Lexapro (escitalopram)

St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center · FDA-approved active Small molecule

Lexapro (escitalopram) is a Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) Small molecule drug developed by St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center. It is currently FDA-approved for Major depressive disorder, Generalized anxiety disorder, Panic disorder. Also known as: lexapro, escitalopram, s-citalopram, d-citalopram.

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	Lexapro (escitalopram)
Also known as	lexapro, escitalopram, s-citalopram, d-citalopram
Sponsor	St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center
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 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
• Diarrhea
• Dry mouth
• Fatigue

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:

• Lexapro (escitalopram) CI brief — competitive landscape report
• Lexapro (escitalopram) updates RSS · CI watch RSS
• St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center portfolio CI

Frequently asked questions about Lexapro (escitalopram)

What is Lexapro (escitalopram)?

Lexapro (escitalopram) is a Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) drug developed by St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, indicated for Major depressive disorder, Generalized anxiety disorder, Panic disorder.

How does Lexapro (escitalopram) work?

Escitalopram selectively inhibits the reuptake of serotonin at the neuronal synapse, increasing serotonin availability in the brain.

What is Lexapro (escitalopram) used for?

Lexapro (escitalopram) is indicated for Major depressive disorder, Generalized anxiety disorder, Panic disorder, Social anxiety disorder, Obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Who makes Lexapro (escitalopram)?

Lexapro (escitalopram) is developed and marketed by St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center (see full St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center pipeline at /company/st-luke-s-roosevelt-hospital-center).

Is Lexapro (escitalopram) also known as anything else?

Lexapro (escitalopram) is also known as lexapro, escitalopram, s-citalopram, d-citalopram.

What drug class is Lexapro (escitalopram) in?

Lexapro (escitalopram) belongs to the Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) class. See all Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) drugs at /class/selective-serotonin-reuptake-inhibitor-ssri.

What development phase is Lexapro (escitalopram) in?

Lexapro (escitalopram) is FDA-approved (marketed).

What are the side effects of Lexapro (escitalopram)?

Common side effects of Lexapro (escitalopram) include Nausea, Headache, Insomnia, Somnolence, Sexual dysfunction, Diarrhea.

What does Lexapro (escitalopram) target?

Lexapro (escitalopram) targets Serotonin transporter (SERT) and is a Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI).

Related

• Drug class: All Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) drugs
• Target: All drugs targeting Serotonin transporter (SERT)
• Manufacturer: St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center — full pipeline
• Therapeutic area: All drugs in Psychiatry / Mental Health
• Indication: Drugs for Major depressive disorder
• Indication: Drugs for Generalized anxiety disorder
• Indication: Drugs for Panic disorder
• Also known as: lexapro, escitalopram, s-citalopram, d-citalopram