Can a common ADHD drug boost depression treatment?
NCT ID NCT04509102
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This early study tests whether adding Adderall XR (a stimulant) to repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) can improve depression symptoms more than rTMS plus a placebo. Thirty adults with treatment-resistant major depressive disorder will take either Adderall or a sugar pill daily for three weeks, starting two weeks before rTMS therapy. The main goal is to see if the combination leads to greater symptom improvement.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
Adderall XR (amphetamine)
What this could lead to
If it works, this could point toward a way to boost the effectiveness of brain stimulation therapy for depression.
What could go wrong
This is a very early, small trial with only 30 people. The results may not apply to everyone, and Adderall can have side effects like insomnia, anxiety, or increased heart rate.
Disclaimer
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the original study
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Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
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UCLA Semel
Los Angeles, California, 90025, United States