---
title: "Large-scale Analysis Finds Escitalopram Most Effective in Preventing Relapse"
url: https://noti.group/large-scale-analysis-finds-escitalopram-most-effective-in-preventing/
language: en
publisher: "Noti Group"
section: "Health"
published: 2026-11-11T00:17:42.000Z
updated: 2026-11-11T05:25:20.448Z
id: bc62cff2-1fbf-4b47-aa41-ac6d344f0925
source: "BBC News Health https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cv62yyng00jyo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss"
attribution: "Link to https://noti.group/large-scale-analysis-finds-escitalopram-most-effective-in-preventing/ and name Noti Group when you quote or summarize this story."
---

# Large-scale Analysis Finds Escitalopram Most Effective in Preventing Relapse

A large-scale analysis involving nearly 10,000 people prescribed different medications for up to a year found that escitalopram performed best at keeping patients free of symptoms of depression.

A large-scale analysis has revealed which antidepressant is most effective in preventing relapse in patients.

The study, involving nearly 10,000 people prescribed different medications for up to a year, found that escitalopram performed best at keeping patients free of symptoms of depression. This means that out of the many commonly used antidepressants, escitalopram was the one that had the lowest rate of relapse among those taking it.

Two other pills - agomelatine and duloxetine - came close to matching escitalopram's effectiveness in preventing relapse. However, prozac (also known as fluoxetine) ranked just below them, suggesting that while all these medications can be effective, some may have a slight edge over others.

Experts emphasize that the findings do not mean that everyone with severe depression should switch to escitalopram immediately. Instead, patients and their doctors need to weigh up the pros and cons of each medication, considering factors such as individual tolerance, side effects, and personal preferences.

Depression is a common condition affecting around one in six people in the UK, but with the right treatment and support, many can make a good recovery. However, for some, depression can return, which is why doctors recommend staying on antidepressants for at least six months after symptoms have ended and then tapering off gradually to prevent relapse.

Medical guidelines often recommend SSRI antidepressants, such as escitalopram, sertraline, and fluoxetine or Prozac, as a first line of treatment.

These medications work by increasing serotonin levels in the brain, which is linked to mood regulation.

A new analysis found that compared to Prozac (fluoxetine), people taking escitalopram were more likely to experience improved symptoms and maintain their progress, and less likely to stop taking their medication altogether.

Other antidepressants like agomelatine and duloxetine also performed well in the study, while sertraline did not demonstrate a significant advantage over Prozac.

The choice of medication can vary depending on individual factors, according to one researcher.

The use of escitalopram as an antidepressant has been found to be more effective in preventing relapse than other medications.

However, like all medicines, escitalopram can cause side effects such as sleep problems, constipation, and weight gain, which not everyone experiences.

If escitalopram or a similar SSRI is deemed ineffective or unsuitable for an individual, doctors may recommend alternative types of antidepressants, including SNRIs.

Other older tricyclic antidepressants, like amitriptyline, are now less commonly prescribed due to their potential side effects and interactions with other medications.

---
Source: [BBC News Health](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cv62yyng00jyo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss)  
Published by Noti Group: https://noti.group/large-scale-analysis-finds-escitalopram-most-effective-in-preventing/