Escitalopram (Lexapro) is the most selective SSRI available, with higher serotonin reuptake inhibition than racemic citalopram. It is FDA-approved for major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder in adults and adolescents.
Its favorable side-effect profile, low drug interaction potential, and once-daily dosing make escitalopram one of the preferred first-line antidepressants in clinical practice guidelines.