Vilazodone for Corticosteroid-Induced Memory Impairment

In animals and humans, stress and corticosteroid excess are associated with changes in hippocampal structure and functioning. These findings have important implications to the millions of patients taking prescription corticosteroids and to patients with major depressive disorder or bipolar disorder who have elevated cortisol levels and memory impairment. The investigators believe that vilazodone may be a medication that can block the effects of hydrocortisone on the human hippocampus. The investigators propose to examine whether vilazodone attenuates the effects of corticosteroids in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study using a within-subject crossover design.

Inclusion criteria

• Healthy men and women age 18-50 years
• Education of ≥ 12 years and baseline RAVLT total words recalled score ≥ 35 (normal baseline memory)
• BMI between 18.5-30 (not underweight or obese)

Exclusion criteria

• History of major psychiatric illness defined as major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, panic disorder, schizoaffective disorder, schizophrenia, eating disorders, or drug/alcohol abuse/dependence or current tobacco use
• History of neurological disorders including seizures, brain surgery, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease
• Taking CNS-acting medications within 30 days of study
• History of allergic reaction or medical contraindication to vilazodone or hydrocortisone
• Significant medical conditions (e.g., myocardial infarction, cancer, diabetes)
• Vulnerable population including pregnant or nursing women, the incarcerated, and severe cognitive disorders
• Baseline HRSD (Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression) > 7 or current suicidal ideation or history of suicide attempt
• History of systemic Corticosteroid (CS) use or recent (past 6 months) inhaled CS use