Escitalopram is an example of which antidepressant class?

Prepare for the KMK Live Session General Pharmacy Test. Use flashcards and multiple-choice questions with hints and explanations for each question. Get ready for your exam with confidence!

Multiple Choice

Escitalopram is an example of which antidepressant class?

Explanation:
Escitalopram is an SSRI because its primary action is to selectively inhibit the serotonin transporter, blocking reuptake of serotonin into the presynaptic neuron. This increases serotonin levels in the synaptic cleft and enhances serotonergic signaling, which underlies its antidepressant and anxiolytic effects. It does not significantly affect norepinephrine or dopamine reuptake, which would point to an SNRI or another class. It’s not a TCA, which block multiple monoamine reuptake and carry more anticholinergic and cardiac side effects, nor a MAOI, which inhibits the breakdown of monoamines. Escitalopram is the S-enantiomer of citalopram and is generally chosen for its favorable tolerability profile while delivering the same serotonin-focused mechanism.

Escitalopram is an SSRI because its primary action is to selectively inhibit the serotonin transporter, blocking reuptake of serotonin into the presynaptic neuron. This increases serotonin levels in the synaptic cleft and enhances serotonergic signaling, which underlies its antidepressant and anxiolytic effects. It does not significantly affect norepinephrine or dopamine reuptake, which would point to an SNRI or another class. It’s not a TCA, which block multiple monoamine reuptake and carry more anticholinergic and cardiac side effects, nor a MAOI, which inhibits the breakdown of monoamines. Escitalopram is the S-enantiomer of citalopram and is generally chosen for its favorable tolerability profile while delivering the same serotonin-focused mechanism.

More Multiple Choice Questions
Subscribe

Get the latest from Passetra

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy