مرکز منطقه ای اطلاع رساني علوم و فناوري - Memantine add on to citalopram in elderly patients with depression: A double-blind placebo-controlled study

Author/Authors :

Omranifard, Victoria Department of Psychiatry - Behavioral Science Research Center - Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan , Shirzadi, Elham Department of Psychiatry - Behavioral Science Research Center - Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan , Samandari, Saeid Department of Psychiatry - Behavioral Science Research Center - Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan , Afshar, Hamid Department of Psychiatry - Psychosomatic Research Center - Faculty of Medicine - Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan , Maracy, Mohammad Reza Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan

Abstract :

Background: Proper management of depression in elderly population would improve the outcome of the disease and reduce its related disability and mortality. Use of memantine with minimal side eff ects and drug interaction seems reasonable in the elderly but its antidepressant activity is controversial. Th e aim of the current research is to investigate the eff ects of add-on memantine during citalopram therapy in elderly patients with depression, in Isfahan. Materials and Methods: In this double-blind, placebo controlled trial study; elderly patients aged more than 60 years who were recently diagnosed with depression, were enrolled. Th e selected patients were randomlysplit into two groups, viz. intervention and placebo groups. Th e intervention was memantine (20 mg daily) or identical placebo plus citalopram for 8 weeks. Th e severity of depression and quality of life was evaluated using Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15), Hamilton Rating Scale for depression (HRSD) and World Health Organization Quality of Life WHOQOL-BREF respectively. Th e mentioned scores were evaluated at baseline, 4 weeks and 8 weeks, after initiating the trial in two studied groups and compared with each other. Results: 28 and 29 patients were studied in the intervention and placebo groups, respectively. Score of GDS-15, HRSD and WHO-QOL-BREF scales at baseline, 4 weeks and 8 weeks, after initiating trial did not change signifi cantly after use of memantine (P > 0.05). Th ere was no signifi cant diff erence in mean +/- SD of GDS-15, HRSD and WHO-QOL-BREF scales among intervention and placebo groups (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Th e outcome of this clinical trial did not support the antidepressant eff ect of add-on memantine in elderly patients with depression receiving citalopram. It is recommended to design further studies considering the limitations of the current study mentioned herein and the eff ect of memantine with other anti-depressant agents.