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Escitalopram

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Escitalopram
Clinical data
Pregnancy
category
  • C
Routes of
administration		Oral
ATC code
Legal status
Legal status
  • US: WARNING[1]
  • 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
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)
  • N#Cc1ccc2c(COC2(CCCN(C)C)c2ccc(F)cc2)c1
Lexapro tablets
Cipralex brand escitalopram package and tablet sheet

Escitalopram (trade names Lexapro, Cipralex) is the pure (S) enantiomer of racemic citalopram and is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). Escitalopram is used in the treatment of depression and anxiety.

According to a meta-analysis of 12 new-generation antidepressants, escitalopram and sertraline are the best in terms of efficacy and acceptability in the acute-phase treatment of adults with major depression. Reboxetine was significantly worse.[2][3]

History

Escitalopram was developed in a 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. Food and Drug Administration (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.[4] The FDA issued the approval of escitalopram for major depression in August 2002 and for generalized anxiety disorder in December 2003. Escitalopram can be considered an example of "evergreening"[5] - the strategy pharmaceutical companies use in order to extend the lifetime of a drug, in this case of the citalopram franchise. Escitalopram is an enantiopure compound of the racemic mixture citalopram, used for the same indication, and for that reason it required less investment and less time to develop. Two years after escitalopram's launch, when the patent on citalopram expired, the escitalopram sales successfully made up for the loss. On May 23, 2006, the FDA approved a generic version of escitalopram by Teva.[6] 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.[7]

Despite the drugs' similarity, preclinical as well as various clinical studies (including double-blinded studies) have shown differentiated effects of citalopram and escitalopram,[8] as well as a clinical superiority compared with a variety of other SSRIs, such as paroxetine,[9] especially in severely depressed patients, and sertraline. Compared with newer serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors such as venlafaxine[10] and duloxetine[11] escitalopram was shown to be at least as effective.

In 2006 Forest Laboratories was granted an 828 day (2 years and 3 months) extension on its patent for escitalopram.[12] This pushed the patent expiry from December 7, 2009 to March 14, 2012.

Pharmacology

Escitalopram (Lexapro by Forest Laboratories in the United States and elsewhere by Lundbeck as Cipralex, Sipralexa, Seroplex and also as Lexapro)[13] is an antidepressant of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) class. It is approved for the treatment of major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder; other indications include social anxiety disorder, panic disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Escitalopram is the S-stereoisomer (enantiomer) of the earlier Lundbeck drug citalopram (Celexa), hence the name escitalopram. Escitalopram is noted for its high selectivity of serotonin reuptake inhibition and as a result has fewer side effects not related to its serotonergic activity.[14] Escitalopram acts by increasing intrasynaptic levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin by blocking the reuptake of the neurotransmitter into the neuron. Of the SSRIs currently on the market escitalopram has the highest affinity for the human serotonin transporter (SERT). Another enantiomer of citalopram (R-citalopram) counteracts to a certain degree the serotonin-enhancing action of escitalopram. As a result, escitalopram is a more potent antidepressant than citalopram, which is a mixture of escitalopram and R-citalopram. In order to explain this phenomenon, researchers from Lundbeck proposed that escitalopram enhances its own binding via an additional interaction with another allosteric site on the transporter.[15] Further research by the same group showed that R-citalopram also enhances binding of escitalopram,[16] and therefore the allosteric interaction cannot explain the observed counteracting effect. In the most recent paper, however, the same authors again reversed their findings and reported that R-citalopram decreases binding of escitalopram to the transporter.[17] Although allosteric binding of escitalopram to the serotonin transporter is of unquestionable research interest, its clinical relevance is unclear since the binding of escitalopram to the allosteric site is at least 1000 times weaker than to the primary binding site.

In vitro studies using human liver microsomes indicated that CYP3A4 and CYP2C19 are the primary isozymes involved in the N-demethylation of escitalopram.

Side effects and drug interactions

Main article: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor

The side effect profile of escitalopram is close to that of other SSRIs, with nausea, somnolence and gastrointestinal side effects reported as relatively common. Escitalopram, like other SSRIs,[18] has been shown to cause sexual side effects such as decreased libido, ejaculatory delay, and anorgasmia.[19] Unlike other SSRIs, escitalopram is not associated with significant 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).[20] 1.4-1.8 kg mean weight gain was reported in 8-month trials of escitalopram for depression,[21] and generalized anxiety disorder.[22] A 52-week trial of escitalopram for the long-term treatment of depression in elderly also found insignificant 0.6 kg mean weight gain.[23] Escitalopram may help reduce weight in those treated for binge eating associated obesity.[24] It may also cause dizziness in children after exercise.[citation needed]

A meta-analysis of clinical trials database conducted by the escitalopram manufacturer Lundbeck found no indication that escitalopram would provoke suicidal behaviour compared with placebo in patients with major depressive disorder and anxiety disorders. On the contrary, suicidal thoughts in the escitalopram group were significantly decreased.[25] 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.[26][27][28] Similarly, the UK MHRA data indicate an 80% increase of suicide-related events, not reaching statistical significance, in the escitalopram vs placebo patients.[29] 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.[30] A single case report described a patient developing suicidal ideation after beginning treatment with escitalopram, and suicidal ideation disappearing after stopping the treatment.[31]

Escitalopram should be taken with caution when using St John's wort.[32]

Discontinuation symptoms

Main article: SSRI discontinuation syndrome

Escitalopram discontinuation, particularly abruptly, may cause certain withdrawal symptoms such as "electric shock" sensations (also known as "brain shivers" or "brain zaps"), dizziness and irritability. It should be noted that because, in the absence of escitalopram, the tolerant body goes through physical withdrawal symptoms, it is logical and sound to say that escitalopram is physically addictive. Any user, upon cessation of usage after a variable period of time, will suffer physical symptoms in the sudden absence of escitalopram from their bodies. [33]

Footnotes

  1. ^ "FDA-sourced list of all drugs with black box warnings (Use Download Full Results and View Query links.)". nctr-crs.fda.gov. FDA. Retrieved 22 Oct 2023.
  2. ^ Comparative efficacy and acceptability of 12 new-generation antidepressants: a multiple-treatments meta-analysis, Andrea Cipriani, Toshiaki A Furukawa, Georgia Salanti, John R Geddes, et al. The Lancet , Published Online, January 29, 2009, DOI:10.1016/S0140-6736(09)60046-5
  3. ^ Zoloft, Lexapro the Best of Newer Antidepressants, HealthDay News, Washington Post, January 29, 2009
  4. ^ "2000 Annual Report. p 28 and 33" (PDF). Lundbeck. 2000. Retrieved 2007-04-07.
  5. ^ "New drugs from old. Presented at the Medical Journal Club, Morriston Hospital by Scott Pegler, Pharmacist at the National Health Service (UK) on November 20, 2006" (PPT). Retrieved 2007-04-07.
  6. ^ Miranda Hitti. "FDA OKs Generic Depression Drug -- Generic Version of Lexapro Gets Green Light". WebMD. Retrieved 2007-10-10.
  7. ^ Marie-Eve Laforte (2006-07-14). "US court upholds Lexapro patent". FirstWord. Retrieved 2007-10-10.
  8. ^ Moore N, Verdoux H, Fantino B (2005). "Prospective, multicentre, randomized, double-blind study of the efficacy of escitalopram versus citalopram in outpatient treatment of major depressive disorder". International Clinical Psychopharmacology. 20 (3): 131–137. doi:10.1097/00004850-200505000-00002. PMID 15812262.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  9. ^ Boulenger JP, Huusom AK, Florea I, Baekdal T, Sarchiapone M (2006). "A comparative study of the efficacy of long-term treatment with escitalopram and paroxetine in severely depressed patients". Current Medical Research and Opinion. 22 (7): 1331–41. doi:10.1185/030079906X115513. PMID 16834832.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  10. ^ Bielski RJ, Ventura D, Chang CC (2004). "A double-blind comparison of escitalopram and venlafaxine extended release in the treatment of major depressive disorder". The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry. 65 (9): 1190–1196. PMID 15367045.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  11. ^ Nierenberg AA, Greist JH, Mallinckrodt CH; et al. (2007). "Duloxetine versus escitalopram and placebo in the treatment of patients with major depressive disorder: onset of antidepressant action, a non-inferiority study". Current Medical Research and Opinion. 23 (2): 401–416. doi:10.1185/030079906X167453. PMID 17288694. {{cite journal}}: Explicit use of et al. in: |author= (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  12. ^ "Forest Laboratories Receives Patent Term Extension for Lexapro" (Press release). PRNewswire-FirstCall. 2006-03-02. Retrieved 2009-01-19.
  13. ^ "Cipralex". Lundbeck. Retrieved 2008-01-03.
  14. ^ Burke WJ, Kratochvil CJ (2002). "Stereoisomers in Psychiatry: The Case of Escitalopram" (PDF). Prim Care Companion J Clin Psychiatry. 4 (1): 20–24. PMID 15014731.
  15. ^ For an overview of supporting data, see Sánchez C, Bøgesø KP, Ebert B, Reines EH, Braestrup C (2004). "Escitalopram versus citalopram: the surprising role of the R-enantiomer". Psychopharmacology (Berl.). 174 (2): 163–76. doi:10.1007/s00213-004-1865-z. PMID 15160261.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  16. ^ Chen F, Larsen MB, Sánchez C, Wiborg O (2005). "The S-enantiomer of R,S-citalopram, increases inhibitor binding to the human serotonin transporter by an allosteric mechanism. Comparison with other serotonin transporter inhibitors". European Neuropsychopharmacology. 15 (2): 193–198. doi:10.1016/j.euroneuro.2004.08.008. PMID 15695064.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  17. ^ Mansari ME, Wiborg O, Mnie-Filali O, Benturquia N, Sánchez C, Haddjeri N (2007). "Allosteric modulation of the effect of escitalopram, paroxetine and fluoxetine: in-vitro and in-vivo studies". The International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology. 10 (1): 31–40. doi:10.1017/S1461145705006462. PMID 16448580.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  18. ^ Clayton A, Keller A, McGarvey EL (2006). "Burden of phase-specific sexual dysfunction with SSRIs". Journal of Affective Disorders. 91 (1): 27–32. doi:10.1016/j.jad.2005.12.007. PMID 16430968.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  19. ^ Lexapro prescribing information
  20. ^ Baldwin DS, Reines EH, Guiton C, Weiller E (2007). "Escitalopram therapy for major depression and anxiety disorders". Ann Pharmacother. 41 (10): 1583–92. doi:10.1345/aph.1K089. PMID 17848424.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  21. ^ Pigott TA, Prakash A, Arnold LM, Aaronson ST, Mallinckrodt CH, Wohlreich MM (2007). "Duloxetine versus escitalopram and placebo: an 8-month, double-blind trial in patients with major depressive disorder". Curr Med Res Opin. 23: 1303. doi:10.1185/030079907X188107. PMID 17559729.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  22. ^ Davidson JR, Bose A, Wang Q (2005). "Safety and efficacy of escitalopram in the long-term treatment of generalized anxiety disorder". J Clin Psychiatry. 66 (11): 1441–6. PMID 16420082.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  23. ^ Kasper S, Lemming OM, de Swart H (2006). "Escitalopram in the long-term treatment of major depressive disorder in elderly patients". Neuropsychobiology. 54 (3): 152–9. doi:10.1159/000098650. PMID 17230032.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  24. ^ Guerdjikova, Anna I. (2008). "High-dose escitalopram in the treatment of binge-eating disorder with obesity: a placebo-controlled monotherapy trial". Human Psychopharmacology: Clinical and Experimental. 23 (1): 1–11. doi:10.1002/hup.899. PMID 18058852. {{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  25. ^ Pedersen AG (2005). "Escitalopram and suicidality in adult depression and anxiety". International Clinical Psychopharmacology. 20 (3): 139–143. doi:10.1097/00004850-200505000-00003. PMID 15812263.
  26. ^ Levenson M, Holland C. "Antidepressants and Suicidality in Adults: Statistical Evaluation. (Presentation at Psychopharmacologic Drugs Advisory Committee; December 13, 2006)". Retrieved 2007-05-13.
  27. ^ Stone MB, Jones ML (2006-11-17). "CLINICAL REVIEW: RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ANTIDEPRESSANT DRUGS AND SUICIDALITY IN ADULTS" (PDF). Overview for December 13 Meeting of Psychopharmacologic Drugs Advisory Committee (PDAC). FDA. pp. 11–74. Retrieved 2007-09-22. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  28. ^ Levenson M, Holland C (2006-11-17). "Statistical Evaluation of Suicidality in Adults Treated with Antidepressants" (PDF). Overview for December 13 Meeting of Psychopharmacologic Drugs Advisory Committee (PDAC). FDA. pp. 75–140. Retrieved 2007-09-22. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  29. ^ Gunnell D, Saperia J, Ashby D (2005). "Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and suicide in adults: meta-analysis of drug company data from placebo controlled, randomised controlled trials submitted to the MHRA's safety review". BMJ. 330 (7488): 385. doi:10.1136/bmj.330.7488.385. PMID 15718537. {{cite journal}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  30. ^ Khan A, Schwartz K (2007). "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". Ann Clin Psychiatry. 19 (1): 31–6. doi:10.1080/10401230601163550. PMID 17453659.
  31. ^ Budur, Kumar (2004). "Severe suicidal ideation with escitalopram (Lexapro): a case report". Primary Care Psychiatry. 9 (2): 67–68. doi:10.1185/135525704125004222. {{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help); Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  32. ^ Karch, Amy (2006). 2006 Lippincott's Nursing Drug Guide. Philadephia, Baltimore, New York, London, Buenos Aires, Hong Kong, Sydney, Tokyo: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. ISBN 1-58255-436-6.
  33. ^ "Lexapro -- Warnings". RxList. 12/08/2004. Retrieved 2006-10-22. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
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