The effectiveness of melissa officinalis l. Versus citalopram on quality of life of menopausal women with sleep disorder: a randomized double-blind clinical trial

Abstract Objective The present study aimed to assess the effect of Melissa Officinalis L. (a combination of lemon balm with fennel fruit extract) compared with citalopram and placebo on the quality of life of postmenopausal women with sleep disturbance. Methods The present study is a randomized, double-blind, placebo clinical trial among 60 postmenopausal women with sleep disturbance who were referred to a university hospital from 2017 to 2019. The participants were randomized to receive M. Officinalis L. (500 mg daily), citalopram (30 mg) or placebo once daily for 8 weeks. The Menopause-Specific Quality of Life (MENQOL) questionnaire was self-completed by each participant at baseline and after 8 weeks of the intervention and was compared between groups. Results The mean for all MENQOL domain scores were significantly improved in the M. Officinalis L. group compared with citalopram and placebo (p < 0.001). The mean ± standard deviation (SD) after 8 weeks in the M. Officinalis L., citalopram and placebo groups was 2.2 ± 0.84 versus 0.56 ± 0.58 versus 0.36 ± 0.55 in the vasomotor (p < 0.001), 1.02 ± 0.6 versus 0.28 ± 0.2 versus 0.17 ± 0.1 in the psychomotor-social (p < 0.001), 0.76 ± 0.4 versus 0.25 ± 0.1 versus 0.11 ± 0.1 in the physical and 2.3 ± 1.0 versus 0.35 ± 0.5 versus 0.41 ± 0.5 in the sexual domain, respectively. Conclusions The results revealed that M. Officinalis L. may be recommended for improving the quality of life of menopausal women with sleep disturbance. Trial registration The present study was registered by the name "Comparison of the efficacy of citalopram and compound of Asperugo procumbens and foeniculum vulgare in treatment of menopausal disorders" with the code IRCT2013072714174N1 in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT).

The Effectiveness of Melissa Officinalis L. versus Citalopram on Quality of Life of Menopausal Women with Sleep Disorder: A Randomized Double-Blind Clinical Trial.

OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to assess the effect of Melissa Officinalis L. (a combination of lemon balm with fennel fruit extract) compared with citalopram and placebo on the quality of life of postmenopausal women with sleep disturbance. METHODS: The present study is a randomized, double-blind, placebo clinical trial among 60 postmenopausal women with sleep disturbance who were referred to a university hospital from 2017 to 2019. The participants were randomized to receive M. Officinalis L. (500 mg daily), citalopram (30 mg) or placebo once daily for 8 weeks. The Menopause-Specific Quality of Life (MENQOL) questionnaire was self-completed by each participant at baseline and after 8 weeks of the intervention and was compared between groups. RESULTS: The mean for all MENQOL domain scores were significantly improved in the M. Officinalis L. group compared with citalopram and placebo (p < 0.001). The mean ± standard deviation (SD) after 8 weeks in the M. Officinalis L., citalopram and placebo groups was 2.2 ± 0.84 versus 0.56 ± 0.58 versus 0.36 ± 0.55 in the vasomotor (p < 0.001), 1.02 ± 0.6 versus 0.28 ± 0.2 versus 0.17 ± 0.1 in the psychomotor-social (p < 0.001), 0.76 ± 0.4 versus 0.25 ± 0.1 versus 0.11 ± 0.1 in the physical and 2.3 ± 1.0 versus 0.35 ± 0.5 versus 0.41 ± 0.5 in the sexual domain, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The results revealed that M. Officinalis L. may be recommended for improving the quality of life of menopausal women with sleep disturbance. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The present study was registered by the name "Comparison of the efficacy of citalopram and compound of Asperugo procumbens and foeniculum vulgare in treatment of menopausal disorders" with the code IRCT2013072714174N1 in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT).

Synergistic antidepressant-like effect of capsaicin and citalopram reduces the side effects of citalopram on anxiety and working memory in rats.

RATIONALE: We have previously shown that in rats, capsaicin (Cap) has antidepressant-like properties when assessed using the forced swimming test (FST) and that a sub-threshold dose of amitriptyline potentiates the effects of Cap. However, synergistic antidepressant-like effects of the joint administration of Cap and the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor citalopram (Cit) have not been reported. OBJECTIVES: To assess whether combined administration of Cap and Cit has synergistic effects in the FST and to determine whether this combination prevents the side effects of Cit. METHODS: Cap, Cit, and the co-administration of both substances were evaluated in a modified version of the FST (30-cm water depth) conducted in rats, as well as in the open field test (OFT), elevated plus maze (EPM), and Morris water maze (MWM). RESULTS: In line with previous studies, independent administration of Cap and Cit displayed antidepressant-like properties in the FST, while the combined injection had synergistic effects. In the OFT, neither treatment caused significant increments in locomotion. In the EPM, the time spent in the closed arms was lower in groups administered either only Cap or a combination of Cap and Cit than in groups treated with Cit alone. In the MWM, both Cap and the joint treatment (Cap and Cit) improved the working memory of rats in comparison with animals treated only with Cit. CONCLUSION: Combined administration of Cap and Cit produces a synergistic antidepressant-like effect in the FST and reduces the detrimental effects of Cit on anxiety and working memory.

Aqueous Extract of Pomegranate Alone or in Combination with Citalopram Produces Antidepressant-Like Effects in an Animal Model of Menopause: Participation of Estrogen Receptors.

It has been reported that the aqueous extract of pomegranate (AE-PG) has polyphenols with estrogenic-like activities. The present work determines if AE-PG alone or in combination with the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, citalopram, has antidepressant-like effects. It was also analyzed the participation of estrogen receptors (ER). AE-PG (0.1, 1.0, 10, or 100 mg/kg) was evaluated in ovariectomized female Wistar rats subjected to the forced swimming test. The effects induced by AE-PG were compared with those of citalopram (2.5, 5.0, 10, and 20.0 mg/kg) and 17ß-estradiol (E2; 2.5 5.0, and 10 µg/rat). Likewise, the combination of suboptimal doses of AE-PG (0.1 mg/kg) plus citalopram (2.5 mg/kg) was evaluated. To determine if ER participates in the antidepressant-like action of pomegranate, the estrogen antagonist tamoxifen (15 mg/kg) was administered with AE-PG (1 mg/kg). AE-PG produced antidepressant-like actions with a similar behavioral profile induced by citalopram and E2. Suboptimal doses of citalopram plus AE-PG produced antidepressant-like effects. Tamoxifen was able to block AE-PG's antidepressant-like actions. These results confirm the participation of ER in AE-PG's antidepressant-like effects. Furthermore, the additive effects observed with the combined treatment of AE-PG plus citalopram could be advantageous in the treatment of depressive disorders, such as menopause.

Effect of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors on expression of 5-HT1AR and neurotransmitters in rats with vascular dementia.

5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 1A (5-HT1AR) is closely associated with cognitive functions. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can protect individuals from brain damage following ischemia/hypoxia. To investigate the function of SSRIs in vascular dementia (VD), we established a rat model of VD, and observed the effect of SSRIs on the expression of 5-HT1AR mRNA and neurotransmitters. Male SD rats (6 months) were randomly assigned into sham, model, and SSRI groups (N = 30). VD was achieved by permanent ligation of the bilateral common carotid artery. Escitalopram, a highly selective 5-HT reabsorption inhibitor, was ip injected into the rats for three consecutive weeks. The Morris water-maze was used to test learning and memory. H&E staining for neuronal injury was conducted on cortical and hippocampal tissues. HPLC was used to determine the levels of dopamine (DA), 5-HT, and norepinephrine (NE). RT-PCR was used to determine expression of 5-HT1AR mRNA. As compared to control rats, model animals demonstrated elongated escape latency, lower platform crossing times, and significant injuries to hippocampal CA1 neurons. This was accompanied by reductions in DA, 5-HT, and NE levels in hippocampal tissues, as well as reduced cortical 5-HT and decreased 5-HT1AR mRNA expression (P < 0.05). Escitalopram treatments reduced escape latency, elevated platform crossing times, improved CA1 neuronal damage, increased DA and 5-HT levels in hippocampal and cortical neurons, as well as elevated expression of 5-HT1AR mRNA (P < 0.05). Therefore, SSRIs may improve cognitive dysfunction of VD rats, possibly by stimulating expression of neurotransmitters and protecting neurons.

Análisis de costo-efectividad de escitalopram comparado con paroxetina, sertralina, fluoxetina y venlafaxina como terapia de mantenimiento para pacientes con trastorno de fobia social en Colombia / Cost-effectiveness analysis of escitalopram compared to paroxetine, sertraline, fluoxetine and venlafaxine as maintenance therapy for patients with social phobia disorder in Colombia

Problema de investigación: Describir los costos y la efectividad de escitalopram comparado con paroxetina, sertralina, fluoxetina, y venlafaxina como terapia de mantenimiento en adultos con diagnóstico de trastorno de fobia social en Colombia. Tipo de evaluación económica: Análisis de costo-utilidad. Población objetivo: Adultos colombianos con diagnóstico de trastorno de fobia social. Intervención y comparadores: Intervención: escitalopram, Comparadores: paroxetina, sertralina, fluoxetina, y venlafaxina. Horizonte temporal: 32 semanas. Perspectiva: SGSSS. Tasa de descuento: No aplica. Estructura del modelo: Se estructuró un árbol de decisión, teniendo en cuenta modelos publicados en la literatura. Fuentes de datos de efectividad y seguridad: Reporte de efectividad y seguridad elaborado en diciembre de 2014 en el IETS, Ensayos clínicos aleatorizados. Desenlaces y valoración: AVAC, Tasa de respuesta al medicamento. Costos incluidos: Costo de los medicamentos, Costo de procedimientos, Costo de los eventos adversos. Fuentes de datos de costos: SISMED. Manual tarifario ISS 2001. Resultados del caso base: Para el caso base, paroxetina, sertralina y venlafaxina son dominados por fluoxetina y escitalopram. El costo por AVAC ganado con escitalopram comparado con fluoxetina se estimó en $30.968.662. Todas las alternativas tienen una efectividad esperada muy similar. Análisis de sensibilidad: Los análisis de sensibilidad y el diagrama de tornado mostraron que las variables con mayor impacto sobre las estimaciones de costo-utilidad del escitalopram son la probabilidad de respuesta y las ponderaciones de utilidad. Conclusiones y discusión: Escitalopram parece ofrecer una mejor relación entre costos y efectividad respecto a sus comparadores. No obstante, es necesario tener en cuenta que sertralina, paroxetina y fluoxetina pueden llegar a ser costo-efectivas debido a que variaciones en los parámetros de efectividad y utilidad pueden cambiar la decisión. Venlafaxina obtuvo una peor relación de costos y beneficios comparativos. La principal limitación de este estudio se centra en la ausencia de ensayos clínicos de no inferioridad con un horizonte de largo plazo. (AU)

Análisis de costo-efectividad de escitalopram comparado con paroxetina, sertralina y venlafaxina como terapia de mantenimiento para pacientes con trastorno de ansiedad generalizada en Colombia / Cost-effectiveness analysis of escitalopram compared to paroxetine, sertraline and venlafaxine as maintenance therapy for patients with generalized anxiety disorder in Colombia

Problema de investigación: Describir los costos y la efectividad de escitalopram comparado con paroxetina, sertralina y venlafaxina como terapia de mantenimiento en adultos con diagnóstico de trastorno de ansiedad generalizada en Colombia. Tipo de evaluación económica: Análisis de costo-utilidad. Población objetivo: Adultos colombianos con diagnóstico de trastorno de ansiedad generalizada. Intervención y comparadores: Intervención: escitalopram, Comparadores: paroxetina, sertralina y venlafaxina. Horizonte temporal: 32 semanas. Perspectiva: SGSSS. Tasa de descuento: No aplica. Estructura del modelo: Se estructuró un árbol de decisión, teniendo en cuenta modelos publicados en la literatura. Fuentes de datos de efectividad y seguridad: Reporte de efectividad y seguridad elaborado en diciembre de 2014 en el IETS, Ensayos clínicos aleatorizados. Desenlaces y valoración: AVAC, Tasa de respuesta al medicamento, Tasa de recaídas con el medicamento. Costos incluidos: Costo de los medicamentos, Costo de procedimientos, Costo de los eventos adversos. Fuentes de datos de costos: SISMED, Manual tarifario ISS 2001. Resultados del caso base: Para el caso base, escitalopram es la alternativa cost-efectiva con un costo esperado de $39.127.045 respecto a sertralina. La RICE de paroxetina fue superior al umbral de costo-efectividad de 3 veces el PIB per cápita. Venlafaxina fue dominada por todos los demás medicamentos. Se encuentra gran incertidumbre en la decisión y una e fectividad esperada muy similar entre todas las alternativas, por lo que estos resultados deben analizarse con precaución. Análisis de sensibilidad: Los análisis de sensibilidad y el diagrama de tornado mostraron que las variables con mayor impacto sobre las estimaciones de costo-utilidad del escitalopram son la probabilidad de respuesta, ponderaciones de utilidad, las dosis de los medicamentos y el desenlace utilizado. Conclusiones y discusión: Escitalopram parece ofrecer una mejorrelación entre costos y efectividad respecto a sus comparadores. No obstante, es necesario tener en cuenta que sertralina y paroxetina pueden llegar a ser costo-efectivas bajo escenarios plausibles. Venlafaxina obtuvo una peor relación de costos y beneficios comparativos. La principal limitación de este estudio se centra en la ausencia de ensayos clínicos de no inferioridad con un horizonte de largo plazo.(AU)

Análisis de costo-efectividad de escitalopram comparado con paroxetina, fluoxetina, sertralina, fluvoxamina y clomipramina como terapia de mantenimiento para pacientes con trastorno obsesivo compulsivo en Colombia / Cost-effectiveness analysis of escitalopram compared to paroxetine, fluoxetine, sertraline, fluvoxamine and clomipramine as maintenance therapy for patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder in Colombia

Problema de investigación: Analizar los costos y la efectividad del escitalopram comparado con paroxetina, sertralina, fluoxetina, fluvoxamina y clomipramina como terapia de mantenimiento de primera línea en pacientes con trastorno obsesivo compulsivo en Colombia. Tipo de evaluación económica: Análisis de costo-efectividad. Población objetivo: Pacientes mayores de 18 años con diagnóstico de trastorno obsesivo compulsivo. Intervención y comparadores: Comparadores: paroxetina, sertralina, fluoxetina, fluvoxamina y clomipramina. Horizonte temporal: 32 semanas. Perspectiva: Sistema General de Seguridad Social en Salud (SGSSS). Tasa de descuento: No aplica. Estructura del modelo: Árbol de decisión. Fuentes de datos de efectividad y seguridad: Reporte de efectividad y seguridad, Ensayos clínicos aleatorios. Desenlaces y valoración: Años de vida ajustados por calidad (AVAC). Costos incluidos: Costo de los medicamentos, Costo de procedimientos, Costo de los eventos adversos. Fuentes de datos de costos: SISMED, Manual tarifario ISS 2001. Resultados del caso base: En el escenario del caso base, fluvoxamina, fluoxetina, paroxetina y clomipramina son dominados por sertralina y escitalopram. El costo por AVAC es $16.084.456 de escitalopram comparado con sertralina. Análisis de sensibilidad: Los análisis de sensibilidad y el diagrama de tornado mostraron que las variables con mayor impacto sobre las estimaciones de costo-efectividad del escitalopram son la probabilidad de respuesta y retiro por eventos adversos del medicamento sertralina. Conclusiones y discusión: Escitalopram parece ofrecer una mejor relación entre costos y efectividad respecto a sus comparadores. La principal limitación de este estudio se centra en la ausencia de ensayos clínicos de no inferioridad con un horizonte de largo plazo. La principal limitación de este estudio se centra en la ausencia de ensayos clínicos de no inferioridad con un horizonte de largo plazo.(AU)

Efectividad y seguridad del escitalopram comparado paroxetina fluvoxamina, clomipramina para pacientes mayores de 16 años con diagnóstico de Trastorno Obsesivo Compulsivo / Effectiveness and safety of escitalopram compared to paroxetine fluvoxamine, clomipramine for patients over 16 years of age with a diagnosis of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Introducción: se estima que la prevalencia del Trastorno Obsesivo Compulsivo (TOC) en la población general es de 1.6% (1), siendo uno de los principales trastornos que afecta a niños y adolescentes. Estudios realizados en Colombia muestran mayor incidencia de este trastorno en las mujeres con respecto a los hombres, evidenciándose una fuerte relación con episodios psicóticos y otros tipos de trastornos como la esquizofrenia. Objetivo: esta evaluación de tecnología tiene como objetivo examinar los beneficios y riesgos del uso del Escitalopram en el Trastorno Obsesivo Compulsivo, como uno de los criterios para informar la toma de decisiones relacionada con la posible inclusión de tecnologías en el Plan Obligatorio de Salud, en el marco de su actualización integral para el año 2015. Metodología: a partir de la pregunta PICO se establecieron los criterios de elegibilidad para la realización de la búsqueda de la evidencia científica (ensayos clínicos, revisiones sistemáticas de estudios observacionales y estudios de cohortes analíticas). Se realizó la tamización y selección de la evidencia evaluando su calidad y posteriormente se realizó la extracción de datos y la síntesis de la evidencia. Resultados: Se identificaron dos experimentos clínicos con asignación aleatoria, controlados por placebo, para evaluar la efectividad y tolerabilidad del Escitalopram en el manejo del TOC, sin embargo, ambos estudios se encontraban fuera del rango de fechas establecidas para la búsqueda de la literatura, por lo que no fueron considerados para la elaboración del presente informe. Uno de los experimentos clínicos realizado con Escitalopram fue incorporado en una revisión sistemática y un meta-análisis más recientes. El propósito del meta-análisis fue evaluar la relación dosis-respuesta de los Inhibidores Selectivos de la Recaptación de la Serotonina con la tasa de mejoría de los pacientes medido como el cambio promedio en la escala Y-BOC. Los resultados sugieren que altas dosis de ISRS son más efectivas para el tratamiento de esta enfermedad (F = 10,8, df = 3, P <0,001). Asimismo, no hubo una tendencia significativa en términos de la proporción de abandonos relacionadas a la dosis del ISRS (X2 = 1,6, df = 1, p = 0,20). Ninguna de las diferentes categorías de dosis de ISRS difería de placebo, o entre sí, en términos de la proporción de causas abandonos de la terapia. Conclusiones: los pocos experimentos clínicos ejecutados a la fecha en el TOC, están focalizados en demostrar la efectividad de los Inhibidores Selectivos de la Recaptación de la Serotonina como un grupo, por lo que no se ha acumulado un cuerpo de evidencia suficiente para establecer le efectividad de cada uno de estos medicamentos de manera más específica. Varios estudios se han ejecutado para investigar algunos aspectos más generales de los ISRS, como por ejemplo la utilidad de emplear estos medicamentos a altas dosis para mejorar el índice de respuesta de los pacientes a estos tratamientos. En dos experimentos clínicos registrados hasta la fecha, el Escitalopram mostró ser más efectivo en comparación con el placebo en el tratamiento del TOC, además de ser bien tolerado por los sujetos durante terapias de largo término.(AU)

Efectividad y seguridad del escitalopram o bromazepam comparado con fluoxetina, sertralina, fluvoxamina, paroxetina y psicoterapia en pacientes con Trastorno de Ansiedad Generalizada o Trastorno de Fobia Social / Effectiveness and safety of escitalopram or bromazepam compared to fluoxetine, sertraline, fluvoxamine, paroxetine and psychotherapy in patients with Generalized Anxiety Disorder or Social Phobia Disorder

Introducción: En la actualidad el Trastorno de Ansiedad Generalizada y el Trastorno de Fobia Social, son los trastornos de ansiedad de mayor incidencia a nivel mundial; se encuentra que un 12% de la población con trastornos mentales corresponde a TFS y un 6% a TAG En la Encuesta Nacional de Salud Mental realizada en el año 2003, las mujeres presentan una mayor prevalencia global, presentando una edad de inicio más temprana el TFS (14 años) comparado con el TAG (18 años) (1). Objetivo: Examinar los beneficios y riesgos del uso del escitalopram o bromazepam en el Trastorno de Ansiedad Generalizada o Fobia Social, como uno de los criterios para informar la toma de decisiones relacionada con la posible inclusión de tecnologías en el Plan Obligatorio de Salud, en el marco de su actualización integral para el año 2015. Metodología: A partir de la pregunta PICO se establecieron los criterios de elegibilidad para la realización de la búsqueda de la evidencia científica (a ensayos clínicos, revisiones sistemáticas de estudios observacionales y estudios de cohortes analíticas), se realizó la tamización y selección de la evidencia evaluando su calidad y posteriormente se realizó la extracción de datos y la síntesis de la evidencia. Resultados: El escitalopram y el eromazepan es efectivo en el manejo del Trastorno de Ansiedad Generalizada y Fobia Social, pero no muestra ser superior comparado con otros Inhibidores Selectivos de Recaptación de Serotonina. En cuanto a seguridad el escitalopram presentó menos efectos adversos comparados con los otros medicamentos, pero en los niños se documentó el aumento en el riesgo de suicidio e ideación suicida. El bromazepam genera adicción, somnolencia y no es recomendado su uso a largo plazo. Conclusiones: El escitalopram y el bromazepam pueden ser usados en el manejo del Trastorno de Ansiedad Generalizada y Fobia social teniendo en cuenta la evidencia de los estudios reportados.(AU)

Efectividad y seguridad del escitalopram y la risperidona comparado con fluoxetina, sertralina, paroxetina, citalopram, fluvoxamina, imipramina y psicoterapia en pacientes con trastorno de pánico / Effectiveness and safety of escitalopram and risperidone compared to fluoxetine, sertraline, paroxetine, citalopram, fluvoxamine, imipramine, and psychotherapy in patients with panic disorder

Introducción: La prevalencia de Trastorno de Pánico en la población general es del 2,7%; en Colombia tiene mayor incidencia en mujeres. El TP puede ir acompañado de depresión, consumo de sustancias adictivas como el alcohol, drogas, incrementando el riesgo de suicidio. El escitalopram y la risperidona, ha demostrado tener una respuesta adecuada en el control de los síntomas. Objetivo: Examinar los beneficios y riesgos del uso del escitalopram y la risperidona en el Trastorno de Pánico, como uno de los criterios para informar la toma de decisiones relacionada con la posible inclusión de tecnologías en el Plan Obligatorio de Salud, en el marco de su actualización integral para el año 2015. Metodología: A partir de la pregunta PICO se establecieron los criterios de elegibilidad para la realización de la búsqueda de la evidencia científica (a ensayos clínicos, revisiones sistemáticas de estudios observacionales y estudios de cohortes analíticas), se realizó la tamización y selección de la evidencia evaluando su calidad y posteriormente se realizó la extracción de datos y la síntesis de la evidencia. Resultados: El escitalopram es considerado medicamento de primera línea para el tratamiento de esta entidad mostrando mayor efectividad y seguridad que otros medicamentos. La risperidona a dosis no convencionales es efectiva en el control de síntomas y no presenta diferencia en la presencia de efectos adversos comparados con otros medicamentos utilizados para el tratamiento de esta entidad; no es considerado tratamiento de primera línea. Conclusiones: La interpretación de los resultados deben ser evaluados con precaución teniendo en cuenta las limitaciones de la evidencia científica y metodológica de los estudios incluidos. El escitalopram o la risperidona mostraron ser eficaces y seguros en el manejo del Trastorno de Pánico comparado con otros medicamentos que se emplean para el tratamiento de este mismo trastorno. (AU)

Clinical and functional outcomes of patients who experience partial response to citalopram: secondary analysis of STAR*D.

BACKGROUND: We analyzed the public STAR*D database to better characterize the baseline clinical characteristics and functional outcomes of patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) who experienced partial response in order to better understand the burden associated with this outcome. METHOD: Patients (n=2,876) received treatment with citalopram. The last available Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptoms (QIDS-SR) from the 12-week treatment period was used to assign subjects to one of three groups: remitters QIDS-SR≤5; non-responders QIDS-SR >5 and <25% reduction from baseline; and partial responders QIDS-SR >5 and ≥25% reduction from baseline. Baseline sociodemographic and clinical characteristics were compared across groups, as well as functional outcomes at Level 1 exit. RESULTS. Of the 2,876 patients, 943 patients (33%) were classified as remitters, 1069 (37%) as partial responders, and 854 (30%) as non-responders. The groups differed on a number of pre-treatment course of illness variables and comorbidities. In addition, remitters, partial responders, and non-responders all separated on posttreatment quality of life and functional outcomes at Level 1 exit. CONCLUSION: Partial responders demonstrated significant functional impairment at Level 1 exit, differing significantly from the patients who remitted on quality of life, mental and physical functioning, and social and work-related impairment. Adjusted outcomes showed similar differences. Differences in baseline rates of suicidality, comorbidity, and atypical presentations of depression were also observed between outcome groups. Given the substantial clinical and economic burden associated with functional impairment in depression, the need to fully treat partially responding patients to achieve depression remission and restoration of functioning is highlighted by this work.

Endophenotypes and serotonergic polymorphisms associated with treatment response in obsessive-compulsive disorder.

OBJECTIVES: Approximately 40-60% of obsessive-compulsive disorder patients are nonresponsive to serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Genetic markers associated with treatment response remain largely unknown. We aimed (1) to investigate a possible association of serotonergic polymorphisms in obsessive-compulsive disorder patients and therapeutic response to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and (2) to examine the relationship between these polymorphisms and endocrine response to intravenous citalopram challenge in responders and non-responders to serotonin reuptake inhibitors and in healthy volunteers. METHODS: Patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder were classified as either responders or non-responders after long-term treatment with serotonin reuptake inhibitors, and both groups were compared with a control group of healthy volunteers. The investigated genetic markers were the G861C polymorphism of the serotonin receptor 1Dß gene and the T102C and C516T polymorphisms of the serotonin receptor subtype 2A gene. RESULTS: The T allele of the serotonin receptor subtype 2A T102C polymorphism was more frequent among obsessive-compulsive disorder patients (responders and non-responders) than in the controls (p<0.01). The CC genotype of the serotonin receptor subtype 2A C516T polymorphism was more frequent among the non-responders than in the responders (p<0.01). The CC genotype of the serotonin receptor subtype 1Dß G681C polymorphism was associated with higher cortisol and prolactin responses to citalopram (p<0.01 and p<0.001, respectively) and with a higher platelet-rich plasma serotonin concentration among the controls (p<0.05). However, this pattern was not observed in the non-responders with the same CC genotype after chronic treatment with serotonin reuptake inhibitors. This CC homozygosity was not observed in the responders.

Endophenotypes and serotonergic polymorphisms associated with treatment response in obsessive-compulsive disorder

OBJECTIVES: Approximately 40-60% of obsessive-compulsive disorder patients are nonresponsive to serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Genetic markers associated with treatment response remain largely unknown. We aimed (1) to investigate a possible association of serotonergic polymorphisms in obsessive-compulsive disorder patients and therapeutic response to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and (2) to examine the relationship between these polymorphisms and endocrine response to intravenous citalopram challenge in responders and non-responders to serotonin reuptake inhibitors and in healthy volunteers. METHODS: Patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder were classified as either responders or non-responders after long-term treatment with serotonin reuptake inhibitors, and both groups were compared with a control group of healthy volunteers. The investigated genetic markers were the G861C polymorphism of the serotonin receptor 1Dβ gene and the T102C and C516T polymorphisms of the serotonin receptor subtype 2A gene. RESULTS: The T allele of the serotonin receptor subtype 2A T102C polymorphism was more frequent among obsessive-compulsive disorder patients (responders and non-responders) than in the controls (p<0.01). The CC genotype of the serotonin receptor subtype 2A C516T polymorphism was more frequent among the non-responders than in the responders (p<0.01). The CC genotype of the serotonin receptor subtype 1Dβ G681C polymorphism was associated with higher cortisol and prolactin responses to citalopram (p<0.01 and p<0.001, respectively) and with a higher platelet-rich plasma serotonin concentration among the controls (p<0.05). However, this pattern was not observed in the non-responders with the same CC genotype after chronic treatment with serotonin reuptake inhibitors. This CC homozygosity was not observed in the responders.

Omeprazole preferentially inhibits the metabolism of (+)-(S)-citalopram in healthy volunteers.

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT: Citalopram (CITA) pharmacokinetics are enantioselective in healthy volunteers and the metabolism of (+)-(S)-CITA to (+)-(S)-DCITA is dependent on CYP2C19. Omeprazole is a potent CYP2C19 inhibitor. WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS: This study indicates that omeprazole induces a loss of enantioselectivity in the CITA pharmacokinetics because of the selective inhibition of (+)-(S)-CITA metabolism. AIM: The study assessed the influence of omeprazole on the kinetic disposition of the (+)-(S)-citalopram (CITA) and (-)-(R)-CITA enantiomers in healthy volunteers. METHODS: In a cross-over study, healthy volunteers (n = 9) phenotyped as extensive metabolizers of CYP2C19 and CYP2D6 and with an oral midazolam clearance ranging from 10.9 to 149.3 ml min(-1) kg(-1) received a single dose of racemic CITA (20 mg orally) in combination or not with omeprazole (20 mg day(-1) for 18 days). Serial blood samples were collected up to 240 h after CITA administration. CITA and demethylcitalopram (DCITA) enantiomers were analyzed by LC-MS/MS using a Chiralcel OD-R column. RESULTS: The kinetic disposition of CITA was enantioselective in the absence of treatment with omeprazole, with the observation of a greater proportion of plasma (-)-(R)-CITA [AUC S:R ratio of 0.53 (95% CI 0.41, 0.66) for CITA and 1.08 (95% CI 0.80, 1.76) for DCITA] than (+)-(S)-CITA. Racemic CITA administration to healthy volunteers in combination with omeprazole showed a loss of enantioselectivity in CITA pharmacokinetics with an increase of approximately 120% in plasma (+)-(S)-CITA concentrations [AUC S:R ratio of 0.95 (95% CI 0.72, 1.10) for CITA and 0.95 (95% CI 0.44, 1.72) for DCITA]. CONCLUSIONS: The administration of multiple doses of omeprazole preferentially inhibited (+)-(S)-CITA metabolism in healthy volunteers. Although omeprazole increased plasma concentrations of (+)-(S)-CITA by approximately 120%, it is difficult to evaluate the clinical outcome because the range of plasma CITA concentrations related to maximum efficacy and minimum risk of adverse effects has not been established.

Comparative bioavailability of two escitalopram formulations in healthy human volunteers.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the bioequivalence of two escitalopram formulations (Test formulation: escitalopram (10 mg tablet) manufactured by Apsen Farmacêutica S.A.) Reference formulation: escitalopram (Lexapro; 10 mg tablet) from Lundbeck Brasil Ltda) in healthy volunteers of both sexes. METHODS: The study was conducted using an open, randomized, two-period crossover design with at least a 21-day washout interval. Plasma samples were obtained over a 168 h period. Plasma escitalopram concentrations were analyzed by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS-MS) with positive ion electrospray ionization using multiple reaction monitoring (MRM). The following pharmacokinetic parameters were obtained from the escitalopram plasma concentration vs. time curves: AUC(last), AUC(inf) and C(max). RESULTS: The limit of quantification for escitalopram was 0.2 ng x ml(-1). The geometric mean with corresponding 90% confidence interval (CI) for Test/Reference percent ratios were 97.35% (90% CI = 90.28-104.96%) for C(max), 99.60% (90% CI = 92.93-106.74%) for AUC(last) and 99.92% (90% CI = 93.34-106.97%) for AUC(inf). CONCLUSION: Since the 90% CI for AUClast, AUCinf and Cmax ratios were within the 80-125% interval proposed by the US FDA, it was concluded that escitalopram formulation manufactured by Apsen Farmacêutica S.A. is bioequivalent to the Lexapro formulation in regard to both the rate and the extent of absorption.

Escitalopram prolonged fear induced by simulated public speaking and released hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activation.

Simulated public speaking (SPS) test is sensitive to drugs that interfere with serotonin-mediated neurotransmission and is supposed to recruit neural systems involved in panic disorder. The study was aimed at evaluating the effects of escitalopram, the most selective serotonin-selective reuptake inhibitor available, in SPS. Healthy males received, in a double-blind, randomized design, placebo (n = 12), 10 (n = 17) or 20 (n = 14) mg of escitalopram 2 hours before the test. Behavioural, autonomic and neuroendocrine measures were assessed. Both doses of escitalopram did not produce any effect before or during the speech but prolonged the fear induced by SPS. The test itself did not significantly change cortisol and prolactin levels but under the higher dose of escitalopram, cortisol and prolactin increased immediately after SPS. This fear-enhancing effect of escitalopram agrees with previously reported results with less selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and the receptor antagonist ritanserin, indicating that serotonin inhibits the fear of speaking in public.

The synergistic interaction between morphine and maprotiline after intrathecal injection in rats.

BACKGROUND: Antidepressant drugs act as potent inhibitors of norepinephrine and/or serotonin reuptake and are widely used with opioids for the treatment of chronic pain. The mechanism of this increased analgesic action is unclear. We compared the antinociceptive effects of the intrathecal administration of morphine with that of a nonselective (amitriptyline) or selective (maprotiline or citalopram) antidepressant drug using the thermal withdrawal test in rats. We also investigated the possible mechanisms involved in the interactions of these drugs. METHODS: Male Wistar rats were anesthetized with sevoflurane and administered morphine and antidepressant drugs, or saline, through intrathecal injection. The antinociceptive effect was evaluated using the thermal withdrawal test before and after drug administration. The time for the withdrawal reaction was expressed as percentage of maximum possible effect (MPE). Animals were also pretreated with yohimbine (a nonselective alpha2-adrenergic antagonist) and naloxone (a nonselective opioid antagonist) for mechanism of action studies. Pharmacologic interaction was evaluated using isobolographic analysis of simultaneous administration of fixed proportions of maprotiline and morphine. RESULTS: Single intrathecal administration of morphine (2 microg), amitriptiline (125 microg), citalopram (144 microg), and maprotiline (1.25 microg) produced 51.6% +/- 8.9%, 10.3% +/- 3.2%, 33.8% +/- 5.2%, and 48.5% +/- 9.2% MPE, respectively. The antinociceptive effect of morphine was increased when combined with amitriptyline (91.3% +/- 4.6% MPE) and maprotiline (86.9% +/- 9.2% MPE) but not with citalopram (40.6% +/- 4.6% MPE). Coadministration of maprotiline increased the antinociceptive duration of morphine by 4-fold (from 120 to 480 min), which was reversed by pretreatment with the alpha-2 adrenoceptor inhibitor, yohimbine, and the mu-type opioid receptor antagonist, naloxone. Isobolographic analysis demonstrated a synergistic interaction between morphine and maprotiline. CONCLUSIONS: Selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors can significantly increase the intensity and duration of morphine antinociceptive activity via both alpha(2)-adrenergic and opioid receptors. This interaction was not observed with the selective serotonin inhibitor, citalopram.