Sub-chronic administration of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor escitalopram in healthy volunteers: drug initiation effects and the role of serotonin in experimental anxiety.

INTERVENTION: escitalopram (10 mg/day for 3 weeks, oral) tryptophan depletion CONDITION: anxiety selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) initiation effects PRIMARY OUTCOME: Change in the Spielberger State Anxiety Inventory in the placebo and escitalopram groups Change in Visual Analogue Scale scores (anxiety, nervous) in the placebo and escitalopram groups SECONDARY OUTCOME: Spielberger state anxiety Inventory INCLUSION CRITERIA: healthy volunteer no current or previous history of anxiety, depression or mental illness