Does adding JNJ-42165279 help people whose major depressive disorder did not improve on current antidepressants?
If your current antidepressant isn't working well enough, you may be looking for an add-on treatment. JNJ-42165279 is a drug that targets the endocannabinoid system, which is involved in mood and anxiety. However, a 2020 phase 2a trial found that adding JNJ-42165279 to an SSRI or SNRI did not reduce depression symptoms more than adding a placebo pill 5. The study was well-designed and included 153 participants, but the results were clear: no significant benefit.
What the research says
A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled phase 2a study tested JNJ-42165279 (25 mg daily) as an add-on treatment in 153 adults with major depressive disorder and anxious distress who had not responded adequately to an SSRI or SNRI 5. After 6 weeks, the change in depression scores (measured by the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale) was nearly identical between the JNJ-42165279 group and the placebo group. The difference was only -0.2 points, which was not statistically significant (p=0.416) 5. Key secondary outcomes also showed no benefit. The drug did increase levels of anandamide (a natural endocannabinoid), but this did not translate into better mood 5. Other treatments have been studied for treatment-resistant depression. For example, Auvelity (dextromethorphan/bupropion) is FDA-approved for MDD in adults 4. Magnetic seizure therapy and electroconvulsive therapy are also effective options, with MST showing fewer memory side effects 7. Aerobic exercise has been shown to improve executive function in MDD 8, and cognitive behavioral therapy delivered via text message reduced anxiety symptoms in young adults 6. However, none of these sources directly tested JNJ-42165279.
What to ask your doctor
- What other medication options are available for depression that hasn't responded to my current antidepressant?
- Are there non-drug treatments, such as therapy or exercise, that could help?
- Would I be a candidate for treatments like Auvelity, magnetic seizure therapy, or ECT?
- How long should I try a new treatment before deciding if it's working?
This question is drawn from common patient questions about this topic and answered using cited medical research. We do not provide individualized advice.