The Combined Effects of Memantine and Fluoxetine on an Animal Model of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is currently treated with behavioral modification and psychotropic medications, with varying degrees of success. The most popular drugs for the treatment of OCD are the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Another drug, the N -methyl- d -aspartate antagonist memantine, has recently been tested in the treatment of OCD. The present study investigates the effect of fluoxetine and memantine alone and in combination in a mouse model of compulsive behavior. In this model, compulsive scratching is induced by a subcutaneous injection of serotonin or a serotonin releasing agent, compound 48-80, in the back of the neck. The effects of the memantine and fluoxetine combination were found to synergistic, specifically as defined by an isobologram. The results of the present investigation suggest the potential of a more effective management of the symptoms of OCD.