The second phase clinical trial of escitalopram for the treatment of the major depressive disorder

Objective To determine the efficacy and safety of escitalopram for treating the depressive patients.Methods A controlled study was carried out between 36 patients who met the DSM-Ⅳ criteria of major depression and depressed episode.There were 18 patients with escitalopram(10mg/d)and the others with citalopram(20mg/d)for 6 weeks.The efficacy was assessed by Hamilton Depression Rating Scale(HAMD),Hamilton Anxiety Scale(HAMA),Clinical Global Impression(CGI)and the safety was assessed by Adverse Event Scale.Results After six weeks treatment,the improvement rate of escitalopram group and citalopram group were 88.9% and 75.0%,respectively,and there was no significantly different between two groups(P0.05).The scores of HAMD and HAMA in two groups were significant difference before and after treatment(P0.001).The main adverse events of two groups had nausea,dry mouth,dizziness,et al.There had no significant difference in incidence of adverse events between two groups(P0.05).Conclusion Escitalopram is an effective antidepressant with fewer side effects,better safety and suiting for clinical use.