Health Vidya

Citalopram hydrobromide is indicated for the treatment of depression. The efficacy of Citalopram hydrobromide in the treatment of depression was estab¬lished in 4-6 week, controlled trials of outpatients whose diagnosis corresponded most closely to the DSM-III and DSM-III-R category of major depressive disorder (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY ). A major depressive episode (DSM-IV) implies a prominent and relatively persistent (nearly every day for at least 2 weeks) depressed or dysphoric mood that usually interferes with daily functioning, and includes at least five of the following nine symp¬toms: depressed mood, loss of interest in usual activities, signifi¬cant change in weight and/or appetite, insomnia or hypersomnia, psychomotor agitation or retardation, increased fatigue, feelings of guilt or worthlessness, slowed thinking or impaired concentra¬tion, a suicide attempt or suicidal ideation. The antidepressant action of Citalopram hydrobromide in hospitalized depressed patients has not been adequately studied. The efficacy of Citalopram hydrobromide in maintaining an antidepressant response for up to 24 weeks following 6 to 8 weeks of acute treatment was demonstrated in two placebo-controlled trials (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY ). Nevertheless, the physician who elects to use Citalopram hydrobromide for extended periods should periodically reevaluate the long-term usefulness of the drug for the individual patient.