At a glance
ClinicalIndex Comparison RecordStandardized by ClinicalIndex from the ClinicalTrials.gov record · verify against the source.
A Comparison of the CNS Effects of Equivalent Doses of Escitalopram and Racemic Citalopram Using BOLD fMRI
In Brief
A Phase 4 clinical trial evaluating Escitalopram, Citalopram, and 1 other intervention for Antidepressant Activity in Healthy Volunteers. Completed, enrolled 27 participants across 1 site.
Detailed Summary
Escitalopram (Lexapro) and citalopram (Celexa) are similar selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors that alter blood flow to the amygdala and other brain structures involved in regulating mood. Escitalopram consists of S-citalopram while citalopram contains both S-citalopram and R-citalopram (racemic citalopram). There is evidence that R-citalopram may block the effects of S-citalopram. The hypothesis being tested is that because of the antagonist effect of R-citalopram, S-citalopram will have a greater effect on the mood circuit than racemic citalopram when equal doses of S-citalopram are administered. The study design consists of a two week medication period followed by blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD) functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) while viewing affective visual stimuli.
Study Details
Timeline
Interventions
One week of escitalopram taken orally at 10 mg followed by one week at 20 mg daily.
One week of citalopram taken orally at 20 mg followed by one week at 40 mg daily.
Two weeks of placebo taken orally.