Methylphenidate-enhanced antidepressant response to citalopram in the elderly: a double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot trial.

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.