Metabolic parameters in patients with major depression treated with escitalopram

Objective: The aim of this study is to determine the change in metabolic parameters of patients with major depression treated with escitalopram. Methods: The height, body weight, waist circumference, blood pressure, lipid profile (total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein [LDL], high density lipoprotein [HDL], triglycerides [TG]), fasting blood glucose (FBG), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and Hamilton Depression Scale (HamD) of 41 consecutively selected patients with major depression were measured before treatment and in the third month of treatment, for whom a decision to start treatment with escitalopram was decided. The relationship between treatment and changes in these metabolic parameters were evaluated at the end of this period. Results: The mean age of patients was 30.24 +/- 9.96 (18-62) years. Eleven (27%) patients were male and 30 (73%) were female. Twelve (29.3%) patients were treated with 10 mg/day escitalopram, and 29 patients (70.7%) 20 mg/day. Significant increases were detected in body weight, body mass index, waist circumference and systolic blood pressures of all patients from initiation of treatment to three months. A significant increase was found in the waist circumference of male patients (n= 11) after three months of treatment. Body weight, body mass index, waist circumference, triglycerides, systolic blood pressure were found to be significantly increased after three months of treatment in female patients (n= 30) who were treated with escitalopram. HamD scores were found to be significantly decreased after three months in patients treated with escitalopram. Conclusion: Escitalopram caused an increase in especially body weight and waist circumference in patients with major depression.