Escitalopram superior to citalopram in depression

The selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) escitalopram ['Cipralex', 'Lexapro'] has greater efficacy and provides more rapid responses than its racemate citalopram ['Cipramil'] in the treatment of depression, according to studies presented at the XII World Congress of Psychiatry [Yokohama, Japan; August 2002]. Patients treated with escitalopram had greater overall improvements than those receiving citalopram and significant improvements, compared with placebo, were observed in a broader range of depression symptoms. Furthermore, escitalopram demonstrated efficacy that was superior to citalopram in patients with severe depression. Other studies presented at the meeting showed that switching to escitalopram from citalopram provided further improvement in symptoms, and that long-term use was well tolerated.