Brain Effects of Escitalopram and Citalopram Using fMRI
Information source: Caritas St. Elizabeth's Medical Center of Boston
Information obtained from ClinicalTrials.gov on October 04, 2010
Link to the current ClinicalTrials.gov record.
Condition(s) targeted: Healthy
Intervention: Escitalopram (Drug); Citalopram (Drug); Placebo (Drug)
Phase: Phase 4
Status: Recruiting
Sponsored by: Caritas St. Elizabeth's Medical Center of Boston Official(s) and/or principal investigator(s):
Michael E Henry, MD, Principal Investigator, Affiliation: Caritas St. Elizabeth's Medical Center of Boston
Overall contact:
Tara Lauriat, PhD, Phone: 617-789-2404, Email: depression@caritaschristi.org
Summary
Escitalopram (Lexapro) and citalopram (Celexa) are similar selective serotonin reuptake
inhibitors that alter blood flow to the amygdala and other brain structures involved in
regulating mood. Escitalopram consists of S-citalopram while citalopram contains both
S-citalopram and R-citalopram (racemic citalopram). There is evidence that R-citalopram may
block the effects of S-citalopram. The hypothesis being tested is that because of the
antagonist effect of R-citalopram, S-citalopram will have a greater effect on the mood
circuit than racemic citalopram when equal doses of S-citalopram are administered.
Clinical Details
Official title: A Comparison of the CNS Effects of Equivalent Doses of Escitalopram and Racemic Citalopram Using BOLD fMRI
Study design: Allocation: Randomized, Intervention Model: Crossover Assignment, Masking: Double Blind (Subject, Investigator), Primary Purpose: Treatment
Primary outcome: Change in BOLD fMRI signal in regions of interest including prefrontal cortex, orbitofrontal cortex, caudate, anterior cingulate gyrus, amygdala, and hippocampus.
Eligibility
Minimum age: 21 Years.
Maximum age: 50 Years.
Gender(s): Male.
Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:
- Healthy male aged 21 to 50 years.
- Capable of providing informed consent.
- Has an established residence and phone.
Exclusion Criteria:
- Meets DSM-IV criteria for an Axis I or II disorder.
- History of substance dependence or abuse within the past month.
- Use of NSAID's, beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, antidepressants,
antipsychotic medications, lithium or other medication which in the opinion of the
investigator would alter vascular responsivity.
- Regular use of sedative hypnotic or narcotic medication, or other medication that
might affect the individual's perception of visual stimuli.
- History of cataracts or significant visual impairment.
- A medical condition, which in the opinion of the investigator is likely to affect the
individual's perception of the visual stimuli or vascular response.
- Participation in a research protocol that included administration of medication
within the past 3 months.
- Cigarette smoking.
Locations and Contacts
Tara Lauriat, PhD, Phone: 617-789-2404, Email: depression@caritaschristi.org
Caritas St. Elizabeth's Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts 02135, United States; Recruiting
Tara Lauriat, PhD, Phone: 617-789-2404, Email: depression@caritaschristi.org
Michael E Henry, MD, Principal Investigator
Additional Information
Starting date: May 2007
Last updated: July 26, 2010
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