Combined Effects of Fluoxetine and Memantine on OCD-Related Compulsionssymptoms

Newsletter # 113



Animal models


Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition marked by a range of cognitive dysfunctions. Individuals with OCD often struggle with inhibiting obsessive thoughts and stopping repetitive compulsive behaviors, reflecting deficits in executive function. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) like fluoxetine are the first-line treatment for OCD, but a significant subset of patients remain treatment-resistant. In such cases, adjunctive therapies are explored, with a small clinical trial reporting the successful use of memantine as an augmenting agent in treatment-resistant OCD.

At Neurofit, we utilize the mouse marble burying paradigm as an in vivo model for OCD, mimicking compulsive-like behaviors. Indeed, we found that both Fluoxetine and Memantine markedly reduce the frenetic repetitive and stereotypic burying behaviors of mice. Additionally, their combination lacks any antagonistic effect. These findings reinforce the possibility of combining these treatments for a synergistic or complementary effect in managing compulsive behaviors without reducing the efficacy of either drug.


  • Frenetic repetitive and stereotypic Marble burying behaviors of mice


    Left panel :
    Illustrative comparison of outcome patterns for frenetic repetitive and stereotypic Marble burying behaviors of placebo (up) and Fluoxetine + Memantine combination (down) treated mice.


  • Fluoxetine and Memantine modify mice compulsive behaviors


    Right panel :
    The graph shows the number of marbles buried by mice during a 20-minute-long session. 20 glass marbles (diameter: 1.5 cm) are spaced evenly along the walls of the homecage cage which contains about a 5 cm layer of fine sawdust bedding.

NEUROFIT offers a range of validated in vitro and in vivo screening tests for psychiatry and neurology.

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