Higher antidepressant dose may pose risk for elderly with kidney issues

This study looked at the safety of two different starting doses of a common antidepressant, escitalopram, in adults over 65 with reduced kidney function. Researchers analyzed health records of over 12,000 people to see if starting on a 10 mg daily dose led to more hospital visits, emergency room trips, or death within 30 days compared to starting on a 5 mg dose. The goal was to gather real-world evidence to help doctors prescribe the safest starting dose for this vulnerable group.