Drug combinations in the treatment of refractory depression: A review

The authors critically review several drug combinations that may be of promise in the management of depressions that do not respond to treatment with a single drug. These include the use of tricyclic antidepressants with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI's), L-triiodothyronine (T₃), methylphenidate, lithium carbonate, L-tryptophan, reserpine, and neuroleptics; MAOI's with lithium and L-tryptophan; and L-tryptophan with alllopurinol. The authors stress the need for further double-blind controlled studies to evaluate the safety and efficacy of these combinations.