Study of Dextromethorphan in OCD and Related Disorders

Last updated: August 20, 2025
Sponsor: Stanford University
Overall Status: Active - Recruiting

Phase

2

Condition

Anxiety Disorders

Obsessive-compulsive Disorder

Functional Dyspepsia

Treatment

Fluoxetine

Dextromethorphan

Clinical Study ID

NCT04899687
60569
  • Ages 18-65
  • All Genders

Study Summary

The purpose of the study is to assess the tolerability and efficacy of dextromethorphan in combination with fluoxetine for symptom relief in OCD and related disorders.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Diagnosis of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), body dysmorphic disorder (BDD),illness anxiety disorder (IAD) or somatic symptom disorder (SSD)

  • Living within California

  • Capacity to provide informed consent

Exclusion

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Current bipolar disorder or psychotic disorder

  • Active moderate or severe substance use disorder, lifetime severe substance usedisorder

  • Pregnant or nursing women

  • Use of prescribed psychotropic medications other than fluoxetine for 2 weeks priorto study start

  • Having commenced OCD-targeted exposure and response-prevention (ExRP) psychotherapywithin 2 months of study start

Study Design

Total Participants: 60
Treatment Group(s): 2
Primary Treatment: Fluoxetine
Phase: 2
Study Start date:
January 20, 2022
Estimated Completion Date:
December 01, 2026

Study Description

Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and the related disorders body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), somatic symptom disorder (SSD) and illness anxiety disorder (IAD) are psychiatric conditions characterized by recurrent, intrusive thoughts, feelings or images (obsessions or preoccupations) and repetitive or ritualized behaviors or avoidance performed to relieve obsession or preoccupation-related anxiety. They are a significant cause of mental health-related disability, and are inadequately served by available treatments.

This study tests whether an over-the-counter cough suppressant medicine, dextromethorphan, may offer symptom relief when combined with a low dose of fluoxetine, a standard prescription treatment for OCD and related disorders.

Connect with a study center

  • Stanford University

    Stanford, California 94304
    United States

    Site Not Available

  • Stanford University

    Stanford 5398563, California 5332921 94304
    United States

    Active - Recruiting

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