An open-label, controlled study of citalopram versus moclobemide in patients with major depression

Citalopram is the most selective inhibitor of reuptake of serotonin of the third-generation antidepressants and is one of the most potent blockers of serotonin reuptake in general. Citalopram was compared with moclobemide in an open-label, comparative clinical study comprising 42 patients with major depression. The trial period lasted 6 weeks, and patients mere evaluated according to the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) and the Clinical Global Impression Scale (CGIS) at 0, 1, 2, 4, and 6 weeks. Side effects were classified according to the UW scale and recorded at 0, 1, 2, 4, and 6 weeks. Citalopram 20 to 60 mg was administered once daily, and moclobemide 300 to 600 mg was administered once or twice daily. A highly significant reduction in HDRS and CGIS scores was noted in both groups, with a significant difference in scores at weeks 4 and 6 in the citalopram group. Side effects were not significantly different between the two groups. No cardiovascular side effects or pathologic laboratory values related to treatment were observed. The authors conclude that citalopram is a safe antidepressant drag that is as effective and better tolerated than moclobemide.