Subject:

Biochemistry - 300
Submitted To:
Ma’am Noor ul Ain
Submitted By:
 Muhammad Bilal
 Fatima Ashraf
 Hira Shehzad
 Amna amin
 Rida Fatima
 Mohsin Jamal
 Escitalopram
Introduction
Escitalopram is an antidepressant drug that belongs to the class of drugs
Selective Serotonin re-uptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
From:
Oral Tablet (5mg, 10mg, 20mg)
Liquid Oral Solution (5mg/5ml)
Escitalopram is marketed under the brand names
 Lexapro
 Cipralex
Indication and usage:
Major Depressive Disorder:
Lexapro (escitalopram) is indicated for the acute and maintenance
treatment of major depressive disorders in adults and in adolescents 12
to 17 years of age
A major depressive episode (DSM-IV) implies a prominent and relatively
persistent (nearly every day for at least 2 weeks) depressed or dysphoric mood
that usually interferes with daily functioning and includes at least five of the
following nine symptoms:
 depressed mood
 loss of interest in usual activities
 significant change in weight and appetite
 insomnia or hypersomnia
 increased fatigue
 feelings of guilt or worthlessness
 slowed thinking or impaired concentration
 A suicide attempt or suicidal ideation.
Generalized anxiety disorder:
Lexapro is indicated for the acute treatment of Generalized Anxiety
Disorder (GAD) in adults
Generalized anxiety disorder (DSM-IV) is characterized by excessive anxiety and
worry (apprehensive expectation) that is persistent for at least 6 months and
which the person finds difficult to control. It must be associated with at least
three of the following symptoms:
 restlessness
 being easily fatigued
 difficulty concentrating or mind going blank
 irritability
 muscle tension
 sleep disturbance
Dosage and administration:
Lexapro should be administered once daily, in the morning or evening,
with or without food.
Mode of action:
Escitalopram, like other selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, enhances
serotonergic activity by binding to the primary binding site (orthosteric) on the
serotonin reuptake transporter (SERT). The same site to which endogenous 5-HT
(5-hydroxy tryptamine) serotonin binds, and thus prevents the re-uptake of
serotonin in the pre-synaptic neuron.
Escitalopram, along with paroxetine, is also considered an allosteric
serotonin reuptake inhibitor. It binds to the secondary site (allosteric) on the SERT
molecule to more strongly inhibit serotonin (5-HT) re-uptake.
Its combination of primary (Orthosteric) and secondary (Allosteric)
site activity on SERT allows for greater extracellular serotonin levels and a faster
onset of action.
Escitalopram has shown little to no binding affinity at a number of
other receptors, such as histamine and muscarinic receptors and minor activity at
these off-targets may explain some of its adverse effects
Precautions:
 Before taking escitalopram talk with your doctor if you are allergic to it or
any other medications
 The product may contain some inactive ingredients which can cause some
serious allergic reactions or some other serious problems
 Talk to your doctor about having this drug if you have such a
medical history
o Liver disease
o Intestinal ulcers
o Low sodium in blood
Escitalopram side effects:
 diarrhea
 Increased sweating
 Dizziness
 Decreased appetite
 Weight loss
Some of the serious side effects of escitalopram are:
 Rash
 Hive
 Itching
 Joint pain
 Swelling of face
Escitalopram can cause serious health problems. If you are facing any if the above
serious side effects talk to doctor