Citalopram in the treatment of depression and other potential uses in psychiatry

During the past decade, treatment options for depression have increased wit h the introduction of new agents. Older agents, such as tricyclic antidepre ssants and monoamine oxidase inhibitors, increase noradrenergic and seroton ergic neurotransmission. Attempts to separate antidepressant effects from a dverse effects led to the development of selective serotonin reuptake inhib itors (SSRIs). Citalopram is the newest SSRI to be marketed in the United S tates. Of all SSRIs on the market, it is the most selective for serotonin r euptake pump. Its efficacy in treating depression was evident in both place bo-controlled and comparator trials. In addition, citalopram was studied in the treatment of other psychiatric disorders. The agent has less inhibitio n of cytochrome P450 enzymes than other SSRIs, possibly giving it a lower p otential for drug interactions.