Some statistically significant differences between citalopram and other antidepressants for the acute phase treatment of major depression were found in terms of efficacy , tolerability and acceptability .
Citalopram was more efficacious than paroxetine and reboxetine and more acceptable than tricyclics , reboxetine and venlafaxine , however , it seemed to be less efficacious than escitalopram .
BACKGROUND Recent US and UK clinical practice guidelines recommend that second-generation antidepressants should be considered amongst the best first-line options when drug therapy is indicated for a depressive episode .
Systematic review s have already highlighted some differences in efficacy between second-generation antidepressants .
Citalopram , one of the first selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors ( SSRI ) introduced in the market , is one of these antidepressant drugs that clinicians use for routine depression care .
OBJECTIVES To assess the evidence for the efficacy , acceptability and tolerability of citalopram in comparison with tricyclics , heterocyclics , other SSRIs and other conventional and non-conventional antidepressants in the acute-phase treatment of major depression .
Does comorbid substance use disorder impair recovery from major depression with SSRI treatment? An analysis of the STAR*D level one treatment outcomes.
Many patients with major depressive disorder ( MDD ) present with concurrent substance use disorders ( SUDs ) , which has been thought to impair their response to antidepressants . Clinicians often delay antidepressant treatment until sustained sobriety has been established . Unfortunately , these comorbid subjects are typically excluded from depression treatment trials , leaving a gap in underst and ing the treatment outcomes . In the Sequenced Treatment Alternatives to Relieve Depression ( STAR*D ) study , 2876 adult out patients diagnosed with nonpsychotic MDD were prospect ively treated with the selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitor ( SSRI ) , citalopram , and returned for at least one post-baseline visit .  Participants with SUD ( 29 % ) and without SUD ( 71 % ) were compared in regard to baseline clinical and sociodemographic features and treatment response . The group with MDD and SUD was further subdivided into those with alcohol only , drug only , and both alcohol and drug use . Despite clear sociodemographic and clinical differences , there were no significant differences between groups in the time to achieve response or rates of response to citalopram ;  however , those who endorsed both alcohol and drug use had significantly reduced rates of remission and significantly increased times to reach remission compared to the MDD group without SUD . In addition , subjects with MDD and SUD had higher risk of psychiatric serious adverse events ( 3.3 % vs. 1.5 % ) and hospitalization ( 2.8 % vs. 1.2 % ) . The results indicate that first-line treatment with citalopram in depressed patients with alcohol or drug use respond as well as those without SUD . More intensive treatment is most likely needed for MDD patients with both drug and alcohol use disorders
Some statistically significant differences between citalopram and other antidepressants for the acute phase treatment of major depression were found in terms of efficacy , tolerability and acceptability .
Citalopram was more efficacious than paroxetine and reboxetine and more acceptable than tricyclics , reboxetine and venlafaxine , however , it seemed to be less efficacious than escitalopram .
BACKGROUND Recent US and UK clinical practice guidelines recommend that second-generation antidepressants should be considered amongst the best first-line options when drug therapy is indicated for a depressive episode .
Systematic review s have already highlighted some differences in efficacy between second-generation antidepressants .
Citalopram , one of the first selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors ( SSRI ) introduced in the market , is one of these antidepressant drugs that clinicians use for routine depression care .
OBJECTIVES To assess the evidence for the efficacy , acceptability and tolerability of citalopram in comparison with tricyclics , heterocyclics , other SSRIs and other conventional and non-conventional antidepressants in the acute-phase treatment of major depression .