Escitalopram Usage Pattern in India: A Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Survey among Indian Psychiatrists

Abstract

Introduction: Escitalopram is a popular and commonly prescribed anti-depressant in routine clinical practice in India. The objective of this survey was to explore knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of escitalopram usage pattern in routine clinical practice amongst Indian psychiatrists. Methodology: Total 280 psychiatrists across India were surveyed and KAP were evaluated. Twelve questions which explored indications, dosages, duration, efficacy, tolerability and comparison were asked and results were expressed as percentages. Results: Major depressive disorder and anxiety disorder were found to be the common indications along with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Escitalopram was reported to be used mostly at 10 mg dosage for 6-12 months. Escitalopram was found to be preferred in the elderly and in patients with cardiac diseases. Weight gain, gastrointestinal intolerance and sexual disturbances were commonly reported with the latter often leading to discontinuation. However, the tolerability compared to other Selective Serotonin Receptor Inhibitors (SSRIs) was reported to be good to excellent. Some of the adverse effects reported were weight gain, sexual disturbances and gastrointestinal intolerance. Conclusion: The present KAP survey highlights that escitalopram’s effectiveness and tolerability are valued by many Indian psychiatrists to be good to excellent and account for its robust clinical utility.