 6
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Quetiapine
Quetiapine is already approved in United States, European Union for the following indications:
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Verinder Sharma
Lead Sponsor