Abstract

COMPARISON OF THERAPEUTIC EFFECTS OF MIRTAZAPINE AND CITALOPRAM ON OUT-PATIENTS WITH MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER WITH ANXIETY SYMPTOMS

Kamelia Goodarzi, Dr. Ali Nazeri Astaneh*, Robabeh Mazinani, 4Neda Alibeigi, Zahra Mousavi

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of Mirtazapine and Citalopram on depressive and anxiety symptoms of patients with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) with anxiety symptoms. Method: In a double blind randomized clinical trial, 64 subjects with MDD with anxiety symptoms were selected by DSM-IV-TR criteria and were divided in two groups (one with 20- 40mg/day Citalopram and another with 15-30mg/day Mirtazapine). They were assessed according to the Beck rating Scales for anxiety and depression in the weeks 0, 2, 4 and 8 after treatment and in every visit they were assessed by weight and side effects of medication. Results: There were no significant differences between two groups according to the Beck rating Scales for anxiety (p=0/81) and depressive in base line, (P=0.84). In both groups the decline in depressive and anxiety symptoms was significant after 8weeks (P=0.001). In comparison between two groups, Mirtazapine was more effective than Citalopram in decline depressive and anxiety symptoms and was faster on effect onset (P=0.001). There was no significant differences in two groups in side effects of medication, weight and sedation after 8weeks (P=0.72). Conclusion: This study showed Mirtazapine versus Citalopram was more effective with faster effect onset on MDD with anxiety symptoms.

Keywords: Depression, Anxiety, Mitrazapine, Citalopram.