At the end of the study, Lexapro patients demonstrated greater improvement than Cymbalta patients as measured by a standard depression rating system known as MADRS (Montgomery and Aasberg Depression Rating Scale). The proportion of patients responding to Lexapro treatment, as determined by a 50% improvement in MADRS total score, was also greater. In the Lexapro group the response was 68% compared to 52% in the Cymbalta group. More patients in the Lexapro group completed the treatment than patients in the Cymbalta group.
Lexapro was approved by the FDA in August 2002 for both the initial and maintenance treatment of major depressive disorder in adults, and in December 2003 for the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder in adults.
Lexapro is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that has been prescribed for more than 14 million adult patients in the US. Forest Laboratories licenses Lexapro from Lundbeck, the Danish pharmaceutical firm.