Antidepressants for Gum Disease in Patients With Depression

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Alabama at Birmingham

Must be taking: Antidepressants

Must not be taking: Anti-inflammatories, Nifedipine, Phenytoin

Disqualifiers: Smokers, Immunocompromised, Uncontrolled diabetes, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 2

Duration: 1 week

92 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications, but it does mention that chronic use of anti-inflammatory medications and certain other drugs might affect participation. It's best to discuss your specific medications with the trial team.

What data supports the effectiveness of the drug for treating gum disease in patients with depression?

Research suggests that some antidepressants, like fluoxetine, may help reduce gum disease severity due to their anti-inflammatory effects, as seen in animal studies. However, more studies in humans are needed to confirm these benefits. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Is it safe to use antidepressants for gum disease in patients with depression?

Research on the safety of using antidepressants for gum disease is limited, mostly involving animal studies. Some studies suggest antidepressants like fluoxetine and desipramine may have protective effects on gum health, but more human studies are needed to confirm their safety and effectiveness. ^{1 2 5 6 7}

How do antidepressants differ from other treatments for gum disease?

Antidepressants are unique in treating gum disease because they have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce bone loss and inflammation in the gums, which is not a typical function of standard periodontal treatments. This approach is novel as it leverages the brain-neuroendocrine-immune system to potentially improve gum health in patients with depression. ^{1 2 3 4 6}

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial is testing if antidepressants can help reduce gum inflammation in people with both gum disease and depression. Researchers will collect various samples to study the connection between oral and body inflammation. The goal is to see if treating depression can also improve gum health.

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for adults who are patients at the UAB Dental School with moderate to severe gum disease, as defined by specific dental measurements. It's open to those on antidepressants and those not suffering from depression but excludes non-English speakers, smokers, immunocompromised individuals, and anyone taking certain anti-inflammatory drugs or medications that could affect gum health.

Inclusion Criteria

I am on depression medication and have long-term gum disease.

Able to read and understand informed consent document

I have severe gum disease with deep pockets and gum recession.

Exclusion Criteria

You smoke or use tobacco products regularly, at least 10 cigarettes per day.

I need immediate dental care for a condition.

I regularly take anti-inflammatory medication, but not more than 325 mg of aspirin daily.

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants receive antidepressants and undergo periodontal therapy to evaluate the reduction in gingival inflammation

1 week

1 visit (in-person)

Sample Collection

Collection of gingival crevicular fluid, plaque, tissue, and blood serum samples to evaluate inflammatory markers

1 week

1 visit (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

4 weeks

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Periodontal Surgery

Trial Overview The study is testing if antidepressants can lessen gum inflammation in people with periodontal disease. Participants will undergo standard periodontal surgery while their inflammatory markers are monitored to see if there's a difference between those with and without depression.

Participant Groups

Group I: Chronic Periodontitis and Depression Medications Active Control 1 Intervention

Patients with clinically diagnosed depression taking (SSRIs, NDRIs, SNRIs, tricyclic antidepressants) and with chronic periodontitis

Group II: Chronic Periodontitis Active Control 1 Intervention

Patients without depression, not taking any antidepressants and with chronic periodontitis

Group III: Chronic Periodontitis without Depression Medications Active Control 1 Intervention

Patients with clinically diagnosed depression not taking any antidepressants (SSRIs NDRIs, SNRIs and Tricyclic antidepressants) and with chronic periodontitis

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Alabama at Birmingham

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,677

Recruited

2,458,000+

References

1. Australia pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Use of antidepressive agents as a possibility in the management of periodontal diseases: A systematic review of experimental studies. [2018]

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

Association of different antidepressant classes with clinical attachment level and alveolar bone loss in patients with periodontitis: A retrospective study. [2022]

3. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effect of venlafaxine on bone loss associated with ligature-induced periodontitis in Wistar rats. [2022]

4. China pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[Investigation and analysis of depression occurrence in patients with chronic periodontitis]. [2018]

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

Effect of Fluoxetine on Periodontal Status in Patients With Depression: A Cross-Sectional Observational Study. [2022]

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

Protective effects of desipramine on alveolar bone in experimental periodontitis. [2023]

7. India pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Periodontal status in chronic periodontitis depressed patients on desvenlafaxine: An observational study. [2022]