A randomized, open-label study evaluated and compared the efficacy and safety of Escitalopram and desvenlafaxine in postmenopausal women with depression and anxiety.

The change in baseline scores of the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) and Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A) and safety were assessed and compared. In the study, Group 1 (n = 20) patients received tablet escitalopram 10 mg/day orally, which was increased to 20 mg/day when needed at the first follow-up. In comparison, Group 2 (n = 20) patients received tablet desvenlafaxine 50 mg/day orally, which was increased to 100 mg/day when needed at the first follow-up. Patients went follow-up at 3 and 6 weeks.

Forty patients concluded the study. Escitalopram showed statistically better performance than desvenlafaxine in reducing depression after six weeks of treatment. Both the drugs showed similar efficacy in treating anxiety and comparable safety and tolerability.

Thus, Escitalopram can be regarded as more effective on a short-term basis in treating depression, while both the drugs appear equally effective in combating anxiety. Furthermore, they are equally safe and well tolerated in postmenopausal women with depression and anxiety.

Source: J Midlife Health. 2019 Jul-Sep;10(3):141-146. DOI: 10.4103/jmh.JMH_139_18. PMID: 31579188; PMCID: PMC6767953.