Ethyl Eicosapentanoic Acid (Ethyl-EPA) for Treating Major Depression

A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study of Ethyl Eicosapentanoic Acid (Ethyl-EPA) in Major Depressive Disorder

Status

Completed

Phases

Phase 3

Study type

Interventional

Source

ClinicalTrials.gov

Registry ID

NCT00096798

Enrollment

Registered

2004-11-16

Start date

2001-09-30

Completion date

2007-08-31

Last updated

2008-01-17

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Depression, Depressive Disorder

Keywords

Fatty Acids, Omega-3, Antidepressive Agents, Eicosapentanoic Acid

Brief summary

The purpose of this study is to examine the effectiveness of ethyl-eicosapentanoic acid (ethyl-EPA), an omega-3 fatty acid, in treating depression.

Detailed description

Evidence suggests that omega-3 fatty acids may help reduce symptoms of depression. This study will determine whether ethyl-EPA, an omega-3 fatty acid, can be used safely and effectively to treat major depression. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either ethyl EPA-containing pills or placebo daily for 8 weeks. Each week, participants will be asked to complete questionnaires which will be used to assess the severity of their depression.

Interventions

DRUGEthyl-eicosapentanoic acid (ethyl-EPA)

Study design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Intervention model

PARALLEL

Primary purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

DOUBLE

Eligibility

Sex/Gender

ALL

Age

18 Years to 80 Years

Healthy volunteers

Inclusion criteria

* Major depressive disorder

Exclusion criteria

* Serious comorbid psychiatric disorder * Unstable medical illness * Prior use of any omega-3 fatty acid product

Design outcomes

Primary

Measure	Time frame
Alleviation of depressive symptoms	—

Countries

United States

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Apr 2, 2026