The atypical antipsychotic drug Abilify (aripiprazole) appears to enhance the response to antidepressants in patients with treatment-resistant major depression, research suggests. Atypical antipsychotic agents are often used to augment antidepressants among patients with refractory mood disorders, lead author Dr. George I. Papakostas and colleagues note in their report, published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry. Abilify is unique among the atypical antipsychotics and therefore may be more effective than other drugs in its class. It may also have a better adverse effect profile, Papakostas said in an interview with Reuters Health. He explained: "Studies conducted so far in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder suggest that agents such as aripiprazole and ziprasadone (Geodon) may have advantages in terms of less weight gain ... stiffness, and lipid abnormalities compared with other atypical antipsychotic agents, including olanzapine (Zyprexa), clozapine (Clozaril), quetiapine (Seroquel), and risperidone (Risperdal)." Papakostas' team recruited 12 patients who had been treated with an antidepressant for a minimum of 6 weeks but still had significant symptoms of depression. --More 2342 Local Time 2042 GMT
