Last reviewed · How we verify
Aripiprazole/Escitalopram combination
This combination uses aripiprazole (a dopamine D2 receptor partial agonist) and escitalopram (a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) to modulate both dopaminergic and serotonergic neurotransmission for psychiatric symptom management.
This combination uses aripiprazole (a dopamine D2 receptor partial agonist) and escitalopram (a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) to modulate both dopaminergic and serotonergic neurotransmission for psychiatric symptom management. Used for Schizophrenia with comorbid depression, Bipolar disorder with depressive symptoms, Major depressive disorder with psychotic features.
At a glance
| Generic name | Aripiprazole/Escitalopram combination |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Abilify/ Lexapro |
| Sponsor | Massachusetts General Hospital |
| Drug class | Atypical antipsychotic and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor combination |
| Target | Dopamine D2 receptor (partial agonist), serotonin 5-HT1A receptor (partial agonist), serotonin transporter (SERT inhibitor) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Psychiatry |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Aripiprazole acts as a partial agonist at dopamine D2 receptors and serotonin 5-HT1A receptors, stabilizing dopamine signaling in psychotic and mood disorders. Escitalopram inhibits serotonin reuptake, increasing synaptic serotonin availability. Together, they address both psychotic symptoms and comorbid depression or anxiety.
Approved indications
- Schizophrenia with comorbid depression
- Bipolar disorder with depressive symptoms
- Major depressive disorder with psychotic features
Common side effects
- Akathisia
- Nausea
- Headache
- Insomnia
- Weight gain
- Sexual dysfunction
Key clinical trials
- Τhe Combination of Pharmacotherapy With RECOVERYTRSGR and RECOVERYTRSBDGR. (PHASE4)
- Neurobiological Mechanisms of Pathological Rumination and Effects of Aripiprazole (NA)
- Treating Negative Affect in Low Back Pain Patients (PHASE2, PHASE3)
- Sequential Multiple Assignment Randomized Trial for Bipolar Depression (PHASE4)
- Psychopharmacotherapy for Depressive Patients (NA)
- Longitudinal Comparative Effectiveness of Bipolar Disorder Therapies
- Study on the Optimal Diagnosis and Treatment Strategy of Major Depressive Disorder Based on Anhedonia (NA)
- To Assess the Safety and Tolerability of an Oral Aripiprazole/Escitalopram Combination Therapy in Participants With Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) (PHASE3)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape: