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  • Title: A randomized, double-blind, 6-week prospective pilot study on the efficacy and safety of dose escalation in non-remitters in comparison to those of the standard dose of escitalopram for major depressive disorder.
    Author: Kim EY, Kim SH, Lee HJ, Lee NY, Kim HY, Park CHK, Ahn YM.
    Journal: J Affect Disord; 2019 Dec 01; 259():91-97. PubMed ID: 31445345.
    Abstract:
    BACKGROUND: Escalating doses of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are often used to treat patients with a suboptimal response to the standard dose. This study assessed the efficacy and safety of dose escalation of escitalopram, up to 30 mg, in non-remitters with major depressive disorder (MDD) after treatment with the standard dose. METHOD: We recruited 98 patients with MDD (aged 18-65 years). After 4 weeks of open-label treatment with 10-20 mg of escitalopram per day, non-remitters [Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) score > 10] were randomized 1:1 for double-blind treatment with either escitalopram (30 mg per day) or escitalopram (20 mg per day) plus placebo for 6 weeks. The primary efficacy outcome was a change in the total MADRS score. RESULTS: After 4 weeks of open-label treatment, 12 patients achieved remission, and 36 dropped out, leaving 50 non-remitters, of whom 44 (88%) completed the double-blind study. The primary outcome measure, the least-squares mean (standard error) change in the total MADRS score at week 6 was significantly different (p = 0.046) between the groups [-8.0 (1.2) in the placebo dose-escalation and -11.8 (1.2) in the escitalopram dose-escalation]. The dose escalation of escitalopram was well tolerated. However, the response and remission rates and quality of life showed no significant differences. LIMITATIONS: Small sample size and short follow-up period CONCLUSION: This study suggests that dose escalation of escitalopram up to 30 mg per day may be beneficial for the treatment of depressive symptoms in non-remitters after standard (10-20 mg/day) treatment.
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