Escitalopram for the treatment of major depression and anxiety disorders.
Escitalopram is the S-enantiomer of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) citalopram, which contains equal amounts of the S- and R-forms in a racemic mixture. Escitalopram is the most selective SSRI, with almost no significant affinity to other tested receptors. It has been demonstrated that it is escitalopram that carries the therapeutic potential of citalopram, and has statistically superior and clinically relevant properties compared with citalopram. Escitalopram is at least as effective in the treatment of depression and anxiety as other SSRIs, as well as venlafaxine, bupropion and duloxetine. Owing to multiple metabolic degrading pathways, the clinically relevant interactions of escitalopram with other drugs are minimal. Compared with other antidepressants, escitalopram is generally better tolerated, its onset of action is relatively fast, and its use may have cost-effectiveness and cost-utility advantages. Escitalopram is an effective first-line option in the management of patients with major depression, including severe forms, and various anxiety disorders.
Höschl
Cyril
C
Prague Psychiatric Centre, Ustavni 91, 181 03 Praha 8, Czech Republic. mail@hoschl.cz
Svestka
Jaromír
J
D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001007:Anxiety / Q000188:drug therapy*; D015283:Citalopram / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians'; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D015283:Citalopram