Citalopram and imipramine in the treatment of depressive patients in general practice. A Nordic multicentre clinical study

Int Clin Psychopharmacol. 1994 Mar:9 Suppl 1:41-8. doi: 10.1097/00004850-199403001-00007.

Abstract

Two dose levels of citalopram, 10-30 mg and 20-60 mg, were compared with imipramine, 50-150 mg, in depressed patients treated in general practice. This was a multicentre study carried out in Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and Finland. The duration of treatment was 6 weeks with an optional continuation phase of a further 16 weeks. The patients were assessed by means of the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAMD), Clinical Global Impressions (CGI), and a visual analogue self-rating scale for depression. Observed and spontaneously reported adverse events were recorded. A total of 472 patients were entered into the study and 400 patients completed the 6 week trial period. A total of 297 patients completed the optional 22 week double-blind period. A clear reduction of the HAMD total scores was seen in all three treatment groups with no significant differences between groups. A reduction of the HAMD anxiety factor and sleep factor scores was also seen with no significant differences between treatments. The imipramine-treated patients showed a higher frequency of adverse events, especially the anticholinergic type, than citalopram-treated patients. Most patients entered into the continuation phase remained well.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Comparative Study
  • Multicenter Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Citalopram / administration & dosage*
  • Citalopram / adverse effects
  • Depressive Disorder / drug therapy*
  • Depressive Disorder / psychology
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Drug Administration Schedule
  • Family Practice
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Imipramine / administration & dosage*
  • Imipramine / adverse effects
  • Long-Term Care
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Netherlands
  • Patient Care Team*
  • Personality Inventory

Substances

  • Citalopram
  • Imipramine