title: Clinical and biochemical effects of citalopram, a selective 5-HT reuptake inhibitor--a dose-response study in depressed patients.
abstract: Citalopram is a bicyclic phtalane derivative. In animal experiments, citalopram has been demonstrated to possess a potent and highly selective inhibitory effect on serotonin reuptake. Several studies in man have indicated that citalopram given in daily doses of 40-60 mg has antidepressant properties and few side effects. The present double-blind study investigated the effects of three doses of citalopram (5 mg, 25 mg, and 50 mg) on depressive symptoms and various biochemical variables in 26 depressive patients. A significant reduction of the clinical ratings of depressive symptoms occurred at all dose levels. In endogenously depressed patients, a dose of 25 or 50 mg daily seemed to have the most pronounced antidepressive effect. The side effects were few and not related to dose level. A highly significant decrease in 5-HIAA in the CSF was found. MO-PEG in the CSF was also significantly decreased, while HVA in the CSF was increased. In addition, a significant decrease in the plasma concentrations of valine, leucine, tyrosine, and histidine was found. None of the biochemical effects was dose-dependent. The complex pattern of biochemical effects indicate that the amelioration of depressive symptoms might be related to effects of citalopram on central monoaminergic mechanisms and peripheral amino acid concentrations.
mesh_terms: D000275:Adjustment Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000596:Amino Acids / Q000032:analysis; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001679:Biogenic Amines / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid; D015283:Citalopram; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism; D003907:Dexamethasone; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011388:Prolactin / Q000032:analysis; D011437:Propylamines / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D000596:Amino Acids; D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D001679:Biogenic Amines; D011437:Propylamines; D015283:Citalopram; D003907:Dexamethasone; D011388:Prolactin