Anxiolytic and Antidepressant like Profile of Repeatedly administrated Escitalopram in Behavioral Animal Models

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) were initially introduced as antidepressants, and their potential as anxiolytic has been observed in the treatment of social phobia, post-traumatic stress disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder Escitalopram is therapeutically active S-enantiomer of citalopram. It is a commonly prescribed Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). SSRIs are the latest generated antidepressants having the selective mechanism of action towards 5-Hydroxytryptamine (Serotonin; 5-HT) without affecting any other unwanted effects on other neurotransmitters. Escitalopram is very selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor; it blocks the serotonin transporters without producing any significant effect on other monoamines transporters. Evidences suggest that escitalopram is efficient in the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) and generalized anxiety disorders (GAD). The present study was designed to determine the effects of repeated administration of escitalopram on locomotor activity and anxiolytic behavior of animals in animal model. Rats were administered orally with escitalopram (5 mg/kg) daily for 7 days. This study showed anxiolytic activity produced on repeated administration of drug in light dark transition test. As compared to control animals, activity in activity box was higher and activity in open field was smaller in escitalopram administrated animals. These information support clinical discoveries that escitalopram is a powerful, very much endured SSRI with anxiolytic-like impacts.