Effects of citalopram on blood pressure control in depressive patients with hypertension: A randomized clinical trial

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Hossein Namdar1, Elnaz Khani2, Sajad Khiali2

  • 1Cardiovascular Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.

Journal of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Research
|April 8, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Citalopram, an antidepressant, significantly lowered blood pressure in patients with both hypertension and depression. This study suggests citalopram may be a beneficial addition to standard hypertension treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Psychiatry
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Hypertension and depression share a bidirectional relationship.
  • Managing both conditions concurrently presents unique challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the efficacy of citalopram in managing hypertension in patients with comorbid depression.
  • To assess the impact of citalopram on blood pressure levels in this patient population.

Main Methods:

  • A randomized clinical trial involving 72 patients with hypertension and depression.
  • Intervention group received citalopram (20 mg/day) plus standard antihypertensive treatment.
  • Control group received standard antihypertensive treatment alone.

Main Results:

  • After two months, the intervention group showed significant reductions in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure compared to the control group.
  • Diastolic blood pressure was significantly lower in the citalopram group after one month.
  • No significant baseline differences in blood pressure were observed between groups.

Conclusions:

  • Citalopram demonstrated beneficial effects in lowering blood pressure in patients with co-occurring depression and hypertension.
  • This suggests a potential role for citalopram as an adjunct therapy for hypertension in depressed patients.
Abstract

Keywords:
Blood pressureCitalopramDepressionHypertensionSerotonin uptake inhibitors

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