Escitalopram: a review of its use in the management of anxiety disorders.
Escitalopram (Cipralex, Lexapro, Seroplex, Sipralexa), the therapeutically active S-enantiomer of racemic citalopram (RS-citalopram), is a potent and highly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor. It is effective and generally well tolerated in the treatment of moderate to severe generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) or social anxiety disorder (SAD), panic disorder (with or without agoraphobia) as well as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Moreover, escitalopram is at least as effective as paroxetine for the treatment of GAD, SAD or OCD and appears to achieve a more rapid response than racemic citalopram in the management of panic disorder. Generally, it has a more favourable tolerability profile than paroxetine in terms of fewer discontinuation symptoms. In addition, a favourable pharmacokinetic profile permits once-daily administration of the drug. Additional comparative studies are required to definitively position escitalopram with respect to other SSRIs and venlafaxine. Nevertheless, available clinical data indicate that escitalopram is an effective first-line treatment option for the management of GAD, SAD, panic disorder and OCD.
Dhillon
Sohita
S
Adis International Limited, Mairangi Bay, Auckland, New Zealand. demail@adis.co.nz
Scott
Lesley J
LJ
Plosker
Greg L
GL
D000818:Animals; D018687:Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy*; D015283:Citalopram / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D016239:MEDLINE / Q000706:statistics & numerical data
D018687:Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation; D015283:Citalopram