PsychologyAugust 4, 2026

escitalopram

ess-uh-TAL-uh-pram

Definition

A prescription medication classified as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), commonly used to treat anxiety and depression.

Etymology

The name is a portmanteau derived from its chemical structure: 'es-' denoting the (S)-enantiomer (a specific mirror-image molecular shape) plus 'citalopram', the name of the parent drug from which it was developed.

In the news

The article identifies escitalopram as the second-line medication option for treating social anxiety disorder, noting its effectiveness as an SSRI.

Social anxiety disorder: first-line therapy, medication, and comorbid disorders.

Read the full article ↗

Psychology Today

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