Cipralex®/ Lexapro®/ Seroplex® /Seroplexa®

How does it work
Cells in the brain communicate with each other via electric signals and by using messenger substances, called “neurotransmitters”. One of these messengers is called serotonin. It has been shown that a certain messenger level is required to maintain good communication between the cells of the central nervous system. If there are too few neurotransmitters, communication is disrupted, which causes the symptoms of depression and anxiety.

These messenger substances are usually “recycled” after they have done their work in the brain. So-called “serotonin transporters” act like small vacuum cleaners to collect these messengers so they can be used again later. A special class of medications, the “Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI)” have been designed to block the transporters so that the messengers can work a little longer and more efficiently, than normal.

Escitalopram the active ingredient of Cipralex^®, is an optimised SSRI that blocks the serotonin transporter at two different locations. It makes sufficient serotonin available, so that nervous-system cells can once again communicate with each other. This, in turn, reduces the symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Cipralex^® in depression
Cipralex^® has been found to be efficacious in the acute treatment of major depressive episodes in three out of four short-term studies. In a long-term relapse prevention study, patients receiving Cipralex^® showed a significantly longer time to relapse (over 36 weeks) compared to those receiving placebo.

Please refer to your local prescribing information to find out about the current approval situation for escitalopram in your country. If you have been prescribed Cipralex^® and have further questions about Cipralex^®, please ask your pharmacist or physician. If you are a healthcare professional, please refer to the specific section of this website we have created for you.

Cipralex^® in Anxiety Disorders
The relative efficacy benefits of Cipralex^® extend to the treatment of the anxiety disorders - generalised anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder - emphasising that both depression and anxiety disorder share a core dysfunction in the regulation of the neurotransmitter known as serotonin. This efficacy has been demonstrated in a number of short- and long-term clinical trials.

Please refer to your local prescribing information to find out about the current approval situation for escitalopram in your country. If you have been prescribed Cipralex^® and have further questions about Cipralex^®, please ask your pharmacist or physician. If you are a healthcare professional, please refer to the specific section of this website we have created for you.