Case Reports Of Escitalopram Induced Switch-Dose Independent

Abstract

Objective

A couple of studies have recorded that treatment with SSRIs for various psychiatric illnesses can get a switch in the mood like emergent manic or hypomanic symptoms. Escitalopram, being one of the mainline prescriptions among the serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) for its tolerability and less side effect delivering nature additionally have been accounted for to have mood switching nature. This impact remains unknown whether it is dose related.

Method

In the current report, we displayed about five such instances of treatment-induced hypomania or mania with escitalopram as a commonly prescribed drug for MDD and Anxiety spectrum disorders. There was no significant family history of bipolarity or high-risk factor for bipolarity in the patient itself.

Results

In each of the five cases, manic/hypomanic symptoms arose in less than 6 weeks just after the initiation of escitalopram in varying doses from 5mg to 20 mg/day. In addition, hypomanic episodes dialed back on reducing escitalopram. Activating symptoms were not seen after the discontinuance of escitalopram treatment.

Conclusion

Our case series shows that escitalopram may provoke treatment-induced mania/hypomania in a dose-independent manner. indeed, Treatment at lower dosages needs to be cautious and psychoeducation about the activating effects could pick all the more such events in clinical settings. Accordingly helps in the discontinuance of medication and/or substitute measurements perceived.