Evaluation of Potentiation Effect of Omega-3 Fatty Acid on the Antidepressant Efficacy of Escitalopram in Albino Rats

Abstract

Depression is a common problem worldwide since the ages. Mostly it is treated with Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) but they are not effective in each and every patient. Hence other methods for better effective ways to treat depression are needed. This study was divided as acute and chronic study. Each containing five groups control, escitalopram (standard),omega -3 fatty acid (FA),escitalopram + omega -3 FA (2 doses).A 15 min pretest was done followed 24h later by a 5 min test.Various models of depression were used and biochemical analysis was done. In acute study there was no significant potentiation effect seen .In chronic study there was significant potentiation effect of omega 3 FA. Based on the results we conclude omega 3 fatty acid can be considered as a part of therapeutic use along with escitalopram. Further clinical studies may be required to validate the results of this study.