An analysis of the effects of three commonly prescribed antidepressant agents on psychomotor function

• Published in: Drugs & therapy perspectives : for rational drug selection and use 2013-10, Vol.29 (10), p.324-328
• Main Authors: Shah, Dimple V., Desai, C. K., Dikshit, R. K., Dave, Darshan J.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Medicine; Original Research Article; Pharmacotherapy; Pharmacy
• ISSN: 1172-0360; 1179-1977
• DOI: 10.1007/s40267-013-0068-2

Background Cognitive and psychomotor impairment are important considerations in the management of depression. Antidepressant agents show differential effects on psychomotor performance. These are usually reversible with effective antidepressant treatment. Objective To evaluate the effects the commonly prescribed antidepressant agents imipramine, fluoxetine and citalopram on psychomotor function in patients with depression using a battery of three simple tests. Study design 60 adult patients with depression who had no history of taking antidepressant drugs were randomly selected from the psychiatry outpatient department of a hospital. The clinical status and psychomotor performance of patients were assessed at the beginning of treatment, and at the end of 1, 4 and 12 weeks after the initiation of treatment with imipramine, fluoxetine or citalopram. Results Fluoxetine and citalopram showed significant improvement on psychomotor function tests relative to imipramine, and clinical condition improved to a similar extent with all the three drugs. Conclusion In depressive patients in whom psychomotor function impairment is significantly troublesome, treatment with antidepressants with relatively non-sedating and non-impairing profiles may be preferred.