From the Research
Optimal Doses of DHA and EPA for Tapering Off Escitalopram
- The optimal doses of Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) for tapering off Escitalopram are not directly stated in the provided studies, as they focus on the effects of omega-3 fatty acids on depression and anxiety rather than their use in tapering off specific medications like Escitalopram 1, 2, 3, 4.
- However, the studies suggest that EPA may be more effective than DHA in reducing symptoms of depression, with a dose range of 200-2200 mg/d of EPA in excess of DHA showing benefit 1.
- A systematic review and meta-analysis found that EPA-enriched interventions at proportions ≥ 60% of total EPA + DHA and EPA doses between ≥ 1 g/day and < 2 g/day were associated with significant reduction in depression severity 4.
- Another study recommended a daily DHA dose of 400-700 mg/d in children and 700-1000 mg/d in adults to increase erythrocyte DHA composition to a level found in healthy subjects from Japan, where the lifetime prevalence rates of major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder are lower than in the US 3.
- The same study suggested that a higher daily DHA dose in the order of 1000-1500 mg/d in a 2:1 EPA:DHA ratio may be optimal for the treatment of established affective disorders 3.
- A scoping review found that the lowest doses shown to be effective in raising the omega-3 index to recommended levels were >1,000 mg/d of combination DHA plus EPA for 12 weeks or longer, with supplements composed of triglycerides being more bioavailable and effective than other formulas 2.