A Review of Clinical Studies Assessing the Therapeutic Efficacy of Escitalopram: A Step Towards Development

Background: Major depression is a debilitating, sometimes fatal disorder, deteriorating the quality of life and well-being. Escitalopram showed highly selective and dose-dependent inhibitory activity on human serotonin transport. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the first-line drugs to manage major depressive disorder (MDD). Objective: The objective of this study is to explore the therapeutic potential of escitalopram, a clinically approved drug to manage MDD and panic disorders. Methods: It emphasizes comparative and clinical trial studies with several pharmacological targets reviewed from the data available on PubMed, Science Direct, Clinicaltrails.gov, and from many reputed foundations. Results: To highlight the clinical efficacy, safety, recent development, and stable formulation of escitalopram with an increased bioavailability profile. Evidence-based on the available clinical and pharmacoeconomic data, escitalopram represents an effective first-line treatment option for MDD patients. Conclusion: The present review highlights the placebo-controlled clinical studies and the recent development that can be helpful for further research perspectives.