Citalopram and escitalopram in the treatment of major depressive disorder: a
pooled analysis of 3 clinical trials.
Author(s): Li H(1), Li T, Li G, Luo J.
Affiliation(s): Author information:
(1)Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China. E-mail:
jfluo@shmu.edu.cn.
Publication date & source: 2014, Ann Clin Psychiatry. , 26(4):281-7
BACKGROUND: Pooled analysis is a powerful technique that is increasingly used to
detect differences in efficacy between pharmacologic agents. Some studies have
compared the efficacy and tolerability of citalopram and escitalopram, with
contradictory results. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and
tolerability of citalopram and escitalopram in the treatment of major depressive
disorder (MDD) using pooled analyses.
METHODS: Data from 3 randomized, double-blind studies that compared citalopram
(20 to 40 mg/d) and escitalopram (10 to 20 mg/d) were pooled and analyzed. The
primary efficacy parameter was change from baseline in the 17-item Hamilton
Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D-17) total score. Efficacy assessments were
made at weeks 0 (baseline), 1, 2, 4, and 6.
RESULTS: Based on the mean change from baseline in the HAM-D-17 at weeks 1, 2, 4,
and 6, the efficacy of citalopram, 20 to 40 mg/d, was equivalent to escitalopram,
10 to 20 mg/d (P > .05). Similar results were seen for severely depressed
patients, with a mean treatment difference of 13.9 (SE = 7.6) vs 15.9 (SE = 7.5).
Response and remission rates at week 6 were similar (response, 72.4% for
citalopram, compared with 73.5% for escitalopram; remission, 52.6% vs 54.5%,
respectively).
CONCLUSIONS: The pooled analysis showed that over a 6-week treatment period,
citalopram, 20 to 40 mg/d, is equivalent to escitalopram, 10 to 20 mg/d, in both
efficacy and tolerability.
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