Escitalopram vs citalopram for depression:a randomized,double-blind,double-dummy,multicenter,parallel controlled study

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of domestic escitalopram for depressive patients.Methods Forty eight patients meeting CCMD-3 criteria of depressive episode were randomized into an escitalopram group(n=25)and a citalopram group(n=23)for a 6 week double-blind,double-dummy controlled study with flexible dosages.The HAMD-17,CGI,adverse event rating scale and related laboratory examinations were used to assess the effectiveness and safety of the treatment by the end of 1,2,4,and 6 weeks.Results After 6 weeks of treatment,the HAMD scores decreased from(21.36±2.69)and(20.78±2.43) to(6.76±3.10) and(6.91±4.70) in the escitalopram group and the citalopram group respectively,the effective rate was 84.0% and 82.6%,and the curative rate was 52.0% and 47.8%.There was no significant difference between the 2 groups(P0.05).There was no significant difference in the effective and curative rate between the 2 groups(P0.05).At the end of the first week,reducing scores and reducing scores rate of HAMD scores in the escitalopram group were higher than those of the control group(P0.05).The main side effects had no significant difference between the 2 groups(P0.05).Conclusion Domestic escitalopram is an effective and safe antidepressant.