• St. Elizabeth's Medical Center  (Recruiting)

• Citalopram
• Escitalopram
• Placebo

Trial Rationale and Purpose

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.

Trial Inclusion/Exclusion Criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

- Healthy male aged 21 to 50 years.

- Capable of providing informed consent.

- Has an established residence and phone.

Exclusion Criteria:

- Meets DSM-IV criteria for an Axis I or II disorder.

- History of substance dependence or abuse within the past month.

- Use of NSAID's, beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, antidepressants,
antipsychotic medications, lithium or other medication which in the opinion of the
investigator would alter vascular responsivity.

- Regular use of sedative hypnotic or narcotic medication, or other medication that
might affect the individual's perception of visual stimuli.

- History of cataracts or significant visual impairment.

- A medical condition, which in the opinion of the investigator is likely to affect the
individual's perception of the visual stimuli or vascular response.

- Participation in a research protocol that included administration of medication
within the past 3 months.

- Cigarette smoking.