The antidepressant efficacy of citalopram

Depression is a long-term illness requiring psychopharmacological treatment over long periods of time. Treatments need to be effective and safe, but in an illness requiring long-term medication, acceptability to patients must also be addressed. Data from eight placebo-controlled studies addressing short-term efficacy and two placebo-controlled studies of long-term (6 months) treatment have demonstrated the antidepressant efficacy of citalopram. Fourteen studies comparing citalopram with a reference antidepressant have provided supporting evidence of efficacy. In all, 3905 patients have been included in clinical efficacy studies, in which 2579 patients have been treated with citalopram, 486 with placebo and 840 with a reference antidepressant. The recommended dose of 20 mg appears appropriate for most patients, with the option of raising the dose in non-responders, particularly if they have more severe depression.