COMPARATIVE STUDY OF EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF ESCITALOPRAM WITH ESCITALOPRAM AND CLONAZEPAM IN PATIENTS SUFFERING FROM GENERALIZED ANXIETY DISORDER–A PROSPECTIVE RANDOMIZED CONTROL STUDY

Abstract

Objective: Anxiety Disorders (AD) are one of the common psychiatric illnesses that adversely affect an individual’s quality of life, functioning and productivity. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a mental and behavioural disorder characterized by excessive, uncontrollable and often irrational worry about events or activities. This study was conducted to assess the efficacy and safety of Escitalopram and Clonazepam combination in comparison with Escitalopram alone.

Methods: Institutional ethical committee approval and informed consent obtained prior to the study. Total of 159 participants were included, among which 78 in group A and 81 in group B. Group A received Escitalopram and group B received Escitalopram and Clonazepam combination. Participants were followed up at 2^nd, 4^th, 6^th and 8^th w and reduction in anxiety was assessed using generalized anxiety disorder-7 (GAD-7) questionnaire.

Results: The mean±standard deviation (SD) values of GAD-7 scale at baseline and at the end of 8^th week in Group A were 15.68±2.85 and 7.01±1.42 respectively and in group B were 16.63±2.86 and 3.54±0.88 respectively; with a p-value of<0.0001. The decrease in GAD-7 scores is significant in both groups, but more reduction is observed in group B. Mild adverse drug reactions were noted in both the groups. There was no significant difference in socio-demographics data between the groups like age, gender, education and marital status.

Conclusion: Results of our study show that Escitalopram and Clonazepam combination is more beneficial for Generalized Anxiety disorder patients. Combining a benzodiazepine to a SSRI improves efficacy and tolerability; thus increasing compliance among patients.