Escitalopram is a medication approved in Canada for treating depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) . It is a type of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and works by increasing serotonin levels in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter associated with mood regulation, and an imbalance of serotonin is thought to be a contributing factor to anxiety and depression. This article will explain how escitalopram works, typical dosages, how side effects are managed, how it is used, and what the scientific evidence shows regarding its effectiveness.
What is escitalopram?
Escitalopram is a medication used to treat the symptoms of anxiety and depression. It is a type of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and works by increasing serotonin levels in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter associated with mood regulation, and an imbalance of serotonin is thought to be a contributing factor to anxiety and depression. By increasing serotonin levels, escitalopram helps to reduce feelings of anxiety and depression.
Definition of escitalopram
Esopram is a type of antidepressant medication used to treat the symptoms of anxiety and depression. It is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI).
Uses of escitalopram
Escitalopram is used to treat the symptoms of anxiety and depression. Doctors have also used it to treat a variety of other mental health conditions such as panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), and social anxiety disorder.
Benefits of escitalopram
Escitalopram is an effective medication that helps many people suffering from anxiety or depression. Depending on your symptoms, escitalopram can provide any of these benefits:
- More energy
- Better sleep
- A more normal appetite (not too low or too excessive)
- Better mood
- Finding more pleasure in life
- Less time spent worrying or obsessing
- Fewer or less severe panic attack episodes
It usually takes about 2 weeks to start seeing benefits from escitalopram, and up to 4-6 weeks to see the full benefit of the medication.
Risks of escitalopram
As with all medications, there are potential side effects and risks associated with taking escitalopram. Before you start the medication and at any time during treatment, talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you are concerned about these. They can provide the most personalized recommendation for you.
Some possible side effects of escitalopram include:
- Decreased libido or interest in sex
- Easy bruising or bleeding
- Nausea
- Dry mouth
- Trouble sleeping
- Drowsiness or tiredness
- Constipation
- Increased sweating
Rarely, starting escitalopram can make some people feel agitated and restless which might lead them to hurt themselves. If you feel like you could hurt yourself or another person at any time, seek medical attention right away.
What are typical dosages of escitalopram?
Escitalopram is available in tablets, capsules, or oral suspension form. The typical dose range is 5 to 20 mg per day, but varies from person to person depending on their medical history, age, other medications, and response to medications previously. Abruptly stopping or decreasing escitalopram too quickly can lead to withdrawal symptoms such as a flu-like syndrome, headache, low blood pressure, and fatigue. Check with your doctor first before making any adjustment to your escitalopram dosage.
How is escitalopram used?
Esopram is available in tablet, capsule, or oral suspension form to be taken by mouth. It is important to follow your doctor’s instructions for taking escitalopram and to never change the dosage without consulting your doctor.
Dosage and frequency
The dosage and frequency of escitalopram varies from person to person. The usual initial dose is 5-10 mg daily, and the maintenance dose is typically 20 mg daily. It is important to follow your doctor’s instructions, however, and never change the dosage without consulting your doctor.
Common side effects
Common side effects associated with escitalopram include nausea, constipation, headache, drowsiness, dizziness, insomnia, and dry mouth. These side effects are usually mild and go away by themselves in 1-2 weeks.
Serious side effects
Serious side effects associated with escitalopram include increased risk of bleeding, sexual side effects, seizures, increased heart rate, increased blood pressure, and withdrawal symptoms if stopped too abruptly. It is important to speak to a doctor immediately if you experience any serious side effects.
Rarely, starting escitalopram can make some people feel agitated and restless which might lead them to hurt themselves. If you feel like you could hurt yourself or another person at any time, seek medical attention right away.
How is escitalopram used?
Escitalopram is a medication most commonly used for treating anxiety and depression. It is an oral medication that is taken once daily at a consistent time each day.
Conditions treatable with escitalopram
Esopram is commonly used to treat the symptoms of anxiety or depression. Doctors have also prescribed it to treat a variety of mental health conditions such as panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), and social anxiety disorder.
Frequency of use
The dosage and frequency of escitalopram varies from person and person, depending on their medical history, age and other factors. The usual initial dose of escitalopram is 5-10 mg daily, and the usual maintenance dose is 20 mg daily. It is important to follow your doctor’s instructions and to never change the dosage without consulting your doctor.
Tips for taking escitalopram
Take escitalopram regularly and at the same time each day. Medication affects everyone differently and escitalopram is no different. Escitalopram makes some people drowsy and causes insomnia in others. Depending on how it affects you, you may choose to take it early or late in the day. Whichever time works best for you, stick with it and be consistent every day.
What is the scientific evidence for escitalopram’s effectiveness?
Escitalopram is well studied for treating symptoms of depression and anxiety and found to be more effective than placebo1. Studies have also been conducted to compare escitalopram against other antidepressant medications. In these studies, escitalopram was also found to be effective at reducing symptoms of depression2.
Clinical trials
Escitalopram has been well studied in a number of clinical studies. A meta-analysis of 16 randomized controlled trials involving 4549 patients found that most patients with depression had a decrease in symptom scores3.
Research Studies
Research has also been conducted on how escitalopram compares to other medication treatments for anxiety disorders. In a meta-analysis looking at 9 different medications for anxiety treatment, escitalopram was found to be first in maintaining remission compared to others4.
Reviews and Recommendations
To better understand the scientific evidence for escitalopram, we can also look at clinical guidelines. Clinical guidelines summarize the scientific literature for healthcare professionals and provide recommendations. The Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Treatment (CANMAT) published clinical guidelines in 2016, which recommended that doctors should consider escitalopram as a first-line medication for treating depression5.
Escitalopram is also considered a first line medication for generalized anxiety, social anxiety, and panic disorder in Canadian guidelines6.
Is escitalopram right for you?
The best way to see if escitalopram is right for you is to start with a discussion with your doctor. Sometimes, people with depression or anxiety try a few different medications before finding one that is right for them. Be patient and don’t be discouraged. Follow up with your doctor regularly.
Consulting your doctor
If you think you may be suffering from anxiety or depression, the first step to getting help is to consult your doctor. Discuss how you feel, how it’s affecting your life, your general health, any other medications, and what you’ve tried previously. Your doctor can help you understand if escitalopram is a good treatment option for you.
Discussing alternatives
There are various medication and non-medication treatment options to treat anxiety or depression. Talk to your doctor about what options are available to you, and which treatments are likely to work best for you. Often, combining medication with therapy and healthy lifestyle changes will work best at helping you feel mentally well.
Weighing Benefits and Risks
It is important to weigh the benefits and risks of escitalopram before starting treatment. Esopram is generally considered safe and effective, but there are potential risks associated with its use. These include increased risk of suicide, increased risk of bleeding, drug interactions, and withdrawal symptoms if stopped too abruptly. It is important to speak to a doctor before starting escitalopram in order to ensure that it is the right medication for you.
In conclusion, escitalopram is a medication treatment for symptoms of anxiety or depression. It can help you have a better mood, feel less anxious, have better sleep and appetite, and relieve other symptoms related to depression or anxiety. If you are using escitalopram, follow up regularly with your doctor and pharmacist. They will help you monitor if the medication is working well for you and if you are using it safely.
1Waugh J, Goa KL. Escitalopram : a review of its use in the management of major depressive and anxiety disorders. CNS Drugs. 2003;17(5):343-62. doi: 10.2165/00023210-200317050-00004. PMID: 12665392.
2Cipriani A, Furukawa TA, Salanti G, Chaimani A, Atkinson LZ, Ogawa Y, Leucht S, Ruhe HG, Turner EH, Higgins JPT, Egger M, Takeshima N, Hayasaka Y, Imai H, Shinohara K, Tajika A, Ioannidis JPA, Geddes JR. Comparative efficacy and acceptability of 21 antidepressant drugs for the acute treatment of adults with major depressive disorder: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. Lancet. 2018 Apr 7;391(10128):1357-1366. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(17)32802-7. Epub 2018 Feb 21. PMID: 29477251; PMCID: PMC5889788.
3 Kennedy SH, Andersen HF, Thase ME. Escitalopram in the treatment of major depressive disorder: a meta-analysis. Curr Med Res Opin. 2009 Jan;25(1):161-75. doi: 10.1185/03007990802622726. PMID: 19210149.
4Baldwin D, Woods R, Lawson R, Taylor D. Efficacy of drug treatments for generalised anxiety disorder: systematic review and meta-analysis BMJ 2011; 342 :d1199 doi:10.1136/bmj.d1199
5Kennedy SH, Lam RW, McIntyre RS, Tourjman SV, Bhat V, Blier P, Hasnain M, Jollant F, Levitt AJ, MacQueen GM, McInerney SJ, McIntosh D, Milev RV, Müller DJ, Parikh SV, Pearson NL, Ravindran AV, Uher R; CANMAT Depression Work Group. Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Treatments (CANMAT) 2016 Clinical Guidelines for the Management of Adults with Major Depressive Disorder: Section 3. Pharmacological Treatments. Can J Psychiatry. 2016 Sep;61(9):540-60. doi: 10.1177/0706743716659417. Epub 2016 Aug 2. Erratum in: Can J Psychiatry. 2017 May;62(5):356. PMID: 27486148; PMCID: PMC4994790.
6 Katzman, M.A., Bleau, P., Blier, P., Chokka, P., Kjernisted, K., Van Ameringen, M. Walker, J.R. (2014). Canadian clinical practice guidelines for the management of anxiety, post-traumatic stress, and obsessive-compulsive disorders. BMC Psychiatry, 14 (Suppl. 1), 51.
