None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
Metformin is a medication originally derived from French Lilac which has been used to treat diabetes for over 50 years. The aim of this study is to see whether metformin can improve mood and memory in people who have depression and obesity. We will recruit 30 adults who feel depressed despite currently taking an antidepressant medication and who also have a large waist measurement (more than 88cm for women and 102cm for men). The study will last for 12 weeks. Participants will be randomized to either metformin 1000mg twice per day with food or placebo. At the beginning and the end of the study mood will be rated by self-report and by the doctor’s impression. Memory will be measured using a series of computer based tests, similar to playing simple computer games. The hope is that metformin will help obese adults with depression by reducing levels of the hormone insulin as well as markers of inflammation, within the brain, thereby improving mood.
Interventions
Metformin 2 x 500mg oral tablets twice daily for 12 weeks (total daily dose 2000mg). Adherence will be monitored by counting drug returns on a monthly basis.
Sponsors
The Alfred Hospital
Study design
Allocation
Randomised controlled trial
Primary purpose
Treatment
Masking
Blinded (masking used) (Subject, Caregiver, Investigator, Outcomes Assessor)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
18 Years to 65 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
adults aged 18-65 ongoing symptoms of depression (MADRS>10) despite at least 8 weeks on a stable dose of an antidepressant adbominal obesity (waist circumference >88cm for women or 102cm for men)
Exclusion criteria
renal impairment (eGFR<60) suicidal psychotic disorders diabetes mellitus allergy to metformin, lactose or other component of metformin or placebo formulations
Outcome results
None listed