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5-HTP and Creatine for Depression R33 Phase

RecruitingPhase 2

31P-MRS and Resting State Functional Connectivity Analysis of the Effects of 5-hydroxytryptophan and Creatine for Antidepressant Augmentation in Patients With SSRI/SNRI-resistant Major Depressive Disorder

Who can join

Ages 18 to 65 · All sexes

Full eligibility criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Adults age 18-65 years inclusive
* Current diagnosis of MDD identified by the MINI (Mini Neuropsychiatric Interview)
* Current HAM-D17 score of \>= 16
* Adequate adherence to any FDA approved SSRI or SNRI for at least 8 weeks
* Right-handed
* Residing at \> 4000 ft for at least 12 weeks

Exclusion Criteria:

* Any non-MDD and non-anxiety psychiatric diagnosis, as identified by the MINI
* History of or current diagnosis of renal disease, such as chronic renal failure, acute renal failure or end stage renal disease
* Current colitis or diverticulitis
* History of or current pulmonary disease (except well controlled asthma)
* Current smoking
* History of cardiac disease or QTc \> 500ms
* History of fibromyalgia or any rheumatological condition
* History of or current seizure disorder
* Current serious suicide risk identified by the Columbia Severity Suicide Rating Scale
* Current treatment with an antipsychotic, mood stabilizer, or non-SSRI/SNRI antidepressant except for bupropion at FDA-approved doses or trazodone up to 200mg, or use of any supplements apart from standard multivitamins
* Positive pregnancy test, pregnancy, failure to use adequate birth control method
* Previous diagnosis of serotonin syndrome or evidence of serotonin syndrome
* Pre-existing eosinophilia (absolute eosinophil count \> 500/uL)
* Contraindications to MRI: ferromagnetic implants, implanted devices, claustrophobia

About the study

This is a three-armed clinical trial examining the effect of 5-hydroxytryptophan and creatine monohydrate as augmenting agents for the treatment of depression. Subjects will be randomized between 5-HTP 100mg BID + creatine 5g daily, 5-HTP 200mg BID + creatine 10g daily, vs double placebo, for 8 weeks. The ability of the interventions to affect biomarkers associated with depression will be assessed using brain phosphorus magnetic resonance spectroscopy, functional connectivity imaging, and plasma serotonin levels.

What is being tested

Sponsor: University of Utah · Participants: 106 · Started: Sep 28, 2023

Contact the study team

Official record on ClinicalTrials.gov — NCT05895747

Locations in the U.S.

UtahUniversity of Utah Department of Psychiatry, Salt Lake City

Conditions

From ClinicalTrials.gov, data retrieved Sep 30, 2026. Each study sets its own eligibility; the study team decides who can join.