Differences in action profile between escitalopram and sertraline – theory and practice Case report
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Published:
Mar 31, 2025
Keywords:
escitalopram, sertraline, depression, SSRI, serotonin reuptake inhibitors
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Abstract
Currently, serotonin reuptake inhibitors are the first-line drugs in the treatment of depressive disorders and are the most commonly used group of antidepressants. Despite years of experience and extensive knowledge of the clinical characteristics of this group of drugs, distinguishing how individual serotonin reuptake inhibitors differ in their profile of action can be difficult even for experienced clinicians. In this article, we decided to look at the two most commonly used serotonin reuptake inhibitors – escitalopram and sertraline, and address both the differences in receptor activity and the antidepressant profile of both of these drugs. We hope that the information presented on the pharmacological action will allow for a better understanding of the differences in clinical action indicated in the article.
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How to Cite
Antosik-Wójcińska, A., Antoniak, B., Lubiński, W., & Kwasowiec, M. (2025). Differences in action profile between escitalopram and sertraline – theory and practice. Medycyna Faktow (J EBM), 18(1(66), 149-155. https://doi.org/10.24292/01.MF.0125.22
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References
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18. Pinheiro E, Bogen DL, Hoxha D et al. Sertraline and breastfeeding: review and meta-analysis. Arch Womens Ment Health. 2015; 18: 139-46.
19. Devanand DP, Pelton GH, Marston K et al. Sertraline treatment of elderly patients with depression and cognitive impairment. Int J Geriat Psychiatry. 2003; 18: 123-30.
20. Fava M, Judge R, Hoog SL et al. Fluoxetine versus sertraline and paroxetine in major depressive disorder: changes in weight with long-term treatment. J Clin Psych. 2000; 61(11): 863-7.
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22. Meltzer-Brody S. New insights into perinatal depression: pathogenesis and treatment during pregnancy and postpartum. Dialogues Clin Neurosci. 2011; 13(1): 89-100.
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2. Murawiec S. Korzyści wynikające ze stosowania escitalopramu, szczególnie istotne w dobie epidemii COVID-19 – na podstawie przypadków klinicznych. Medycyna i Życie. 2020; 7(3-4): 13-22.
3. Gałecki P, Szulc A. Psychiatria. Rozpoznania według ICD 11. Edra Urban & Partner, Wrocław 2023.
4. Kolasa G, Rybakowski F. Rola agomelatyny i escitalopramu w leczeniu depresji. Lekarz POZ. 2021; 1(7): 41-6.
5. Patejuk-Mazurek I. Citalopram – lek antydepresyjny z grupy SSRI odkryty na nowo. Varia Medica. 2018; 2(1): 75-82.
6. Landowski J. Citalopram (cipramil) w ambulatoryjnej monoterapii zespołów depresyjnych. Psychiatria Polska. 2000; 34(3): suplement.
7. Leonard B, Taylor D. Escitalopram – translating molecular properties into clinical benefit: reviewing the evidence in major depression. J Psychopharmacol. 2010; 24: 1143-52.
8. Polikowska M, Reszczyńska M, Łoza B. Escitalopram rozpuszczalny w jamie ustnej (ODT), czyli odpowiedź na pytanie, jak jeszcze możemy usprawnić leczenie zaburzeń emocji. Neuropsychiatria. Przegląd Kliniczny. 2014; 6(3): 126-32.
9. Park YS, Sung KW. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor escitalopram inhibits 5-HT3 receptor currents in NCB-20 cells. Korean J Physiol Pharmacol. 2019; 23(6): 509-17.
10. Charakterystyka produktu leczniczego. Lexapro.
11. Waugh J, Goa KL. Escitalopram: a review of its use in the management of major depressive and anxiety disorders. CNS Drugs. 2003; 17: 343-62.
12. Drugs.com. Escitalopram. Monograph for Professionals.
13. Murawiec S, Opielak G. Escitalopram, sertralina i duloksetyna w farmakoterapii zaburzeń lękowych – praktyczne wskazówki dotyczące zindywidualizowanego wyboru leku przez lekarzy POZ. Psychiatria Spersonalizowana. 2023; 2(4): 111-7.
14. Rybakowski J (ed.). Psychofarmakologia kliniczna. PZWL, Warszawa 2022.
15. McRae AL, Brady KT. Review of sertraline and its clinical applications in psychiatric disorders. Expert Opin Pharmacother. 2001; 2(5): 883-92.
16. Stahl SM. Podstawy psychofarmakologii. Tom 3. Via Medica, Gdańsk 2010: 26-27.
17. Cipriani A, La Ferla T, Furukawa TA et al. Sertraline versus other antidepressive agents for depression. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2010; 4: CD006117.
18. Pinheiro E, Bogen DL, Hoxha D et al. Sertraline and breastfeeding: review and meta-analysis. Arch Womens Ment Health. 2015; 18: 139-46.
19. Devanand DP, Pelton GH, Marston K et al. Sertraline treatment of elderly patients with depression and cognitive impairment. Int J Geriat Psychiatry. 2003; 18: 123-30.
20. Fava M, Judge R, Hoog SL et al. Fluoxetine versus sertraline and paroxetine in major depressive disorder: changes in weight with long-term treatment. J Clin Psych. 2000; 61(11): 863-7.
21. Uguz F. A New Safety Scoring System for the Use of Psychotropic Drugs During Lactation. Am J Ther. 2021; 28(1): e118-26.
22. Meltzer-Brody S. New insights into perinatal depression: pathogenesis and treatment during pregnancy and postpartum. Dialogues Clin Neurosci. 2011; 13(1): 89-100.
23. Rachdi C, Damak R, Romdhane F-F et al. Impact of sertraline on weight, waist circumference and glycemic control: A prospective clinical trial on depressive diabetic type 2 patients. Prim Care Diabetes. 2019; 13(1): 57-62.
24. Sanchez C, Reines EH, Montgomery SA. A comparative review of escitalopram, paroxetine, and sertraline: Are they all alike? Int Clin Psychopharmacol. 2014; 29(4): 185-96.
25. Ventura D, Armstrong EP, Skrepnek GH et al. Escitalopram versus sertraline in the treatment of major depressive disorder: a randomized clinical trial. Curr Med Res Opin. 2007; 23: 245-50.
26. Alexopoulos G, Gordon J, Zhang D. A placebo-controlled trial of escitalopram and sertraline in the treatment of major depressive disorder. Neuropsychopharmacology. 2004; 29(Suppl): S87.