Purpose: To investigate the impact of cytochrome P450 2C19 (CYP2C19) phenotypes on escitalopram metabolism and to evaluate pupillometry as a serotonergic biomarker.
Methods: This was a double-blind, crossover design study with single and multiple doses of 10 mg escitalopram and placebo in panels of CYP2C19 extensive (EM) and poor metabolisers (PM). Pupillometry was measured by a NeurOptics Pupillometer-PLR.
Results: Five PM and eight EM completed the study. The CYP2C19 phenotype significantly affected the metabolism of escitalopram. The area under the time-plasma concentration curve (AUC(0-24)) was 1.8-fold higher in PM than in EM after both single and multiple doses. Escitalopram treatment did not affect the maximum pupil size, but it did statistically significantly decrease the relative amplitude of the pupil light reflex compared to the placebo; this effect was equal in both phenotype groups.
Conclusions: The CYP2C19 polymorphism affects escitalopram metabolism, but the difference does not justify dose adjustment. The puzzling results from pupillometry can be due to interplay between a central and a local serotonergic effect. Based on these results, pupillometry can not be recommended as a serotonergic biomarker.