NCT00026052

Who might be able to join this trial:

• You are between 18 and 70 years old (male or female)
• If you are a woman who could become pregnant, you are using an accepted form of birth control
• You are able to understand and agree to all the tests and procedures involved in the study
• You are willing to read and sign a consent form after learning about the study
• You have been diagnosed with recurring major depression without psychotic features, confirmed through a clinical interview
• Your depression symptoms score at least 20 on a standard depression rating scale at two separate visits
• Your depression symptoms did not improve by 20% or more during a washout period between the first two visits
• In the doctor's opinion, you have had at least one previous episode of major depression (not counting your current one)
• You have tried at least one standard antidepressant (such as an SSRI, bupropion, or venlafaxine) during a depressive episode
• Your current depressive episode has lasted no longer than 24 months

Who may not be able to join:

• You are currently experiencing psychotic symptoms (such as hallucinations or delusions)
• You have taken part in another clinical drug trial within the past 30 days
• You are currently pregnant or breastfeeding
• You have a serious or unstable physical health condition affecting the liver, kidneys, stomach, lungs, heart, hormones, nervous system, immune system, or blood
• You have an untreated thyroid condition (overactive or underactive)
• You have abnormal liver enzyme levels in your blood, or a current or past blood disorder
• You have a known allergy or bad reaction to the drug riluzole
• You have had a substance abuse or dependence problem in the past 90 days
• You have recently received a long-acting injectable antipsychotic medication (confirm with trial site)
• You have taken certain specific medications too recently before the study, including some antidepressants or blood pressure drugs (confirm with trial site for exact timeframes)
• You are currently taking other medications that affect the brain or nervous system, beyond what is allowed by the study
• You have received clozapine (a specific medication) or electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) within the past 12 weeks
• You have been diagnosed with schizophrenia or another psychotic disorder
• You are considered by your doctor to be at serious risk of suicide, based on a specific rating scale score
• You are currently receiving structured talk therapy (psychotherapy) or would need to during the trial

Important: Always verify eligibility with the trial site directly before applying.