Creatine as a Novel Treatment for Depression in Females Using Methamphetamine: A Pilot Study.
Level 4 - case-series / case-control
Uncontrolled, single-arm open-label pilot study
PubMed 26457568 · doi:10.1080/15504263.2015.1100471
What was done
Fourteen females with depression and comorbid methamphetamine dependence enrolled in an 8-week open-label trial of 5 g daily creatine monohydrate (11 completed). Depression was assessed using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD), and brain phosphocreatine concentrations were measured using phosphorus magnetic resonance spectroscopy before and after treatment. Secondary outcomes included anxiety symptoms via the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and methamphetamine use monitored by twice-weekly urine drug screens and self-report.
What was found
A linear mixed effects repeated measures model showed significantly reduced HAMD and BAI scores starting at week 2 and continuing through study completion (exact numerical score values were not reported in the abstract). Brain phosphocreatine concentrations increased significantly from baseline (mean = 0.223, SD = 0.013) to post-treatment (mean = 0.233, SD = 0.009; t(9) = 2.905, p < 0.01). Methamphetamine-positive urine drug screens decreased by greater than 50% by week 6. Adverse events possibly related to creatine included gastrointestinal symptoms and muscle cramping.
Why it matters
This pilot study provides preliminary target-engagement and symptom data suggesting creatine monohydrate may warrant further investigation for comorbid depression and methamphetamine dependence in females.
Limits
The study was an open-label trial lacking a control or placebo group, making it impossible to rule out placebo effects or natural symptom fluctuation. The sample size was very small (n = 14 enrolled, n = 11 completed), and the abstract lacks exact point estimates for depression and anxiety score reductions.
Cited by
- supports Adding creatine as an adjunct to SSRIs, cognitive behavioral therapy, or methamphetamine addiction treatment improves clinical depressive and anxiety symptoms.