Memantine Augmentation in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

An Open-Label Trial of Memantine to Augment Response in the Treatment of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

The purpose of this study is to determine whether memantine is safe and effective when used as an augmentation to standard treatment for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD).

The purpose of this study is to determine whether memantine (Namenda), in doses up to 20 mg/day, will be effective in treating the OCD of adult patients who have not responded to their OCD medication. Memantine is not FDA approved for OCD, but is approved for the treatment of Alzheimer's Disease. Memantine appears to work by regulating the activity of glutamate, one of the brain's specialized messenger chemicals, which may play a role in OCD. All patients in the study will receive memantine; no one will receive placebo.

Inclusion Criteria:

• at least 18 years of age
• suffering from OCD
• Y-BOCS score of 18 or greater
• taking a therapeutic dose of an anti-OCD medication specified in the protocol

Exclusion Criteria:

• diagnosed with a mental disorder other than OCD
• taking tiagabine or pregabalin
• having had a previous trial of memantine
• receiving therapy for OCD
• substance abuse in the last 6 months
• personality disorders sufficiently severe to interfere with study participation