Could an old allergy drug help treat depression in seniors?

NCT ID NCT06591091

Recruiting now Symptom relief Sponsor: University of Illinois at Chicago Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jul 01, 2026 · Updated 2 times

Summary

This study tests whether clemastine, a common antihistamine, can improve brain white matter and make antidepressants work better for adults over 60 with depression. Eighty participants will receive either clemastine or a placebo alongside their antidepressant. The goal is to see if this combination reduces depressive symptoms and improves thinking and memory.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Clemastine (an antihistamine, also known as Tavist Allergy)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a way to make antidepressants work better for older adults by improving brain health.
What could go wrong: This is an early phase 2 trial with only 80 participants, so results may not apply widely. Clemastine is generally safe but can cause drowsiness or other side effects.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Depression depressive disorder major depressive disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

DEPRESSION

Contacts and locations

Locations

University of Illinois College of Medicine
RECRUITING

Chicago, Illinois, 60612, United States

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