Abstract
Objective:
The authors evaluated the potential of methylphenidate to accelerate and enhance antidepressant response to citalopram in elderly depressed patients.
Methods:
Sixteen outpatients with major depression were treated in a 10-week double-blind trial. Response was defined as a score on the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (24-item) of less than 10.
Results:
An accelerated response was observed by week 3 in five subjects receiving citalopram (CIT)+methylphenidate (MPH) and in none of those receiving CIT+placebo (PBO). Subjects receiving citalopram and methylphenidate showed a significant improvement in depressive symptoms compared with those on citalopram and placebo.
Conclusion:
Combined treatment with citalopram and methylphenidate appears to be a viable strategy for accelerating and enhancing antidepressant response in elderly depressed patients limited by tolerability and safety.
Publication types
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Randomized Controlled Trial
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
MeSH terms
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Aged
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Central Nervous System Stimulants / administration & dosage
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Central Nervous System Stimulants / therapeutic use*
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Citalopram / administration & dosage
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Citalopram / therapeutic use*
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Cognition Disorders / diagnosis
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Cognition Disorders / epidemiology
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Depressive Disorder, Major / diagnosis
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Depressive Disorder, Major / drug therapy*
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Depressive Disorder, Major / epidemiology
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Double-Blind Method
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Drug Administration Schedule
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Drug Synergism
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Drug Therapy, Combination
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Female
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Humans
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Male
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Methylphenidate / administration & dosage
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Methylphenidate / therapeutic use*
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Neuropsychological Tests
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Pilot Projects
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Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / administration & dosage
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Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / therapeutic use*
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Severity of Illness Index
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Surveys and Questionnaires
Substances
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Central Nervous System Stimulants
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Serotonin Uptake Inhibitors
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Citalopram
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Methylphenidate