A recent study compared the two antidepressant drugs, citalopram and escitalopram, based on their efficacy in depressed patients with Hepatitis C receiving interferons.

The investigators screened hepatitis C patients for depression before starting treatment with interferons and excluded those with a previous history of depression. They assessed the enrolled patients for depression on the baseline and each visit. Those who developed depression were randomized to receive either citalopram or escitalopram. 

The investigators assessed the Treatment groups with a depression scale each time they visited the clinic and compared the antidepressants for their efficacy at 4 weeks, 8 weeks, and 12 weeks.

The study enrolled 80 patients and found the outcome better in patients treated with escitalopram. The drugs showed a significant difference in depression scores of 4.28 and 3.76 at weeks eight and twelve, respectively. The difference in depression score, calculated for gender and age, was non-significant. The mean change in depression scores from baseline to the end of the study was more significant in the escitalopram group (10.41) than in the citalopram group (14.17).

The results demonstrated the superiority of escitalopram over citalopram. Additionally, it is well tolerated and exhibits better effects. Escitalopram is thus a safer alternative to citalopram.

Source: Contemporary Clinical Trials Communications. 2020;19. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conctc.2020.100622.