A double-blind double-dummy study of citalopram comparing infusion versus oral administration.
BACKGROUND
This study compares antidepressant efficacy and tolerability of citalopram given either orally or as a slow drop infusion.


METHODS
Citalopram (40 mg/day) was administered double-blindly as tablets or slow-drop infusion during the first 10 days and then open, orally, up to treatment Day 42.


RESULTS
In 60 moderately to severely depressed patients, the Hamilton depression total score (17-items) at baseline was 23.9 and 23.6 in the active infusion (n = 30) and active tablet (n = 30) group, respectively. These scores dropped in both groups to 15.6 and 16.9 on Day 10, and to 10.3 and 10.2 on Day 42. Response rates (delta Hamilton > or = 50%) amounted to 33.3% and 17.9% on Day 10, and 66.2% and 63.3% on Day 42, without a relevant group difference in citalopram plasma concentration.


CONCLUSIONS
Slow-drop infusion with citalopram shows a similar risk/benefit relationship to oral citalopram. The design of this study allowed us to evaluate pharmacological but not psychological factors which may contribute to response to slow-drop infusion.
Baumann
P
P
Unité de Biochimie et Psychopharmacologie Clinique, Département Universitaire de Psychiatrie Adulte, Site de Cery, Prilly-Lausanne, Switzerland.
Nil
R
R
Bertschy
G
G
Jecker
A
A
Brändli
H
H
Morand
J
J
Kasas
A
A
Vuagniaux
O
O
Ramseier
F
F
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015283:Citalopram / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D015283:Citalopram