FOCUS ON CITALOPRAM - A SELECTIVE SEROTONIN REUPTAKE INHIBITOR FOR THE TREATMENT OF DEPRESSION

Citalopram is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) approved by the FDA for the treatment of major depression. Pharmacologically,, it has higher serotonin selectivity than other marketed SSRIs. Clinic al trials in a variety of practice settings and depressed populations show citalopram to be effective and well tolerated. The drug lacks sig nificant side effects commonly noted with tricyclic antidepressants, s uch as orthostatic hypotension. Its adverse effect profile is similar to those of other SSRIs, with nausea most commonly reported. Currently , few drug interactions have been documented with citalopram. Some dat a suggest that citalopram inhibits the cytochrome P450 isoenzyme syste m, particularly the 2D6 isoenzyme, less potently than the other SSRIs do. As such, it decreases the :potential for drug interactions, making it an appealing option for treating depression in primary care and in the elderly.