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Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of escitalopram in treatment of patients with depressive disorders. Methods A control study was carried out between 119 patients who met the DSM-IV criteria of depression and depressed episode. The 62 of total patients were treated with escitalopram (10~20⋅ mg d-1) and the others were treated with paroxetine (20~40 mg⋅d-1) for 8 weeks. The efficacy was assessed by Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD), Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA), Montgomery Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), Clinical Global Impression (CGI) and the safety was assessed by Adverse Event Scale. Results After 8 weeks treatment, the total effective rates of escitalopram group and paroxetine group were 72.6% and 71.9% respectively, with no significant difference (P> 0.05) . The clinical curing rate of escitalopram group and paroxetine group were 24.2% and 22.8% respectively, with no significant difference (P>0.05). The scores of HAMD17, HAMA, MADRS and CGI in both groups decreased significantly, with statistically difference between the baseline and other observation time points (P< 0.001). The adverse event rates of the escitalopram group and paroxetine group were 38.71% and 35.09% respectively, with no significant difference (P > 0.05). The main adverse events of two groups were nausea, dry mouth, dizziness, cardiopalmus, epigastric discomfort, et al. Conclusions Escitalopram is an effective antidepressant with less side effects, better safety, and is suitable for clinical use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]