From the Guidelines
Lexapro (escitalopram) is an effective treatment for depression, and it is recommended to be used as a first-line treatment for major depressive disorder due to its favorable adverse effect profile and cost. According to the American College of Physicians clinical practice guideline 1, second-generation antidepressants, including escitalopram, are recommended as a first-line treatment for acute major depression. The guideline suggests that the choice of antidepressant should be based on adverse effect profiles, cost, and patient preferences.
Key Points to Consider
- Lexapro belongs to the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) class of antidepressants, which is commonly prescribed for depression 1.
- The typical starting dose for depression is 10mg once daily, which can be increased to 20mg daily if needed after at least one week.
- Lexapro works by increasing serotonin levels in the brain, which helps regulate mood, emotion, and sleep.
- Most patients need to take Lexapro for 4-6 weeks before experiencing its full antidepressant effects, though some improvement may be noticed within 1-2 weeks 1.
- Common side effects include nausea, headache, insomnia, and sexual dysfunction.
- It's essential to take Lexapo regularly as prescribed and not to stop suddenly without medical supervision, as this can cause withdrawal symptoms.
Treatment Duration and Monitoring
- Treatment for a first episode of major depression should last at least four months, and patients with recurrent depression may benefit from prolonged treatment 1.
- Clinicians should assess patient status, therapeutic response, and adverse effects of antidepressant therapy on a regular basis, beginning within 1 to 2 weeks of initiation of therapy 1.
- If the patient does not have an adequate response to pharmacotherapy within 6 to 8 weeks of the initiation of therapy for major depressive disorder, clinicians should modify treatment 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
Escitalopram tablets are prescription medicines used to treat depression Escitalopram tablets are also used to treat: • Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) • Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) 1.1 Major Depressive Disorder Escitalopram is indicated for the acute and maintenance treatment of major depressive disorder in adults and in adolescents 12 to 17 years of age
Yes, Lexapro (escitalopram) is also used to help with depression, specifically Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) in adults and adolescents 12 to 17 years of age 2, 2, 2.
From the Research
Efficacy of Lexapro in Treating Depression
- Lexapro, also known as escitalopram, is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that has been shown to be effective in treating major depressive disorder (MDD) 3, 4, 5, 6.
- Studies have demonstrated that escitalopram is superior to placebo in improving symptoms of depression, as measured by the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) and the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) 3, 4, 5, 6.
- Escitalopram has also been shown to be at least as effective as other SSRIs, such as citalopram, paroxetine, and sertraline, in treating MDD 3, 5, 6.
- In addition to its efficacy in short-term treatment, escitalopram has also been shown to be effective in long-term treatment, with a preventive effect on MDD relapse and recurrence 3, 5.
Tolerability and Safety of Lexapro
- Escitalopram has been shown to have a predictable tolerability profile, with generally mild to moderate and transient adverse events 3, 5.
- The most common adverse events associated with escitalopram include sexual dysfunction, nausea, and headache 3, 5.
- Escitalopram has a low propensity for drug interactions, making it a safe treatment option for patients with MDD 5.
Comparison to Other Treatments
- Escitalopram has been compared to other treatments for MDD, including venlafaxine-XR, and has been shown to have similar efficacy and tolerability profiles 6.
- While escitalopram has been shown to be effective in treating MDD, it is not the only treatment option available, and other medications, such as atypical antipsychotics, may also be effective in certain cases 7.