Initial, clinical trial of a new, specific 5-HT reuptake inhibitor, citalopram (Lu 10?171)

Abstract

Endogenously depressed inpatients [10] were treated once daily for at least 4 wk with 40-50 mg citalopram (Lu 10-171), a specific serotonin reuptake inhibitor. The Hamilton rating scale for depression and global assessment indicated pronounced or moderate response in 7 patients and slight or no response in 3. Side effects were few, mild and transient and neither anticholinergic nor cardiotoxic effects were observed. No difference was observed between responders and nonresponders as regards psychopathology, plasma levels or uptake inhibition. Citalopram seems to possess antidepressant properties and controlled trials are wanted to evaluate its therapeutic value and the underlying hypothesis of serotonin-deficient depressions.