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oral escitalopram
Escitalopram selectively inhibits the reuptake of serotonin at the neuronal synapse, increasing serotonin availability in the brain.
Escitalopram 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 | oral escitalopram |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | NYU Langone Health |
| 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 protein, it prevents the reabsorption of serotonin from the synaptic cleft back into the presynaptic neuron, thereby increasing serotonin concentration and enhancing neurotransmission. This mechanism is thought to improve mood and reduce anxiety symptoms in psychiatric 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
- Diarrhea
- Dry mouth
- Sweating
Key clinical trials
- 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)
- A Study Following Women in Menopause Treated With a Non-hormonal Therapy for Hot Flashes and Night Sweats
- Neuroimaging of Escitalopram in Autism Spectrum Disorder (PHASE2)
- Citalopram and the Risk of Serious Adverse Events
- Escitalopram and the Risk of Serious Adverse Events
- Escitalopram in Asthma Patients With Frequent Exacerbation (PHASE2)
- Neurobiological Mechanisms of Pathological Rumination and Effects of Aripiprazole (NA)
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:
- oral escitalopram CI brief — competitive landscape report
- oral escitalopram updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- NYU Langone Health portfolio CI