Unveiling potential adverse events associated with escitalopram oxalate: A real-world analysis based FDA adverse event reporting system database

Abstract

Objective: The study aimed to conduct a multidimensional evaluation of potential adverse events (AEs) of escitalopram oxalate based on the FDA adverse event reporting system (FAERS) database. Methods: This study utilized the reporting odds ratio (ROR), proportional reporting ratio (PRR), Bayesian confidence propagation neural network (BCPNN), and multi-item gamma-poisson shrinker (MGPS) to mine and analyze data from the FAERS database from the first quarter of 2004 to the second quarter of 2023. Results: There was a total of 19,854 AE reports related to escitalopram oxalate, extracting 625 preferred terms (PTs), and covering 27 system organ classes (SOCs). The results showed that the number of reports by females was significantly higher than males, accounting for 57.68%. The reporting number was higher in 2018 and 2019, accounting for 9.50% and 10.18% of the total reports, respectively. The main reporters were consumers and other health professionals, accounting for 26.99% and 26.75% respectively. The majority of the reports were primarily from the United States. Newly emerging AE signals such as intentional overdose ( n = 691, ROR 8.51, PRR 8.45, IC 3.05, Empirical Bayesian Geometric Mean (EBGM) 8.35), suicide attempt ( n = 665, ROR 8.58, PRR 8.52, IC 3.06, EBGM 8.42), serum serotonin ( n = 5, ROR 1044.78, PRR 1044.71, IC 2.56, EBGM 392.39), anti-actin antibody positive ( n = 5, ROR 626.87, PRR 626.83, IC 2.56, EBGM 313.91), among others, were not mentioned in the drug’s label. Conclusion: While escitalopram oxalate has clear benefits in the treatment of depression and other mental health disorders, the presence of AEs also suggests risks associated with its use. Particularly concerning are risks of suicide and changes in serum serotonin levels.