JAMA Netw Open

Obsessive-compulsive disorder: Do glutamatergic drugs work?

January 3, 2025

Glutamatergic medications (e.g., memantine, riluzole)—as monotherapy or as augmentation to SSRIs—may be effective for OCD; however, the studies examined in this meta-analysis show heterogeneity and the potential for publication bias. Larger, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials are warranted to investigate dose-dependent effects and the impact on various conditions related to OCD.

Study details: 27 RCTs were included (N = 1,369 participants; mean age, 32 years; female, 66%). OCD symptom improvement was measured by Cohen d and mean reduction in Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS) scores.

Results: Glutamatergic drugs showed a large effect size in improving Cohen d symptom improvement, but evidence was of low certainty. In the 23 OCD-specific randomized trials, glutamatergic drugs showed a significant mean reduction in Y-BOCS scores; evidence was of moderate certainty.

Source:

Coelho DRA, et al. (2025, January 2). JAMA Netw Open. Glutamatergic Medications for Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39745698/