Effects of citalopram on blood pressure control in depressive patients with hypertension: A randomized clinical trial

Introduction: Since there is a bi-directional interaction between hypertension and depression, we aimed to evaluate the effects of citalopram administration in the management of hypertension. Methods: A randomized clinical trial was conducted on 72 patients with concomitant depression and hypertension. The intervention group (n = 41) received citalopram 20 mg daily plus antihypertensive standard treatment, while the control group (n = 31) received only the standard treatment. The study's primary endpoint was in-office blood pressure (BP) measurement at baseline and home BP monitoring in the first and second months after entering the study. Results: There were no significant differences in baseline systolic BP (163.3 +/- 19.6 vs.164.2 +/- 20.3 mm Hg; P= 0.910) and diastolic BP (94.5 +/- 13.8 vs. 88.2 +/- 14.4; P= 0.071). After one month, diastolic BP (82.7 +/- 11.7 vs. 77.09 +/- 12.2; P = 0.023) was significantly higher in the control group compared to the intervention group. Two months after the intervention, systolic BP (133.8 +/- 16.5 vs. 124.5 +/- 12.4; P= 0.009) and diastolic BP (80.7 +/- 10.3 vs. 73.7 +/- 9.7; P= 0.002) were significantly decreased in the intervention group compared to the control group. Conclusion: This study supported the beneficial effects of citalopram in lowering BP in patients with concomitant depression and hypertension.