Escitalopram vs citalopram:a parallel controlled study for depression

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of escitalopram in treatment of depression.MethodsA randomized,double-blind,active drug controlled clinical trial was conducted.One hundred twenty-six patients met with CCMD-3 criteria of depression received 6 weeks treatment with escitalopram(1-2 weeks with oral 10 mg,3-6 weeks with flexible dosages 10-20 mg,n=63) or citalopram(1-2 weeks with oral 20mg,3-6 weeks with flexible dosages 20-40 mg,n=63).The primary clinical efficacy was evaluated with the change in total score of 17-items Hamilton Depression Rating Scale(HAMD-17),HAMA,GCI,and the safety with the reports of adverse events,the result of laboratory or electrocardiography examination,etc.ResultsTotal of 106 patients completed the study,52 in escitalopram group and 54 in citalopram group,with total response rates(82.7% vs 88.9%,P=0.484)and remission rates(36.5% vs 27.8%,P=0.36).There were no significant differences between the two groups(P0.05) in total response rates,remission rates and the score of the HAMA,GCI at all time points.The incidence of adverse events and drug-related adverse event were well tolerated,with no significant difference in the prevalence between the two groups(17.5% vs 30.2%,P=0.07).ConclusionEscitalopram has similar therapeutic effect to citalopram,and rapid onset,better tolerability.