Escitalopram approved by the FDA for the treatment of Depression

Depression is a mood disorder that involves a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest which interferes with daily functioning.

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a class of drugs that are typically used as antidepressants in the treatment of major depressive disorder. SSRIs are the most commonly prescribed antidepressants as first-line agents for initial treatment of major depression in adults.



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Numerous trials have demonstrated the efficacy of SSRIs in the treatment of depression. In addition, SSRIs have been proved effective in treating anxiety disorders, including obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, and social phobia.

Escitalopram is the newest and most selective of the SSRIs approved by the FDA for the treatment of depression. 

Major Depressive Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

·        The recommended dosage of escitalopram is 10 mg once daily. May increase to 20 mg/day after 1 week

·        No dosage adjustments are needed in patients with hepatic impairment or mild to moderate renal impairment.

·        The potential for drug interactions is low.

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2010/0515/p1205.html

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2003/0201/p547.html

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2011/0515/p1219.html

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC315490/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3183928/

Practice Guideline for the Treatment of Patients with Major Depressive Disorder. Third Edition. American Psychiatric Association. November 2010.

https://psychiatryonline.org/pb/assets/raw/sitewide/practice_guidelines/guidelines/mdd.pdf.

https://www.psychiatry.org/psychiatrists/practice/clinical-practice-guidelines

https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/conditions-and-diseases/mental-health-and-behavioural-conditions/depression

Note: For informational purposes only. Consult your textbook for advising your patients.

This is for informational purposes only. You should consult your clinical textbook for advising your patients.