Brain Effects of Escitalopram and Citalopram Using fMRI
Status:
Completed
Trial end date:
2011-04-01
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
Escitalopram (Lexapro) and citalopram (Celexa) are similar selective serotonin reuptake
inhibitors that alter blood flow to the amygdala and other brain structures involved in
regulating mood. Escitalopram consists of S-citalopram while citalopram contains both
S-citalopram and R-citalopram (racemic citalopram). There is evidence that R-citalopram may
block the effects of S-citalopram. The hypothesis being tested is that because of the
antagonist effect of R-citalopram, S-citalopram will have a greater effect on the mood
circuit than racemic citalopram when equal doses of S-citalopram are administered. The study
design consists of a two week medication period followed by blood oxygen level dependent
(BOLD) functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) while viewing affective visual stimuli.