STUDY OF ANTIDEPRESSANT ACTIVITY OF CHRONIC ADMINISTRATION OF TRAMADOL AND WHEN IT IS CO-ADMINISTERED WITH FLUOXETINE IN LOW DOSES IN SWISS ALBINO MICE USING DESPAIR SWIM TEST

Objective: To evaluate the antidepressant activity of chronic administration of Tramadol alone and when combined with Fluoxetine in low doses in albino mice. Methods: The antidepressant effect was determined by recording the immobility time in Despair Swim Test. The mice were randomized into seven groups, with six mice in each group. Group 1 mice were given normal saline (10 ml/kg) which served as control. Mice of groups 2, 3 and 4 received Tramadol in graded doses (10, 20 and 40 mg/kg). Fluoxetine (standard drug) was given to mice of groups 5 and 6. Tramadol and Fluoxetine in low doses (10ml/kg each) were co-administered to mice of group 7. All drugs were given intraperitoneally for 7 days and were subjected to despair swim test on the day 7 of drug administration. Results: Tramadol and Fluoxetine have shown significant antidepressant activity when compared to the control. There is dose dependant increase in antidepressant activity of Tramadol. The antidepressant of Tramadol 20 mg/kg was comparable to Fluoxetine 20 mg/kg. Tramadol potentiated the antidepressant effect of Fluoxetine in the low dose combination group. Conclusion: The present indicates that Tramadol, a opoid analgesic has anti depressant activity and it can potentiate the antidepressant effect of Fluoxetine when combined in low doses.