Escitalopram in Asthma Patients With Frequent Exacerbation
Recruiting · Dallas, Texas
Always free
Study care at no cost to you
For your time and travel
Many studies pay you back
Most need no insurance or papers
Legal status usually isn't required; we'll tell you each study's requirements
Interpreters available
Ask for your language
Your choice
Voluntary — you can stop anytime
What is this study?
Antidepressants, particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as escitalopram are widely used for mood and anxiety disorders. However, they have also been explored, with promising findings, for a variety of disorders outside of psychiatry.
It is , overseen by an independent and licensed medical staff.
Read the full clinical description
Antidepressants, particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as escitalopram are widely used for mood and anxiety disorders. However, they have also been explored, with promising findings, for a variety of disorders outside of psychiatry. Clinical studies of SSRIs in depressed people with asthma were associated with decreased asthma exacerbations and improvement in asthma control. In this study, the number of asthma exacerbations will be assessed as the primary outcome measure in patients using escitalopram vs. placebo.
Who this study is looking for
In plain language, from the study's own rules. The study team confirms the full details with you — this isn't a final yes or no.
✅ You may be able to join if…
- •Adults ages 18 to 75 with moderate to severe persistent asthma
- •People using medium to high dose inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) and a long-acting beta agonist (LABA) therapy
- •People who had 3 or more severe asthma exacerbations in the past year, each needing at least 3 days of systemic corticosteroids
- •People who are stable (no recent asthma flare, infections, or changes in asthma controller medicines) for at least 4 weeks before starting
- •People who can use the study’s language: English or Spanish
🚫 You may not be able to join if…
- •People with current substance use disorder or current tobacco use, or more than 10 pack-years lifetime tobacco use
- •People having a current major depressive disorder (MDD) episode or who have bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or schizoaffective disorder
- •Pregnant or nursing women (or women of childbearing age who will not use the IRB-approved birth control or abstinence plan during the study)
- •People currently taking an antidepressant (unless it’s not an SSRI/SNRI for depression and is used at sub-therapeutic doses as allowed)
- •People at high risk for suicide (more than 1 prior suicide attempt, or any attempt within the past 12 months)
Are you a good fit?
Simplified highlights. The study team always confirms the full details with you.
- ✓Adults roughly 18–75
- ✓Have Asthma
- !Some conditions may not be a fit: Depression
- !Not for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding
What to expect, step by step
- 1
Usually a few weeks
The study team checks whether the study is a good fit for you, with a visit and sometimes lab tests. You can ask any questions before deciding.
- 2
Treatment
If you join and choose to continue, you receive the study treatment and are watched closely by medical staff.
- 3
Follow-up
After treatment, the team checks on your health and confirms the visit schedule with you. You can leave the study at any point.
Has this treatment been tested before?
Yes. This treatment has already been through earlier human studies for safety before reaching this stage.
What you need to know before you apply
What is this study testing?+
Antidepressants, particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as escitalopram are widely used for mood and anxiety disorders. However, they have also been explored, with promising findings, for a variety of disorders outside of psychiatry.
Is it safe? Who makes sure of that?+
This is a mid-stage study (Phase 2), looking at safety and whether the treatment works. Every study is reviewed and monitored by an independent ethics board (called an IRB) whose job is to protect participants, and care is overseen by licensed medical staff. You'll be told the known risks before you agree to anything, and you can stop at any time.
Will I get a placebo instead of the real treatment?+
Some studies compare a treatment against a placebo (an inactive version), and some don't. If this one does, the study team will explain your chances of receiving the active treatment before you decide. Nothing is hidden from you.
Do I have to stop taking my current medications?+
It depends on the study. Some let you stay on your current medications and some ask you to adjust them. Never stop a medication on your own — the study team will review everything with you first.
Does it cost anything? Will I be paid?+
The study treatment and study-related visits are provided at no cost to you. Some studies also pay for your time; the coordinator can tell you if this one does. You should never be asked to pay to take part.
Do I need insurance? Will anyone ask about my immigration status?+
No. You do not need health insurance to take part in a research study, and you will not be asked about your immigration status to join. Taking part is about whether you're a medical fit for the study.
What if English isn't my first language?+
You have the right to understand everything before you agree. Study sites can often provide materials or an interpreter in your language — you can ask the coordinator for one.
Is my information private?+
Yes. Your health information is only shared with the study sites you choose to be contacted by, and only to help match and enroll you. It is never sold, and you can ask us to delete it at any time.
Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · NCT06216535 · Locations: Texas