Individuals experiencing crippling anxiety or depression may need to use prescription medications to manage this issue. Although there are other options, many doctors will prescribe Escitalopram which can help balance the levels of serotonin in the brain. The drug works well for many patients, but it may not be right for everyone. Does Escitalopram Cause Weight Loss? We can explain more. Therefore, patients with depression should talk to their doctors about Escitalopram and other options.
In general, Escitalopram is suitable for children over 12 and many adults. It is recommended for the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder. More about this medication and its potential side effects will be explored in more depth below.
Escitalopram is considered safe for most patients although it can cause certain side effects. Some common side effects linked to this medication include nausea, profuse sweating, restlessness, weakness, and headaches. It may also have an impact on the user’s weight. Many patients who use this substance will also experience changes in their weight.
Escitalopram can indeed have an impact on the user’s weight. When someone begins using this medication, there is a good chance that they will gain weight. Research has shown that half of the patients using this medication will gain 7% or more. Unfortunately, this can offset the benefits of using Escitalopram because it could lead to self-esteem issues.
Nevertheless, it should be noted that the most common antidepressants will likely cause the user to gain weight.
Some patients are worried about taking a controlled substance because these drugs are regulated by federal law. Controlled substances are heavily regulated by the federal government because they’re regularly abused and are often linked to addiction. Suffice to say, it makes sense for consumers to shy away from using these drugs.
The good news is that Escitalopram is not a controlled substance. It has a low risk of misuse when compared to controlled substances. Nevertheless, a prescription is needed to obtain Escitalopram or Lexapro. Is Escitalopram a controlled drug? It is not because it isn’t considered widely abused or addictive.
Although Escitalopram is usually safe, it is vital to understand that it can cause problems during the withdrawal process. Patients must prepare for the withdrawal process because they may experience certain side effects. When someone stops taking this drug, they’ll likely experience irritability, dizziness, nightmares, tingling, and nausea.
They may also encounter anxiety, depression, and concentration problems. It may be a good idea to taper off the drug instead of stopping suddenly. A medical professional can help devise a plan so the patient can safely withdraw from Escitalopram without experiencing problems.
Escitalopram is regularly sold under the name Lexapro. As for Bupropion, it is available as Wellbutrin. Hydroxyzine is a powerful antihistamine that can also be used to manage anxiety. It is sold under the brand names Vistaril and Atarax. Patients should understand that there are potential risks associated with using Hydroxyzine and Escitalopram simultaneously. Doing so could increase the risk of an irregular heart rhythm.
In some cases, this can be severe and even life-threatening. While this is a rare side effect, it is still a good idea to take caution. At the very least, speak to a medical doctor before using these medications at the same time.
When someone begins taking Escitalopram, they may not feel the full effects immediately. Instead, they may need to use the medication for a while before receiving the full benefits. Usually, it can take between two to four weeks for the drug to reach its full potency. During the early days, the patient will have higher serotonin levels so the drug won’t work as effectively.
It will take days or weeks for the serotonin levels to drop so the patient can receive the full effects. In some cases, it may take up to six weeks for the consumer’s anxiety to decrease when taking Escitalopram.
If someone takes too much Escitalopram, they’re likely going to experience severe side effects. It is vital to prevent this from happening by carefully following the doctor’s recommendations. The most serious risk is serotonin syndrome which is also called serotonin toxicity.
If this problem isn’t treated quickly, it could be fatal. When someone develops serotonin syndrome, they’re going to experience confusion, high blood pressure, agitation, and rapid heart rate. It is essential for patients with these symptoms to get medical assistance immediately.
While some consumers will receive Escitalopram, others may be prescribed Sertraline. It is important to know the difference between these medications. Both are effective for the treatment of depression as well as other mental health problems. They’re SSRIs or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. One thing to note is that these medications can be used for different purposes.
Sertraline can be used for depression, OCD, panic disorder, PTSD, social anxiety disorder, and PMDD. As for Escitalopram, it is primarily used to treat depression and generalized anxiety disorder. Therefore, Sertraline or Zoloft tends to be more versatile.
How does Escitalopram work? The medication is considered an SSRI. As a result, it is going to work by raising the levels of serotonin in the user’s brain. The medication prevents released serotonin from being recycled and put back into the nerve ending. It is common for this medication to be combined with talking therapy to help the patient achieve the best results.
Most patients understand that they will not be able to drink alcohol when using certain medications. Mixing alcohol and specific drugs can cause serious repercussions. Drinking while using Escitalopram could cause more intense side effects. In particular, the patient will be more likely to encounter drowsiness and dizziness. They’ll also have difficulty concentrating. Some will have impaired judgment.
Can I drink alcohol while taking Escitalopram? It is not a good idea to combine alcohol with Escitalopram because there are serious risks involved. The patient should limit the alcoholic drinks they consume while taking this drug.
Prozac is one of the most common drugs used to treat depression. It is the brand name for Fluoxetine which is often compared with Escitalopram. These medications are SSRIs meaning they will use the same mechanisms to help treat depression. One of the main differences between the two is the versatility of the drugs. In particular, Lexapro or Escitalopram has limited uses. It is only prescribed for the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder and depression.
Prozac can be used for other conditions, including major depressive disorder, OCD, bulimia nervosa, and panic disorder. It is also used to treat the depressive symptoms associated with bipolar disorder.
Citalopram and Escitalopram have a lot in common. Escitalopram is an offshoot of Citalopram. It is the S-enantiomer of the first medication. Citalopram and Escitalopram have been approved by the FDA to manage depression. Since these drugs belong to the same class, they work similarly in the brain.
Despite being so similar, some studies have suggested that Escitalopram is more effective in alleviating depression symptoms. It can be difficult to determine which medication is right for each patient. The best way for patients to do that is by consulting with a licensed doctor.
Unlike some SSRIs, Escitalopram offers a flexible dosage regimen. In other words, there are few restrictions when it comes to administering the drug. Patients can safely take the daily dose at any time during the day or at bedtime.
Parents can administer the liquid solution or tablet with or without food.
Escitalopram can be administered in the morning upon waking, before bedtime, or at noon. However, the FDA does not recommend before bedtime doses for patients who struggle to fall asleep. To receive the maximum effect, the daily dose should be administered at the same time every day if at all possible.
Escitalopram does not cause stomach upset, so it can be taken on an empty stomach, with food, or after meals. Patients should follow the directions on the prescription label to a tee to avoid unwanted side effects.
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Escitalopram is approved by the FDA to treat anxiety and depression disorders in children (12 years of age and older) and adults. Adults who excessively worry can also be prescribed the medicine. As a Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor “SSRI,” Escitalopram works by increasing the brain chemical, serotonin. The medicine is available in both liquid and tablet form for children who struggle to swallow pills
