Effectiveness and acceptability of sertraline and citalopram in major depressive disorder: pragmatic randomized open-label comparison.
OBJECTIVE
Citalopram and sertraline are widely prescribed selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). There is no conclusive evidence to show superiority of citalopram or sertraline in terms of efficacy or tolerability. Hence this study was designed to compare short term efficacy and safety of citalopram and sertraline in major depressive disorder (MDD) in Indian patients.


METHODS
In an open, randomized study, 100 patients were divided into two groups. In Group A (n = 50) patients received citalopram (20-60 mg/day) for 6 weeks. In Group B (n = 50) patients received sertraline (50-150 mg/day) for 6 weeks. Patients were evaluated at baseline and then at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 weeks.


RESULTS
There was significant improvement in Hamilton depression rating scale (HDRS), Montgomery and Asberg depression rating scale (MADRS) and Amritsar depressive inventory (ADI) scores (p < 0.05) with both the drugs. However, the decrease in score was more with citalopram (p < 0.05). Onset of action of citalopram was earlier as compared to sertraline (p < 0.05). The number of responders and remitters was also more with citalopram (p < 0.05). No serious adverse event was reported in either of the groups.


CONCLUSIONS
Citalopram had shown better efficacy, earlier onset of action and more number of responders and remitters as compared to sertraline in MDD in Indian patients.
Matreja
Prithpal S
PS
Department of Pharmacology, Christian Medical College and Hospital, Ludhiana, India.
Badyal
Dinesh K
DK
Khosla
Prem
P
Deswal
Randhir S
RS
D000328:Adult; D015283:Citalopram / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007194:India; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012074:Remission Induction; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D020280:Sertraline / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D015283:Citalopram; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors; D020280:Sertraline