Citalopram versus nortriptyline in late-life depression: a 12-week randomized single-blind study.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this single-blind study was to examine the efficacy and tolerability of citalopram compared to nortriptyline in moderate to severe major depressive patients aged 60 years or over.


METHODS
In- and out-patients (N=58) with unipolar major depression were randomized to 12-week flexible dose treatment with nortriptyline or citalopram.


RESULTS
No significant differences between the number of drop-outs in either group were observed, but the autonomic side-effects were significantly higher for nortriptyline than for citalopram. A significantly higher remission rate to nortriptyline than to citalopram was demonstrated, particularly if severe patients (endogenous or psychotic patients) were assessed.


CONCLUSIONS
The remission rate to a therapeutic plasma level of nortriptyline appears to be higher than the remission rate to a standard dose of citalopram in a group of elderly major depressed patients, especially those with endogenous or psychotic features. On the other hand, citalopram appears to be better tolerated.
Navarro
V
V
Psychiatry Department, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
Gastó
C
C
Torres
X
X
Marcos
T
T
Pintor
L
L
D017668:Age of Onset; D000368:Aged; D018687:Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000929:Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology*; D015283:Citalopram / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology*; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D005852:Geriatric Psychiatry; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009661:Nortriptyline / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology*; D010349:Patient Compliance; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D018687:Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation; D000929:Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic; D015283:Citalopram; D009661:Nortriptyline