Antidepressant effect of transdermal nicotine patches in nonsmoking patients with major depression.

BACKGROUND: A high frequency of cigarette smoking has been reported among individuals with major depression. In a previous study, transdermal nicotine produced short-term improvement in the mood of depressed patients. This study was undertaken to determine the effects of 4 days' administration of transdermal nicotine on mood in nonsmoking patients with major depression.
METHOD: The effects of nicotine patches (17.5 mg) on 12 nonmedicated outpatients with major depression (DSM-III-R) were studied for 4 continuous days. Patients had to score 18 points or more on the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D) (21 items) for admission into the study. The HAM-D (10 items), a visual analog scale, and a side effects scale were scored daily during the trial (baseline, 4 days of nicotine patches, and 4 days of follow-up).
RESULTS: Two patients dropped out of the study owing to nausea and vomiting. Results of the visual analog scale and HAM-D (10 items) showed a significant (p < .01) improvement in depression after the second day of nicotine patches. Patients relapsed 3 or 4 days after the last nicotine dose. The side effects observed were an increase in saliva production, nausea, loss of appetite, and mild insomnia.
CONCLUSION: Nicotine patches produced short-term improvement of depression with minor side effects. Because of nicotine's high risk to health, nicotine patches are not recommended for clinical use in depression. Analogue drugs may be developed in the future that may help improve depression without the risk of other major health problems.