Escitalopram co-prescription in anastrozole-treated breast cancer patients

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the impact of escitalopram co-prescription on plasma anastrozole levels in post-menopausal breast cancer patients. METHODS: A total of 24 post-menopausal operated breast cancer patients co-prescribed with escitalopram and anastrozole were included. Blood samples were collected, before and 1-month after the onset of escitalopram to analyze plasma anastrozole and estradiol levels. RESULTS: No significant difference was noted in basal plasma anastrozole levels with respect to age, body mass index (BMI), tumor stage, previous antineoplastic treatments, concomitant medications, and serum estradiol levels. Overall, 17 patients completed the 1-month escitalopram treatment, while 7 patients discontinued escitalopram within the 1st week of the treatment. Basal anastrozole levels of 24 patients were 26.1[+ or -]2.4 ng/mL. Among 17 patients who continued 1-month escitalopram treatment was associated with significant increase in plasma anastrozole levels (24.5[+ or -]2.3 ng/mL to 32.2[+ or -]3.2 ng/mL, p29 kg/[m.sup.2]) patients (23.1[+ or -]2.8 to 35.9[+ or -]4.7 ng/mL, p