Prozac "marries" fish oil in the fight against depression

Depression: the winning combo Prozac and omega 3

Adding fish oil to Prozac therapy improves its effectiveness significantly in cases of major depression, a clinical study has found. Among the various causes of depression, researchers also hypothesized a deficiency in the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA, which are abundant in fish oil. The research revealed that individuals suffering from major depression tend to have lower than normal serum omega-3 (especially EPA) levels. Epidemiological analyses are consistent with this finding: in populations in which omega-3-rich fish consumption is very high, the rate of depression is lower than average, while individuals in whom lower-than-normal omega-3 levels are typically found (e.g., alcoholics and women after pregnancy) are more likely to suffer from depression. Clinical studies also show that omega-3 supplementation can alleviate symptoms of depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. 

A clinical trial analyzed the effect of EPA (one of two long-chain omega-3s) and fluoxetine (the molecule in antidepressant drugs such as Prozac) alone or together on sixty patients with major depression. Response rates (i.e., decrease in depressive symptoms) were 50 percent, 56 percent and 81 percent in the groups treated with fluoxetine, EPA and both, respectively. Ultimately, the researchers conclude, EPA and fluoxetine have a comparable effect, while a combination of the two treatments achieves a significantly better effect.

Source:

Jazayeri et al. Comparison of therapeutic effects of omega-3 fatty acid eicosapentaenoic acid and fluoxetine, separately and in combination, in major depressive disorder. Aust N Z J Psychiatry. 2008 Mar;42(3):192-8.