SSRI antidepressantsSSRISelective serotonin reuptake inhibitor: an antidepressant class that raises serotonin levels between neurons.
Escitalopram vs Fluoxetine
The table compares the compounds’ key data from their entry pages. Open each compound’s full entry for details. Educational content, not medical advice.
 Escitalopram |  Fluoxetine | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | SSRI, S-enantiomer of citalopram (Lundbeck Lexapro/Cipralex). First-line Rx for MDD + anxiety disorders. Cipriani 2018 meta-analysis: top-3 efficacy. | The first SSRI (Eli Lilly Prozac, FDA 1987). Ultra-long half-life (4-6 days), FDA-approved for pediatric MDD. |
| ATC codeATC codeThe WHO Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical code that classifies drugs by organ system and mechanism. | N06AB10 | N06AB03 |
| Prescription | Prescription only (Rx) | Prescription only (Rx) |
| MechanismMechanism of actionThe molecular pathway by which a compound acts in the body (e.g. which receptor or enzyme it binds). | Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), SERT target | Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), SERT inhibition |
| Half-lifeHalf-lifeThe time for the compound’s plasma concentration to fall by half; indicates how fast it clears and how often it is dosed. | 27-32 h (once-daily dosing) | 4-6 days (parent), norfluoxetine ~16 days |
| OnsetOnsetThe time from dosing until a measurable effect appears. | 2-6 weeks (full antidepressant response) | 4-6 weeks (full antidepressant response) |
| Full entry | Open → | Open → |
What it is
EscitalopramSSRI, S-enantiomer of citalopram (Lundbeck Lexapro/Cipralex). First-line Rx for MDD + anxiety disorders. Cipriani 2018 meta-analysis: top-3 efficacy.
FluoxetineThe first SSRI (Eli Lilly Prozac, FDA 1987). Ultra-long half-life (4-6 days), FDA-approved for pediatric MDD.
ATC codeATC codeThe WHO Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical code that classifies drugs by organ system and mechanism.
EscitalopramN06AB10
FluoxetineN06AB03
Prescription
EscitalopramPrescription only (Rx)
FluoxetinePrescription only (Rx)
MechanismMechanism of actionThe molecular pathway by which a compound acts in the body (e.g. which receptor or enzyme it binds).
EscitalopramSelective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), SERT target
FluoxetineSelective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), SERT inhibition
Half-lifeHalf-lifeThe time for the compound’s plasma concentration to fall by half; indicates how fast it clears and how often it is dosed.
Escitalopram27-32 h (once-daily dosing)
Fluoxetine4-6 days (parent), norfluoxetine ~16 days
OnsetOnsetThe time from dosing until a measurable effect appears.
Escitalopram2-6 weeks (full antidepressant response)
Fluoxetine4-6 weeks (full antidepressant response)
Full entry