The Sound of Evolution
Escitalopram
Mechanism of action:
Escitalopram is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor and the S-enantiomer of citalopram. Escitalopram binds with high affinity to the serotonin transporter on the presynaptic neuronal membrane and blocks the reuptake of serotonin (5-HT) from the synaptic cleft back into the neuron. This prolongs the residence time of serotonin in the synaptic cleft and increases its concentration, thereby enhancing activation of postsynaptic 5-HT receptors and modulating neural pathways involved in mood, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive symptoms.
Reference(s):
1. Moore N et al. (2005). Prospective, multicentre, randomized, double-blind study of the efficacy of escitalopram versus citalopram in outpatient treatment of major depressive disorder. Int Clin Psychopharmacol.
2. Boulenger JP et al. (2006). A comparative study of the efficacy of long-term treatment with escitalopram and paroxetine in severely depressed patients. Curr Med Res Opin.