Unique mechanism of action for escitalopram: does it hold the promise?

There is an unmet need for improved management of depression. Clinicians, as well as patients, want medications that are easy to use and have a fast symptom relief, consistent efficacy with sustained response and remission combined with a good tolerability profile. Studies with escitalopram, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor with a unique mechanism of action, have shown an early response and good remission rates, in comparison with placebo and citalopram. In comparison with venlafaxine, a serotonin noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor, escitalopram has shown comparable efficacy and earlier response in improving depressive symptoms combined with fewer side effects. Results like these, with focus on response and remission, are becoming more important, primarily because they have greater meaning for the patient in the clinical setting, than scoring measures of depression.