How Escitalopram works

Escitalopram is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant. It works by increasing the levels of serotonin, a chemical messenger in the brain. This improves mood and physical symptoms in depression and relieves symptoms of panic and obsessive disorders.

Side Effects

Nausea, Headache, Diarrhoea, Fatigue

Usage

Escitalopram is used in the treatment of depression, anxiety disorder, phobia, post traumatic stress disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How does Escitalopram work?

Escitalopram works by increasing the levels of serotonin, a chemical messenger in the brain. This improves mood and physical symptoms in depression and relieves symptoms of panic and obsessive disorders.

Q. Can I take Escitalopram with coffee?

There is usually no significant effect of taking coffee with Escitalopram but a very high quantity of consumption of coffee may cause restlessness and anxiety.

Q. Is Escitalopram addictive?

No. Escitalopram is not addictive. Its abrupt discontinuation may cause some withdrawal symptoms. But still is not addictive as there is no drug-seeking behaviour and it has no abuse liability.

Q. Why does Escitalopram cause nausea?

Escitalopram increases the activity of serotonin a chemical which is also involved in the vomiting process so makes the person nauseating.

Q. Why does Escitalopram make me tired?

Tiredness is usually associated with depression. Escitalopram can alter the sleep quality and can make the person feel tired most of the time.

Q. Can I use Escitalopram for a migraine?

Escitalopram is not approved for the treatment of a migraine. It is used in the treatment of depression, anxiety disorder, phobia, post-traumatic stress disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Q. Can I use Escitalopram for bipolar disorder?

Escitalopram should not be used for the treatment of bipolar disorder as it can aggravate the problem. Only in few cases, it can be used that too with caution with other drugs if depression is the more persistent feature of person's bipolar illness. But the person should be very regular with drugs prescribed for the mania part also called mood stabilisers.

Q. Does Escitalopram cause hair loss?

There are some case reports of hair loss with the use of Escitalopram. It is very infrequent and it usually stops after the discontinuation of the drug. It can be very distressing for a person, especially for the females. So a person should tell his doctor if he is having hair loss with the use of Escitalopram.

Q. Can I use Escitalopram for sleep problem?

Escitalopram may itself cause sleep disorders. So it is not recommended for the sleep problem.

Q. Can I use Escitalopram for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)?

Escitalopram can be used for the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) but there are better alternatives available, in case they don't work then Escitalopram can be used. Although it is prescribed in a higher dose and for longer duration in case of OCD in comparison to depression.

Q. Which is better medication, Escitalopram or sertraline?

Escitalopram is the safest drug in its class. Sertraline can be used in case Escitalopram doesn't work for depression. However, setraline can be preferred in case of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

Q. Which is better medication, Escitalopram or citalopram?

Escitalopram is more effective than citalopram for major depression. Although some studies have shown that there is no difference among two in case of effectiveness but some recent studies have shown Escitalopram to be superior to citalopram for major depression.

Q. Can I take Escitalopram with diphenhydramine?

It is better to avoid diphenhydramine with Escitalopram. Diphenhydramine can aggravate side effects of Escitalopram and can cause dizziness, confusion and difficulty in concentrating.

Q. Can I take Escitalopram with aspirin?

It is usually avoided as it can increase the chances of bleeding.

Q. Can I take Escitalopram with Ibuprofen?

No. Combined these two drugs may increase the chances of bleeding especially in persons already on a blood thinner. Nasal bleeding is usually the first symptom.

Q. Can I take Escitalopram with methylphenidate?

It is better to avoid methylphenidate with Escitalopram. Because methylphenidate can increase the blood levels of Escitalopram and its effects and rarely can cause a serious condition called serotonin syndrome with symptoms like anxiety, restlessness, extreme changes in heart rate and blood pressure, blurred vision, incoordination, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea.

Q. Can Escitalopram be given with lisdexamfetamine?

It is better to avoid this combined therapy of lisdexamfetamine with Escitalopram, it leads to increased anxiety, restlessness and sometimes serotonin syndrome. Serotonin syndrome includes vomiting, diarrhoea, extreme changes in blood pressure and even seizure may occur. It can be life-threatening.

Q. Can I take Escitalopram with alprazolam?

It is better to avoid the combination, it can lead to increased dizziness, confusion and difficulty in concentrating. Please consult your doctor before taking these two medicines together.

Q. Can I take Escitalopram with clonazepam?

It is better to avoid the combination, it can lead to increased dizziness, confusion and difficulty in concentrating. Please consult your doctor before taking these two medicines together.

Q. Can Escitalopram be used with hydrocodone?

It is better to avoid the combination, it can lead to increased dizziness, confusion and difficulty in concentrating. Please consult your doctor before taking these two medicines together.

Q. Can I take Escitalopram with dextromethorphan?

You should not take Dextromethorphan with Escitalopram. It can lead to the seotonin syndrome. Before taking any medications with Escitalopram, your should consult with your doctor.

Q. Can I take Escitalopram and paracetamol?

Yes. There is no known interaction between Escitalopram and paracetamol.

Q. How does Escitalopram differ from fluoxetine?

Escitalopram and fluoxetin belongs to same class of medicine called as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI).

Q. How doses Escitalopram differ from amitriptyline?

Escitalopram is a newer drug belongs to class selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) while amitryptiline is an older drug belonging to class tricyclic antidepressants (TCA). Both drugs are almost equally effective for treating depression but Escitalopram has much lesser side effects in comparison to amitryptiline and so preferred over amitryptiline for the treatment of depression.

Q. How does Escitalopram differ from imipramine?

Escitalopram is much safer than imipramine and is preferred in most of the conditions over imipramine. However, imipramine can be preferred in bed-wetting in children.

Q. What would happen if I stop taking Escitalopram?

You may experience withdrawal symptoms which can be in the form flu like symptoms, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, nausea or sleep problems. These symptoms usually last for one to two weeks. Do not stop taking this medicine without consulting your doctor.

Q. When and How to stop Escitalopram?

You should consult your doctor before stopping the treatment. It would depend on the number and severity of depressive episodes.The dose should be tapered slowly to prevent intense withdrawal symptoms.

Q. Is Escitalopram a benzodiazepine?

No. Escitalopram is not a benzodiazepine. Benzodiazepines decrease the anxiety and induce sleep. Escitalopram belongs to the class of selective sertonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It may cause insomnia and restlessness initially as the side effect which usually goes away with time.

Q. Is Escitalopram a narcotic?

No. Escitalopram is not a narcotic drug. Narcotics are drugs with sleep inducing properties, usual derivatives of Opium like Heroin and Morphine.