escitalopram

Escitalopram is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and the S-enantiomer of racemic citalopram. It is primarily used to treat major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults and adolescents aged 12 years and older, as well as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) in adults. Escitalopram works by increasing levels of serotonin in the brain through potent inhibition of the serotonin transporter (SERT), which prevents reuptake of serotonin into presynaptic neurons. This action helps restore serotonergic function, alleviating symptoms of depression and anxiety. Escitalopram exhibits high selectivity for SERT compared to other monoamine transporters, contributing to its favorable side effect profile relative to less-selective SSRIs. Additionally, it binds allosterically to SERT, potentially enhancing its efficacy and speed of onset compared with other SSRIs. The drug was originally developed by Lundbeck.

Brand names

Lexapro

Other names

S-citalopram