EU Approves Cipralex for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Cipralex (escitalopram, manufactured by Lundbeck; in the US the drug is called Lexapro) has been approved in Europe for treating obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). OCD is a chronic disorder characterized by recurrent thoughts and impulses (obsession) and/or repetitive behavior (compulsion). A 24-week study of Cipralex in OCD showed that the 10 mg/day and 20 mg/day dosage of Cipralex were effective in terating OCD. A placebo comparison showed that the 20 mg/day dose of Cipralex showed reduction of symptoms and increase in remission rates. A comparison with paroxetine (brand name Paxil in US and Seroxat in EU) showed that Cipralex had fewer withdrawal symptoms. Given that Cipralex is a member drug of the SSRI class, patients should be aware of the safety profiles and risk relating to this class of drug. Side effects may include nausea, insomnia, problems with ejaculation, somnolence, increased sweating, fatigue, decreased libido, and anorgasmia. Source for side effect information: Cipralex and Lexapro websites.

January 19, 2007 | Filed Under Drug Companies, Side Effects, Treatment 

Comments

2 Responses to “EU Approves Cipralex for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder”

  1. Ryanne Hall on June 3rd, 2007 9:57 pm

    A word of encouragement to those labeled “O.C.D.” …

    My sister has long been a poster child for OCD. However, it has recently been discovered that she actually does NOT have Obsessive Compulsive Disorder! She has C.D.O..

    What is that, you ask? Well, it is basically the same thing…but in ALPHABETICAL order! :D

  2. Jane Chin, Ph.D. on June 12th, 2007 4:24 pm

    That’s funny, Ryanne :-D

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