Comparing Dextromethorphan-Bupropion and SSRIs for Major Depression

Efficacy of Dextromethorphan-Bupropion Versus SSRIs in the Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Not applicable Interventional Combined Military Hospital Nowshera · NCT06957223

This study is testing if a new combination of dextromethorphan and bupropion can help adults with major depression feel better compared to standard antidepressants like SSRIs.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment80 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 60 Years
SexAll
SponsorCombined Military Hospital Nowshera Government
Locations2 sites (Nowshera, KPK and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06957223 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study compares the effectiveness of a combination of dextromethorphan and bupropion against standard selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in treating adults with major depressive disorder (MDD). Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either the dextromethorphan-bupropion combination or an SSRI like sertraline or escitalopram for a duration of 6 weeks. The primary goal is to measure the remission rate of depression using a validated scale, while secondary outcomes will assess changes in depressive symptoms and the safety of the treatments.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults diagnosed with major depressive disorder who have moderate to severe symptoms.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or other psychotic disorders may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a new effective treatment option for patients suffering from major depressive disorder.

How similar studies have performed: While this approach is relatively novel, similar studies have shown promise in exploring alternative antidepressant combinations.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

Diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD) per DSM-5 criteria.

Baseline depression score indicating moderate to severe depression

Ability to provide informed consent

Willing to comply with study requirements

Exclusion Criteria:

History of bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or other psychotic disorders

Current substance use disorder (within past 6 months)

Active suicidal ideation requiring urgent intervention

Pregnancy or breastfeeding

Known hypersensitivity to study medications

Where this trial is running

Nowshera, KPK and 1 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Major Depressive Disorder
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.