Lexapro Significantly Reduces Anxiety In Generalized Anxiety Disorder Patients

Awaiting GAD Approval

(Dec. 11, 2002) Results from three studies involving Lexapro (escitalopram oxalate) showed that the drug reduces anxiety symptoms versus placebo, according to Lexapro manufacturer Forest Laboratories, Inc.

In a press release Wednesday, the company said 800 patients participated in the eight-week studies and were given 10 milligrams a day for the first four weeks and then were flexibly dosed from 10 to 20 mg a day.

The primary efficacy variable was the Hamilton Rating Scale for Anxiety, or HAMA, total score. The HAMA psychic anxiety subscale, the Clinical Global Impressions, or CGI-I, and the CGI-Severity were secondary efficacy variables.

Lexapro was well-tolerated by patients in the study with low rates of adverse events including headache, ejaculation disorder, nausea, diarrhea and insomnia.

One of the studies included the pooled analysis involved 315 patients, aged 18 years and older, with generalized anxiety disorder. Patients were randomly assigned to double-blind treatment with Lexapro or placebo for eight weeks. Patients treated with Lexapro showed a significantly greater improvement at endpoint compared with placebo in all efficacy parameters.

Additionally, treatment with Lexapro was well-tolerated, with low rates of reported adverse events, and discontinuation from adverse events wasn't statistically different from placebo.

"Currently, more than four million Americans suffer from generalized anxiety disorder," said Jonathan Davidson, M.D., Professor of Psychiatry, Director of the Anxiety and Traumatic Stress Program at Duke University. "For this reason, physicians are actively seeking new medications for the treatment of anxiety."

Forest Awaiting GAD Indication For Lexapro

In November, the company filed a supplemental new drug application with the FDA to allow Lexapro to be used for generalized anxiety disorder treatment.

Forest Laboratories estimates that anxiety disorders represent a market worth more than $42 billion a year.

Other Lexapro Stories:

• Antidepressant Lexapro Well-Tolerated By Seniors

• Lexapro Pharmacology: Usage, Dosage, Side-Effects

• Lexapro Oral Solution Formulation Provides New Option for Depressed Patients

• Lexapro, The Single-Isomer of Celexa, Receives FDA Approval for the Treatment of Major Depression

• FDA Approves Lexapro as Newest Antidepressant

For comprehensive information on depression, visit the HealthyPlace.com Depression Center. On HealthyPlace.com Radio, we've done several shows on depression. Listen to them in our 2002 and 2001 archives.