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Cipralex (escitalopram)
Cipralex selectively inhibits the reuptake of serotonin at the neuronal synapse, increasing serotonin availability in the brain.
Cipralex selectively inhibits the reuptake of serotonin at the neuronal synapse, increasing serotonin availability in the brain. Used for Major depressive disorder, Generalized anxiety disorder, Panic disorder.
At a glance
| Generic name | Cipralex (escitalopram) |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | Medical University of Vienna |
| Drug class | Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) |
| Target | Serotonin transporter (SERT) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Psychiatry / Mental Health |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Escitalopram is the active S-enantiomer of citalopram and works as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). By blocking the serotonin transporter (SERT) on presynaptic neurons, it prevents the reabsorption of serotonin from the synaptic cleft, thereby increasing serotonin concentration and enhancing neurotransmission. This mechanism is thought to improve mood and reduce anxiety symptoms in depression and anxiety disorders.
Approved indications
- Major depressive disorder
- Generalized anxiety disorder
- Panic disorder
- Social anxiety disorder
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
Common side effects
- Nausea
- Headache
- Insomnia
- Somnolence
- Sexual dysfunction
- Dry mouth
- Diarrhea
- Sweating
Key clinical trials
- Dynamic Networks in Depression Treatment: Mechanisms of Change in Pharmacological, Psychological and Combined Treatment of Depression (PHASE4)
- TDM-Guided Treatment With SSRIs in Hospitalized Adults and Children (PHASE4)
- Efficacy and Mechanisms of Escitalopram in Drug-Naïve First-Episode Major Depressive Disorder (NA)
- Citalopram as a Posterior Cortical Protective Therapy in Parkinson Disease (PHASE2)
- Acupuncture and Escitalopram for Treating Major Depression Clinical Study (NA)
- Pattern Separation in Major Depressive Disorder (PHASE1)
- Optimized Predictive Treatment In Medications for Unipolar Major Depression (OPTIMUM-D) (PHASE4)
- Treatment of Psoriasis With Depression and/or Anxiety With Methotrexate vs Combined Methotrexate and Antidepressant (PHASE4)
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:
- Cipralex (escitalopram) CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Cipralex (escitalopram) updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Medical University of Vienna portfolio CI