A comparative study of citalopram in the treatment of post-stroke depression

Objective:To study the efficacy and safety of citalopram and amitriptyline in the treatment of post-stroke depression.Methods:60 inpatients during April to September in 2003 in our Neurology with post-stroke depression were divided into two groups with citaloprom or amitriptyline for 8 weeks respectively.The therapentic responses and side effects were evaluated with HAMD and TESS before treatment and 2、4、6 weeks after treatment.And a routine blood test,urine routine,liver function,renal function,electrocardiogram were taken before treatment and 2、4、6 weeks after treatment.Results:HAMD scores of two groups were decreased significantly in 2、4、6 weeks after treatment than before(P0.01).Compared with the same weeks between the two groups was no significant difference(P0.05).Side effects of citalopram were less than amitriptyline,between the two groups was statistically significant(P0.01).Conclusion:Antidepressant effect of citalopram is similar to amitriptyline.Side effects of citalopram were less than amitriptyline and citalopram has good compliance and tolerance.It could be used as a referred durg in the treatment of post-stroke depression.