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1: Acta Psychiatr Scand. 2001 Jun;103(6):435-40.Click here to read Links
Comment in:
Acta Psychiatr Scand. 2001 Jun;103(6):409-10.

Citalopram versus nortriptyline in late-life depression: a 12-week randomized single-blind study.

Navarro V, Gastó C, Torres X, Marcos T, Pintor L.

Psychiatry Department, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.

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. Method: 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. CONCLUSION: 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.

PMID: 11401657 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Patient Drug Information

  • Nortriptyline (Aventyl® , Pamelor® )

    Nortriptyline is used to treat depression. Nortriptyline is in a group of medications called tricyclic antidepressants. It works by increasing the amounts of certain natural substances in the brain that are needed to mai...

  • Escitalopram (Lexapro® )

    Escitalopram is used to treat depression and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD; excessive worry and tension that disrupts daily life and lasts for 6 months or longer). Escitalopram is in a class of antidepressants called...

  • Citalopram (Celexa® )

    Citalopram is used to treat depression. Citalopram is in a class of antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It works by increasing the amount of serotonin, a natural substance in the brain...

  • » See all 4 drug reports ...
  • Source: AHFS Consumer Medication Information