A drug used to treat depression and certain anxiety disorders. It belongs to the family of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
Definition (NCI)
A drug used to treat depression and certain anxiety disorders. It belongs to the family of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
Definition (MSH)
S-enantiomer of citalopram.
Definition (NCI)
The active S-stereoisomer of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) citalopram with antidepressant, anti-obsessive-compulsive and antibulimic properties. Escitalopram inhibits the reuptake of the neurotransmitter serotonin (5-HT) at the serotonin reuptake pump of the neuronal membrane of the presynaptic cell, thereby increasing levels of 5-HT within the synaptic cleft and enhancing the actions of serotonin on 5HT1A autoreceptors. Unlike other SSRIs, escitalopram appears to not only bind to a primary high-affinity site on the serotonin transporter protein but also to a secondary lower-affinity allosteric site that is considered to stabilize and prolong drug binding.
Concepts
Organic Chemical (T109)
, Pharmacologic Substance (T121)
A drug used to treat depression. It belongs to the families of drugs called antidepressant agents and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
Definition (MSH)
A furancarbonitrile that is one of the SEROTONIN UPTAKE INHIBITORS used as an antidepressant. The drug is also effective in reducing ethanol uptake in alcoholics and is used in depressed patients who also suffer from tardive dyskinesia in preference to tricyclic antidepressants, which aggravate this condition.
Definition (CSP)
selective neuronal serotonin reuptake inhibitor and a clinically effective antidepressant with tolerable side effects; effective in reducing ethanol uptake in alcoholics.
Concepts
Organic Chemical (T109)
, Pharmacologic Substance (T121)