Escitalopram prevents the reuptake of one neurotransmitter, serotonin, by nerves, an action which results
in more serotonin
in the brain to attach to receptors.
The FDA approved escitalopram in August 2002.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: All SSRIs, including escitalopram, should not be combined with drugs in the monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor class of antidepressants such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), tranylcypromine (Parnate), selegiline (Eldepryl) and procarbazine (Matulane).