Variations in response to citalopram in men and women with alcohol dependence.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the differential effects of citalopram on alcohol consumption in nondepressed women and men with mild to moderate alcohol dependence.


METHODS
Prospective, placebo-controlled study.


METHODS
Sixty-one subjects (34 men and 27 women).


METHODS
After a 2-week baseline, subjects were randomly assigned to 12 weeks of citalopram (40 mg per day) (n = 15 women, 16 men) or placebo (n = 12 women, 18 men). All received brief standard psychosocial interventions.


METHODS
Alcohol Dependence Scale, Montgomery-Asberg Depression Scale, Michigan Alcohol Screening Test, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and daily alcohol intake.


RESULTS
Pretreatment sex differences were evident in alcohol consumption, alcohol dependence, alcohol-related problems and on anxiety and depression measures. After treatment, analyses of covariance with depression and anxiety scores as covariates revealed a differential benefit of citalopram for men. Men receiving citalopram reduced average drinks per day by 44%, whereas women exhibited a 27% decrease (p < 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
Men may benefit more than women from citalopram in the treatment of alcohol dependence. These findings highlight the importance of examining sex as a significant variable in evaluating response to pharmacotherapy.
Naranjo
C A
CA
Department of Pharmacology, University of Toronto, Ont. naranjo@fisher.sunnybrook.utoronto.ca
Knoke
D M
DM
Bremner
K E
KE
D000328:Adult; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000523:psychology*; D001007:Anxiety / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology*; D015283:Citalopram / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003863:Depression / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012737:Sex Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D015283:Citalopram; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors