Exploring early add-on celecoxib treatment in OCD: Results from a preliminary randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
Shivangini Singh, Anil Nischal, Anuradha Nischal et al.
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In 30 seconds
This preliminary randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial evaluated celecoxib added early to fluoxetine in 44 drug-naive patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder over 8 weeks. Compared with fluoxetine plus placebo, the celecoxib group had a greater mean reduction in Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale scores (6.56 ± 1.04; p ⩽ 0.001; Hedge’s g = 1.918). Response rates were 33% with celecoxib and 11.1% with placebo (number needed to treat = 4.2). Symptom reduction correlated with a decrease in serum IL-6 in the celecoxib group; no significant side effects were observed.
Key findings
- Mean YBOCS score change over 8 weeks was greater with celecoxib add-on (6.56 ± 1.04; p ⩽ 0.001; Hedge’s g = 1.918).
- Response rates were 33% with celecoxib and 11.1% with placebo; the reported number needed to treat was 4.2.
- In the celecoxib group, YBOCS reduction correlated with decreased serum IL-6 (r = 0.478, p = 0.033).
- No significant side effects were observed during the trial.
Why it matters
The findings provide preliminary clinical evidence that targeting a possible inflammatory contribution to OCD may improve short-term symptom outcomes when added to fluoxetine. The association between symptom change and IL-6 reduction also supports further investigation of inflammatory markers, although it does not establish that inflammation reduction caused the clinical improvement.
What to keep in mind
This was a preliminary trial with 44 participants and 8 weeks of follow-up, so the findings do not establish longer-term effectiveness or safety.