Can a single IV dose plus brain zaps lift depression faster?
NCT ID NCT04846829
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026
Summary
This early-phase study tests whether giving a single intravenous dose of the antidepressant citalopram together with 10 sessions of theta burst stimulation (a form of transcranial magnetic stimulation) can quickly improve depression symptoms. Thirty adults with major depressive disorder who have not responded to at least two prior medications will receive either citalopram or a placebo infusion plus the brain stimulation. Researchers will track changes in depression scores, brain activity, and mood over four weeks.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
citalopram (a common antidepressant) and theta burst stimulation (a type of brain magnetic stimulation)
What this could lead to
If it works, this could point toward a faster or more effective way to treat depression by combining medication with brain stimulation.
What could go wrong
This is a very early, small study (30 people) testing only a single infusion and 10 stimulation sessions. Results may not apply to everyone, and the combination may not work better than either treatment alone.
Disclaimer
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This is a summary of
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 Depression Research and Clinic Program
Los Angeles, California, 90024, United States