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Controversy existed regarding the effectiveness of escitalopram compared to its predecessor citalopram. The importance of this issue followed from the greater cost of escitalopram relative to the generic mixture of isomers citalopram prior to the expiration of the escitalopram patent in 2012, which led to charges of [[evergreening]]. Accordingly, this issue has been examined in at least 10 different systematic reviews and meta analyses. The most recent of these have concluded (with caveats in some cases) that escitalopram is modestly superior to citalopram in efficacy and tolerability.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Ramsberg J, Asseburg C, Henriksson M | title = Effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of antidepressants in primary care: a multiple treatment comparison meta-analysis and cost-effectiveness model | journal = PLOS One | volume = 7 | issue = 8 | pages = e42003 | year = 2012 | pmid = 22876296 | pmc = 3410906 | doi = 10.1371/journal.pone.0042003 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Cipriani A, Purgato M, Furukawa TA, Trespidi C, Imperadore G, Signoretti A, Churchill R, Watanabe N, Barbui C | title = Citalopram versus other anti-depressive agents for depression | journal = The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews | volume = 7 | issue = 7 | pages = CD006534 | date = July 2012 | pmid = 22786497 | pmc = 4204633 | doi = 10.1002/14651858.CD006534.pub2 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Favré P | title = [Clinical efficacy and achievement of a complete remission in depression: increasing interest in treatment with escitalopram] | language = French | journal = l'Encephale | volume = 38 | issue = 1 | pages = 86–96 | date = February 2012 | pmid = 22381728 | doi = 10.1016/j.encep.2011.11.003 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Sicras-Mainar A, Navarro-Artieda R, Blanca-Tamayo M, Gimeno-de la Fuente V, Salvatella-Pasant J | title = Comparison of escitalopram vs. citalopram and venlafaxine in the treatment of major depression in Spain: clinical and economic consequences | journal = Current Medical Research and Opinion | volume = 26 | issue = 12 | pages = 2757–64 | date = December 2010 | pmid = 21034375 | doi = 10.1185/03007995.2010.529430 }}</ref>
Controversy existed regarding the effectiveness of escitalopram compared to its predecessor citalopram. The importance of this issue followed from the greater cost of escitalopram relative to the generic mixture of isomers citalopram prior to the expiration of the escitalopram patent in 2012, which led to charges of [[evergreening]]. Accordingly, this issue has been examined in at least 10 different systematic reviews and meta analyses. The most recent of these have concluded (with caveats in some cases) that escitalopram is modestly superior to citalopram in efficacy and tolerability.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Ramsberg J, Asseburg C, Henriksson M | title = Effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of antidepressants in primary care: a multiple treatment comparison meta-analysis and cost-effectiveness model | journal = PLOS One | volume = 7 | issue = 8 | pages = e42003 | year = 2012 | pmid = 22876296 | pmc = 3410906 | doi = 10.1371/journal.pone.0042003 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Cipriani A, Purgato M, Furukawa TA, Trespidi C, Imperadore G, Signoretti A, Churchill R, Watanabe N, Barbui C | title = Citalopram versus other anti-depressive agents for depression | journal = The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews | volume = 7 | issue = 7 | pages = CD006534 | date = July 2012 | pmid = 22786497 | pmc = 4204633 | doi = 10.1002/14651858.CD006534.pub2 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Favré P | title = [Clinical efficacy and achievement of a complete remission in depression: increasing interest in treatment with escitalopram] | language = French | journal = l'Encephale | volume = 38 | issue = 1 | pages = 86–96 | date = February 2012 | pmid = 22381728 | doi = 10.1016/j.encep.2011.11.003 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Sicras-Mainar A, Navarro-Artieda R, Blanca-Tamayo M, Gimeno-de la Fuente V, Salvatella-Pasant J | title = Comparison of escitalopram vs. citalopram and venlafaxine in the treatment of major depression in Spain: clinical and economic consequences | journal = Current Medical Research and Opinion | volume = 26 | issue = 12 | pages = 2757–64 | date = December 2010 | pmid = 21034375 | doi = 10.1185/03007995.2010.529430 }}</ref>


In contrast to these findings, a 2011 review concluded that all second-generation antidepressants are equally effective, although they may differ in onset and side effects.<ref name=Gart2011>{{cite journal | vauthors = Gartlehner G, Hansen RA, Morgan LC, Thaler K, Lux L, Van Noord M, Mager U, Thieda P, Gaynes BN, Wilkins T, Strobelberger M, Lloyd S, Reichenpfader U, Lohr KN | title = Comparative benefits and harms of second-generation antidepressants for treating major depressive disorder: an updated meta-analysis | journal = Annals of Internal Medicine | volume = 155 | issue = 11 | pages = 772–85 | date = December 2011 | pmid = 22147715 | doi = 10.7326/0003-4819-155-11-201112060-00009 }}</ref> Treatment guidelines issued by the National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence and by the American Psychiatric Association generally reflect this viewpoint.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://guidance.nice.org.uk/CG90/Guidance/pdf/English |title=CG90 Depression in adults: full guidance |format= |work= |access-date=}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://psychiatryonline.org/content.aspx?bookID=28&sectionID=1667485#654260|title=PsychiatryOnline &#124; APA Practice Guidelines &#124; Practice Guideline for the Treatment of Patients With Major Depressive Disorder, Third Edition|format=|work=|access-date=}}{{dead link|date=September 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>
In contrast to these findings, a 2011 review concluded that all second-generation antidepressants are equally effective, although they may differ in onset and side effects.<ref name=Gart2011>{{cite journal | vauthors = Gartlehner G, Hansen RA, Morgan LC, Thaler K, Lux L, Van Noord M, Mager U, Thieda P, Gaynes BN, Wilkins T, Strobelberger M, Lloyd S, Reichenpfader U, Lohr KN | title = Comparative benefits and harms of second-generation antidepressants for treating major depressive disorder: an updated meta-analysis | journal = Annals of Internal Medicine | volume = 155 | issue = 11 | pages = 772–85 | date = December 2011 | pmid = 22147715 | doi = 10.7326/0003-4819-155-11-201112060-00009 }}</ref> Treatment guidelines issued by the National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence and by the American Psychiatric Association generally reflect this viewpoint.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://guidance.nice.org.uk/CG90/Guidance/pdf/English |title=CG90 Depression in adults: full guidance |format= |work= |access-date=}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |url=https://psychiatryonline.org/pb/assets/raw/sitewide/practice_guidelines/guidelines/mdd.pdf |title=Practice Guideline for the Treatment of Patients With Major Depressive Disorder |edition=3rd |year=2010 |series=APA Practice Guidelines }}{{pn}}</ref>


In 2018, a systematic review and network meta-analysis comparing the efficacy and acceptability of 21 antidepressant drugs showed escitalopram to be one of the most effective antidepressants in head-to-head studies.<ref>February 21, 2018. [http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(17)32802-7/fulltext Comparative efficacy and acceptability of 21 antidepressant drugs for the acute treatment of adults with major depressive disorder: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.] The Lancet. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(17)32802-7.</ref>
In 2018, a systematic review and network meta-analysis comparing the efficacy and acceptability of 21 antidepressant drugs showed escitalopram to be one of the most effective antidepressants in head-to-head studies.<ref>{{cite journal |doi=10.1016/S0140-6736(17)32802-7 }}</ref>


=== Anxiety disorder ===
=== Anxiety disorder ===
Escitalopram appears to be effective in treating general anxiety disorder, with relapse on escitalopram (20%) less than placebo (50%).<ref name="pmid19961809">{{cite journal | vauthors = Bech P, Lönn SL, Overø KF | title = Relapse prevention and residual symptoms: a closer analysis of placebo-controlled continuation studies with escitalopram in major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder | journal = The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry | volume = 71 | issue = 2 | pages = 121–9 | date = February 2010 | pmid = 19961809 | doi = 10.4088/JCP.08m04749blu }}</ref>
Escitalopram appears to be effective in treating general anxiety disorder, with relapse on escitalopram (20%) less than placebo (50%).<ref name=pmid19961809>{{cite journal |doi=10.4088/JCP.08m04749blu }}</ref>


Escitalopram appears effective in [[social anxiety disorder]].<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Baldwin |first1=DS |last2=Asakura |first2=S |last3=Koyama |first3=T |last4=Hayano |first4=T |last5=Hagino |first5=A |last6=Reines |first6=E |last7=Larsen |first7=K |title=Efficacy of escitalopram in the treatment of social anxiety disorder: A meta-analysis versus placebo. |journal=European neuropsychopharmacology : the journal of the European College of Neuropsychopharmacology |date=June 2016 |volume=26 |issue=6 |pages=1062-9 |doi=10.1016/j.euroneuro.2016.02.013 |pmid=26971233}}</ref>
Escitalopram appears effective in [[social anxiety disorder]].<ref name=pmid26971233>{{cite journal |doi=10.1016/j.euroneuro.2016.02.013 }}</ref>


=== Other ===
=== Other ===
Escitalopram, as well as other [[Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor|SSRIs]], are effective in reducing the symptoms of [[premenstrual syndrome]], whether taken in the luteal phase only or continuously.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Marjoribanks J, Brown J, O'Brien PM, Wyatt K | title = Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors for premenstrual syndrome | journal = The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews | volume = 6 | issue = 6 | pages = CD001396 | date = June 2013 | pmid = 23744611 | doi = 10.1002/14651858.CD001396.pub3 | url = https://researchspace.auckland.ac.nz/bitstream/2292/9631/4/14651858.CD001396.pub2.pdf }}</ref> There are no good data available for escitalopram as treatment for [[seasonal affective disorder]] as of 2011.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Thaler K, Delivuk M, Chapman A, Gaynes BN, Kaminski A, Gartlehner G | title = Second-generation antidepressants for seasonal affective disorder | journal = The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews | issue = 12 | pages = CD008591 | date = December 2011 | pmid = 22161433 | doi = 10.1002/14651858.CD008591.pub2 }}</ref> SSRIs do not appear to be useful for preventing [[tension headaches]] or [[migraines]].<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Banzi R, Cusi C, Randazzo C, Sterzi R, Tedesco D, Moja L | title = Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) for the prevention of tension-type headache in adults | journal = The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews | volume = 5 | issue = 5 | pages = CD011681 | date = May 2015 | pmid = 25931277 | doi = 10.1002/14651858.CD011681 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Moja PL, Cusi C, Sterzi RR, Canepari C | title = Selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs) for preventing migraine and tension-type headaches | journal = The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews | issue = 3 | pages = CD002919 | date = July 2005 | pmid = 16034880 | doi = 10.1002/14651858.CD002919.pub2 }}</ref>{{Update inline|reason=Updated version https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25829028|date = July 2018}}
Escitalopram, as well as other [[Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor|SSRIs]], are effective in reducing the symptoms of [[premenstrual syndrome]], whether taken in the luteal phase only or continuously.<ref name=pmid23744611>{{cite journal |doi=10.1002/14651858.CD001396.pub3 }}</ref> There are no good data available for escitalopram as treatment for [[seasonal affective disorder]] as of 2011.<ref name=pmid22161433>{{cite journal |doi=10.1002/14651858.CD008591.pub2 }}</ref> SSRIs do not appear to be useful for preventing [[tension headaches]] or [[migraines]].<ref name=pmid25931277>{{cite journal |doi=10.1002/14651858.CD011681 }}</ref><ref name=pmid25829028>{{cite journal |doi=10.1002/14651858.CD002919.pub3 }}</ref>


==Side effects==
==Side effects==
{{See also|List of adverse effects for escitalopram}}
{{See also|List of adverse effects for escitalopram}}
Escitalopram, like other [[Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor|SSRIs]], has been shown to affect sexual functions causing side effects such as decreased [[libido]], [[delayed ejaculation]], and [[anorgasmia]].<ref name="pmid16430968">{{cite journal | vauthors = Clayton A, Keller A, McGarvey EL | title = Burden of phase-specific sexual dysfunction with SSRIs | journal = Journal of Affective Disorders | volume = 91 | issue = 1 | pages = 27–32 | date = March 2006 | pmid = 16430968 | doi = 10.1016/j.jad.2005.12.007 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.allergan.com/Assets/PDF/Lexapro_pi.pdf|title=Lexapro prescribing information|publisher=}}</ref>
Escitalopram, like other [[Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor|SSRIs]], has been shown to affect sexual functions causing side effects such as decreased [[libido]], [[delayed ejaculation]], and [[anorgasmia]].<ref name=pmid16430968>{{cite journal |doi=10.1016/j.jad.2005.12.007 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.allergan.com/Assets/PDF/Lexapro_pi.pdf|title=Lexapro prescribing information|publisher=}}</ref>


An analysis conducted by the FDA found a statistically insignificant 1.5 to 2.4-fold (depending on the statistical technique used) increase of [[suicidality]] among the adults treated with escitalopram for psychiatric indications.<ref name=FDA>{{cite web |vauthors=Levenson M, Holland C | title =Antidepressants and Suicidality in Adults: Statistical Evaluation. (Presentation at Psychopharmacologic Drugs Advisory Committee; December 13, 2006)|access-date = 2007-05-13 | url = http://www.fda.gov/ohrms/dockets/ac/06/slides/2006-4272s1-04-FDA.ppt}}</ref><ref name =FDA2>{{cite web | url = http://www.fda.gov/ohrms/dockets/ac/06/briefing/2006-4272b1-01-FDA.pdf | title = Clinical Review: Relationship Between Antidepressant Drugs and Suicidality in Adults| access-date = 2007-09-22 |vauthors=Stone MB, Jones ML |date=2006-11-17| format =PDF | work = Overview for December 13 Meeting of Pharmacological Drugs Advisory Committee (PDAC) | publisher = FDA| pages = 11–74 }}</ref><ref name =FDA3>{{cite web | url = http://www.fda.gov/ohrms/dockets/ac/06/briefing/2006-4272b1-01-FDA.pdf | title = Statistical Evaluation of Suicidality in Adults Treated with Antidepressants | access-date = 2007-09-22 | vauthors = Levenson M, Holland C |date=2006-11-17| format =PDF | work =Overview for December 13 Meeting of Pharmacological Drugs Advisory Committee (PDAC) | publisher = FDA| pages = 75–140 }}</ref> The authors of a related study note the general problem with statistical approaches: due to the rarity of suicidal events in clinical trials, it is hard to draw firm conclusions with a sample smaller than two million patients.<ref name="pmid17453659">{{cite journal | vauthors = Khan A, Schwartz K | title = Suicide risk and symptom reduction in patients assigned to placebo in duloxetine and escitalopram clinical trials: analysis of the FDA summary basis of approval reports | journal = Annals of Clinical Psychiatry | volume = 19 | issue = 1 | pages = 31–6 | year = 2007 | pmid = 17453659 | doi = 10.1080/10401230601163550 }}</ref>
An analysis conducted by the FDA found a statistically insignificant 1.5 to 2.4-fold (depending on the statistical technique used) increase of [[suicidality]] among the adults treated with escitalopram for psychiatric indications.<ref name=FDA>{{cite web |vauthors=Levenson M, Holland C | title =Antidepressants and Suicidality in Adults: Statistical Evaluation. (Presentation at Psychopharmacologic Drugs Advisory Committee; December 13, 2006)|access-date = 2007-05-13 | url = http://www.fda.gov/ohrms/dockets/ac/06/slides/2006-4272s1-04-FDA.ppt}}</ref><ref name =FDA2>{{cite web | url = http://www.fda.gov/ohrms/dockets/ac/06/briefing/2006-4272b1-01-FDA.pdf | title = Clinical Review: Relationship Between Antidepressant Drugs and Suicidality in Adults| access-date = 2007-09-22 |vauthors=Stone MB, Jones ML |date=2006-11-17| format =PDF | work = Overview for December 13 Meeting of Pharmacological Drugs Advisory Committee (PDAC) | publisher = FDA| pages = 11–74 }}</ref><ref name =FDA3>{{cite web | url = http://www.fda.gov/ohrms/dockets/ac/06/briefing/2006-4272b1-01-FDA.pdf | title = Statistical Evaluation of Suicidality in Adults Treated with Antidepressants | access-date = 2007-09-22 | vauthors = Levenson M, Holland C |date=2006-11-17| format =PDF | work =Overview for December 13 Meeting of Pharmacological Drugs Advisory Committee (PDAC) | publisher = FDA| pages = 75–140 }}</ref> The authors of a related study note the general problem with statistical approaches: due to the rarity of suicidal events in clinical trials, it is hard to draw firm conclusions with a sample smaller than two million patients.<ref name="pmid17453659">{{cite journal | vauthors = Khan A, Schwartz K | title = Suicide risk and symptom reduction in patients assigned to placebo in duloxetine and escitalopram clinical trials: analysis of the FDA summary basis of approval reports | journal = Annals of Clinical Psychiatry | volume = 19 | issue = 1 | pages = 31–6 | year = 2007 | pmid = 17453659 | doi = 10.1080/10401230601163550 }}</ref>

Revision as of 12:38, 15 August 2018

This article is about the left handed version of the medication. For its racemic form, see citalopram.
Escitalopram
Clinical data
Pronunciationpronunciationⓘ
Trade namesCipralex, Lexapro, others[1]
AHFS/Drugs.comMonograph
MedlinePlusa603005
License data
Pregnancy
category
  • AU: C
Routes of
administration		By mouth
Drug classSelective serotonin reuptake inhibitor
ATC code
Legal status
Legal status
  • AU: S4 (Prescription only)
  • CA: ℞-only
  • UK: POM (Prescription only)
  • US: WARNING[2]Rx-only
  • In general: ℞ (Prescription only)
Pharmacokinetic data
Bioavailability80%
Protein binding~56%
MetabolismLiver, specifically the enzymes CYP3A4 and CYP2C19
Elimination half-life27–32 hours
Identifiers
  • (S)-1-[3-(Dimethylamino)propyl]-1-(4-fluorophenyl)-1,3-dihydroisobenzofuran-5-carbonitrile
CAS Number
PubChem CID
DrugBank
ChemSpider
UNII
ChEBI
ChEMBL
CompTox Dashboard (EPA)
ECHA InfoCard100.244.188 Edit this at Wikidata
Chemical and physical data
FormulaC20H21FN2O
Molar mass324.392 g/mol
(414.43 as oxalate) g·mol−1
3D model (JSmol)
  • Fc1ccc(cc1)[C@@]3(OCc2cc(C#N)ccc23)CCCN(C)C
  • InChI=1S/C20H21FN2O/c1-23(2)11-3-10-20(17-5-7-18(21)8-6-17)19-9-4-15(13-22)12-16(19)14-24-20/h4-9,12H,3,10-11,14H2,1-2H3/t20-/m0/s1 checkY
  • Key:WSEQXVZVJXJVFP-FQEVSTJZSA-N checkY
 ☒NcheckY (what is this?)  (verify)

Escitalopram, sold under the brand names Cipralex and Lexapro among others, is an antidepressant of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) class.[3] Escitalopram is mainly used to treat major depressive disorder or generalized anxiety disorder.[3] It is taken by mouth.[3]

Common side effects include trouble sleeping, nausea, sexual problems, and feeling tired.[3] More serious side effects may include suicide in people under the age of 25.[3] It is unclear if use during pregnancy or breastfeeding is safe.[4] Escitalopram is the (S)-stereoisomer of the earlier medication citalopram, hence the name escitalopram.[3]

Escitalopram was approved for medical use in the United States in 2002.[3] In the United States the wholesale cost is about 2.04 USD per month as of 2017.[5] In the United Kingdom in 2015, escitalopram was more than 20 times as expensive as citalopram.[6] Escitalopram is sometimes replaced by twice the dose of citalopram.[6]

Medical uses

Escitalopram has FDA approval for the treatment of major depressive disorder in adolescents and adults, and generalized anxiety disorder in adults.[3] In European countries and Australia, it is approved for depression (MDD) and anxiety disorders, these include: general anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder (SAD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and panic disorder with or without agoraphobia.

Depression

Escitalopram was approved by regulatory authorities for the treatment of major depressive disorder on the basis of four placebo controlled, double-blind trials, three of which demonstrated a statistical superiority over placebo.[7]

Controversy existed regarding the effectiveness of escitalopram compared to its predecessor citalopram. The importance of this issue followed from the greater cost of escitalopram relative to the generic mixture of isomers citalopram prior to the expiration of the escitalopram patent in 2012, which led to charges of evergreening. Accordingly, this issue has been examined in at least 10 different systematic reviews and meta analyses. The most recent of these have concluded (with caveats in some cases) that escitalopram is modestly superior to citalopram in efficacy and tolerability.[8][9][10][11]

In contrast to these findings, a 2011 review concluded that all second-generation antidepressants are equally effective, although they may differ in onset and side effects.[12] Treatment guidelines issued by the National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence and by the American Psychiatric Association generally reflect this viewpoint.[13][14]

In 2018, a systematic review and network meta-analysis comparing the efficacy and acceptability of 21 antidepressant drugs showed escitalopram to be one of the most effective antidepressants in head-to-head studies.[15]

Anxiety disorder

Escitalopram appears to be effective in treating general anxiety disorder, with relapse on escitalopram (20%) less than placebo (50%).[16]

Escitalopram appears effective in social anxiety disorder.[17]

Other

Escitalopram, as well as other SSRIs, are effective in reducing the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, whether taken in the luteal phase only or continuously.[18] There are no good data available for escitalopram as treatment for seasonal affective disorder as of 2011.[19] SSRIs do not appear to be useful for preventing tension headaches or migraines.[20][21]

Side effects

See also: List of adverse effects for escitalopram

Escitalopram, like other SSRIs, has been shown to affect sexual functions causing side effects such as decreased libido, delayed ejaculation, and anorgasmia.[22][23]

An analysis conducted by the FDA found a statistically insignificant 1.5 to 2.4-fold (depending on the statistical technique used) increase of suicidality among the adults treated with escitalopram for psychiatric indications.[24][25][26] The authors of a related study note the general problem with statistical approaches: due to the rarity of suicidal events in clinical trials, it is hard to draw firm conclusions with a sample smaller than two million patients.[27]

Escitalopram is not associated with weight gain. For example, 0.6 kg mean weight change after 6 months of treatment with escitalopram for depression was insignificant and similar to that with placebo (0.2 kg).[28] 1.4–1.8 kg mean weight gain was reported in 8-month trials of escitalopram for depression,[29] and generalized anxiety disorder.[30] A 52-week trial of escitalopram for the long-term treatment of depression in elderly also found insignificant 0.6 kg mean weight gain.[31] Escitalopram may help reduce weight in those treated for binge eating associated obesity.[32]

Citalopram and escitalopram are associated with dose-dependent QT interval prolongation[33] and should not be used in those with congenital long QT syndrome or known pre-existing QT interval prolongation, or in combination with other medicines that prolong the QT interval. ECG measurements should be considered for patients with cardiac disease, and electrolyte disturbances should be corrected before starting treatment. In December 2011, the UK implemented new restrictions on the maximum daily doses at 20 mg for adults and 10 mg for those older than 65 years or with liver impairment.[34][35] The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and Health Canada did not similarly order restrictions on escitalopram dosage, only on its predecessor citalopram.[36]

Discontinuation symptoms

Main article: SSRI discontinuation syndrome

Escitalopram discontinuation, particularly abruptly, may cause certain withdrawal symptoms such as "electric shock" sensations[37] (also known as "brain shivers" or "brain zaps"), dizziness, acute depressions and irritability, as well as heightened senses of akathisia.[38]

Sexual dysfunction

Some people experience persistent sexual side effects after they stop taking SSRIs.[39] This is known as post-SSRI sexual dysfunction (PSSD). Common symptoms include genital anesthesia, erectile dysfunction, anhedonia, decreased libido, premature ejaculation, vaginal lubrication issues, and nipple insensitivity in women. Rates are unknown, and there is no established treatment.[40]

Pregnancy

There is a tentative association of SSRI use during pregnancy with heart problems in the baby.[41] The advantages of their use during pregnancy should thus outweigh the possible negative effects on the baby.[41]

Overdose

Excessive doses of escitalopram usually cause relatively minor untoward effects, such as agitation and tachycardia. However, dyskinesia, hypertonia, and clonus may occur in some cases. Therapeutic blood levels of escitalopram are usually in the range of 20–80 μg/L but may reach 80–200 μg/L in the elderly, patients with hepatic dysfunction, those who are poor CYP2C19 metabolizers or following acute overdose. Monitoring of the drug in plasma or serum is generally accomplished using chromatographic methods. Chiral techniques are available to distinguish escitalopram from its racemate, citalopram.[42][43][44] Escitalopram seems to be less dangerous than citalopram in overdose and comparable to other SSRIs.[45]

Pharmacology

Mechanism of action

Binding profile[46]
Site Ki (nM)
SERT 0.8-1.1
NET 7,800
DAT 27,400
5-HT1A >1,000
5-HT2A >1,000
5-HT2C 2,500
α1 3,900
α2 >1,000
D2 >1,000
H1 2,000
mACh 1,240

Escitalopram increases intrasynaptic levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin by blocking the reuptake of the neurotransmitter into the presynaptic neuron. Of the SSRIs currently on the market, escitalopram has the highest selectivity for the serotonin transporter (SERT) compared to the norepinephrine transporter (NET), making the side-effect profile relatively mild in comparison to less-selective SSRIs.[47]

Escitalopram is a substrate of P-glycoprotein and hence P-glycoprotein inhibitors such as verapamil and quinidine may improve its blood brain barrier penetrability.[48] In a preclinical study in rats combining escitalopram with a P-glycoprotein inhibitor, its antidepressant-like effects were enhanced.[48]

Interactions

Escitalopram, similarly to other SSRIs (with the exception of fluvoxamine), inhibits CYP2D6 and hence may increase plasma levels of a number of CYP2D6 substrates such as aripiprazole, risperidone, tramadol, codeine, etc. Escitalopram should be taken with caution when using Saint John's wort.[49] Exposure to escitalopram is increased moderately, by about 50%, when it is taken with omeprazole. The authors of this study suggested that this increase is unlikely to be of clinical concern.[50] Caution should be used when taking cough medicine containing dextromethorphan (DXM) as serotonin syndrome, liver damage, and other negative side effects have been reported.

As escitalopram is only a weak inhibitor of CYP2D6, analgesia from tramadol may not be affected.[51]

Bupropion has been found to significantly increase citalopram plasma concentration and systemic exposure; as of April 2018 the interaction with escitalopram had not been studied, but professional monographs warned of the potential interaction.[52]

Escitalopram can also prolong the QT interval and hence it is not recommended in patients that are concurrently on other medications that also have the ability to prolong the QT interval. These drugs include antiarrhythmics, antipsychotics, tricyclic antidepressants, some antihistamines (astemizole, mizolastine) and some antiretrovirals (ritonavir, saquinavir, lopinavir).[34] Being a SSRI, escitalopram should not be given concurrently with MAOIs or other serotonergic medications.[47]

History

Cipralex brand escitalopram 10mg package and tablet sheet

Escitalopram was developed in close cooperation between Lundbeck and Forest Laboratories. Its development was initiated in the summer of 1997, and the resulting new drug application was submitted to the U.S. FDA in March 2001. The short time (3.5 years) it took to develop escitalopram can be attributed to the previous extensive experience of Lundbeck and Forest with citalopram, which has similar pharmacology.[53]

The FDA issued the approval of escitalopram for major depression in August 2002 and for generalized anxiety disorder in December 2003. On May 23, 2006, the FDA approved a generic version of escitalopram by Teva.[54] On July 14 of that year, however, the U.S. District Court of Delaware decided in favor of Lundbeck regarding the patent infringement dispute and ruled the patent on escitalopram valid.[55]

In 2006, Forest Laboratories was granted an 828-day (2 years and 3 months) extension on its US patent for escitalopram.[56] This pushed the patent expiration date from December 7, 2009 to September 14, 2011. Together with the 6-month pediatric exclusivity, the final expiration date was March 14, 2012.

Society and culture

Allegations of illegal marketing

In 2004, two separate civil suits alleging illegal marketing of citalopram and escitalopram for use by children and teenagers by Forest were initiated by two whistleblowers, one by a practicing physician named Joseph Piacentile, and the other by a Forest salesman named Christopher Gobble.[57] In February 2009, these two suits received support from the US Attorney for Massachusetts and were combined into one. Eleven states and the District of Columbia have also filed notices of intention to intervene as plaintiffs in the action. The suits allege that Forest illegally engaged in off-label promoting of Lexapro for use in children, that the company hid the results of a study showing lack of effectiveness in children, and that the company paid kickbacks to physicians to induce them to prescribe Lexapro to children. It was also alleged that the company conducted so-called "seeding studies" that were, in reality, marketing efforts to promote the drug's use by doctors.[58][59] Forest responded to these allegations that it "is committed to adhering to the highest ethical and legal standards, and off-label promotion and improper payments to medical providers have consistently been against Forest policy."[60] In 2010 Forest Pharmaceuticals Inc., agreed to pay more than $313 million to settle the charges over Lexapro and two other drugs, Levothroid and Celexa.[61]

Brand names

Escitalopram is sold under many brand names worldwide such as Cipralex and Lexapro.[1]

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Cited texts

External links

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