Escitalopram

Escitalopram

Persistent low moods, lack of motivation, and constant worrying take an enormous toll on your mental health. For such conditions or health challenges, Escitalopram, an antidepressant (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) provides relief. Let's look at all the details of this medicine and also talk about the Escitalopram tablet use.

What is Escitalopram?

Escitalopram tablet is a drug that boosts mood. It raises serotonin levels in your brain. Serotonin affects mood, sleep, hunger, and more. The drug stops serotonin from being removed, so there's more serotonin to make you less depressed and anxious.

Escitalopram Tablet Uses

Some escitalopram tablet uses include: 

• Depression: Escitalopram tablet is mainly used to address significant depression in adults and teenagers 12 and up. It can help ease symptoms like ongoing sadness, lack of interest, sleep issues, and appetite changes. 
• Generalised Anxiety Disorder: Escitalopram tablets are also recognised for treating generalised anxiety disorder in adults. It can aid in lessening excessive worries, agitation, irritability, and muscle tension brought on by this condition. 

Escitalopram Side Effects

Like other medications, this medication can also cause side effects. Some common Escitalopram side effects include:

• Nausea
• Dry mouth
• Increased sweating
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Insomnia
• Decreased appetite
• Sexual dysfunction

Severe but rare escitalopram side effects may include:

• Serotonin syndrome (a potentially life-threatening condition characterised by agitation, hallucinations, fever, and muscle stiffness)
• Suicidal behaviour or thoughts (especially in children and young adults)
• Abnormal bleeding or bruising
• Seizures

It is essential to report any concerning side effects to your healthcare provider immediately.

Escitalopram Dosage

• For all the first-time users of escitalopram who use it to treat major depressive disorder - the first dose is 5 mg once daily. The quantity may be enhanced upto 20 mg once daily if required, gradually.
• For general anxiety disorder, there is a recommended choice of dosage of 5 mg once a day. The dose can be increased to 20 mg, respectively, if necessary.
• A 5 mg daily dose for the elderly and patients with compromised kidneys and liver functions is a proper beginning dose.

Here's How Escitalopram Functions

Escitalopram belongs to the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) class of medications. Its mechanism involves blocking serotonin's reabsorption. Serotonin regulates mood, sleep cycles, appetite, and other bodily processes as a neurotransmitter. By preventing serotonin's reuptake, escitalopram enhances its availability in the brain. This improves mood regulation and reduces anxiety symptoms.

Precautions

• Under no circumstances should escitalopram be administered along with other antidepressants as this might trigger a severe condition of serotonin syndrome, which can cause lethal consequences. 
• You must provide all other medical details you have, which could include liver or kidney disease, seizures, bipolar disorder, and heart problems.
• The pregnant or breastfeeding woman should consider the risks and rewards of escitalopram by discussing this issue with their healthcare care provider.
• At the beginning of treatment with escitalopram, it is advisable to take caution so as to avoid negative effects such as drowsiness or dizziness when using a vehicle.

Missed Dose

If in case you miss your Escitalopram dose, take it as soon as you realise you forgot. Nevertheless, if you are near your next dose, take it without having the missed one, and continue to adhere to your usual plan of doing the routine. Please don't take a double dose or only make up for it when you have been late with your medication.

Overdose

If you were to experience an overdose, you must immediately see a healthcare professional or call for the poison centre service. It may cause symptoms such as nausea, severe vomiting, fatigue as well as tremors and seizures.

Escitalopram Storage

Store escitalopram tablets at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep them inside their original container and out of reach of children and pets.

Comparison of Escitalopram and Clonazepam 

They both need doctor's prescriptions. Here’s a comparison of the two: 

Conclusion

Escitalopram is an effective antidepressant and anti-anxiety medication that can bring significant comfort in life for people who are suffering from depression, panic disorder and generalised anxiety disorders. Nonetheless, following the doctor’s instructions is necessary to attain good results. However, you must also keep track of your symptoms and notify your doctor of any developments or difficulties. When appropriately used, escitalopram is believed to help alleviate the symptoms and could contribute to ensuring the well-being of people.

FAQs

1. Is escitalopram safe?

Escitalopram is typically safe when taken as prescribed by a healthcare provider. However, like all medications, it can cause some side effects and certain precautions should be taken. It is critical to tell your healthcare provider about any clinical conditions, medicines, or dietary supplements you take to minimise the risk of damaging outcomes.

2. How long does it take for Escitalopram to start working? 

The onset of escitalopram's effects typically varies from person to person. It usually takes 2 to four weeks for the overall healing consequences to be considerable. However, a few individuals may additionally experience improvements in their symptoms earlier or later than this time frame.

3. What are the most common Escitalopram side effects?

Dry mouth and nausea commonly occur with this medicine. Additionally, it can cause increased sweating, dizziness, trouble sleeping, loss of appetite, and sexual problems. Yet the mentioned consequences are normal and gradually reduce or go away. 

4. Is Escitalopram better taken at night or in the morning?

This medication can be taken at any time of the day as long as it’s always being taken at the same time every day. Some people may prefer to take this medication in the morning to avoid any sleep disturbances. However, it is entirely your choice when you want to have it. 

5. What if I accidentally take more than the encouraged dose of Escitalopram? 

An overdose of escitalopram can cause severe side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and seizures. Contact your healthcare immediately in such cases.