Abstract: ObjectiveTo explore the effectiveness and safety of citalopram combined with small dose of mirtazapine for treating post-stroke depression(PSD)． Methods114 patients with post-stroke depression in our hospital were randomly divided into two groups. In the control group, 57 patients were treated with citalopram, and in the observation group, 57 patients received citalopram combined with small dose of mirtazapine．Before treatment and at the end of 6 weeks of treatment, Line Hamilton depression scale(HAMD), daily living skills Barthel index(BI) scale, clinical nerve function defect score(SSS) and adverse reaction symptom scale(TESS) were assessed. ResultsThe treatment for PSD of two groups was effective after 6 weeks. The basic recovery of observation group was 29.82%, the basic recovery of control group was 21.05%.There was significant difference in the basic recovery rate between observation group and the control group(P <0.05)． The total effective rate of observation group(92.98%) was significantly higher than the control group(80.71%). The HADM score and SSS score of the observation group were significantly lower than the control group(P<0.05 or 0.01), and BI score was significantly higher than the control group after 6 weeks. There were no significant difference in TESS score between two groups,but the insomnia and headache or dizziness aspects of observation group were significantly lower than the control group(P<0.01). ConclusionCitalopram in combination with small dose of mirtazapine for post-stroke depression has good efficacy and high safety,and can improve recovery of neurological function and activity of daily living of patients .

Key words: citalopram, small dose, mirtazapine, post-stroke depression