Overview of escitalopram side effects
Escitalopram is a medication prescribed to treat major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder. It belongs to a class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which are designed to increase levels of serotonin in the brain. While escitalopram can be effective in treating many mental health conditions, it can also cause some side effects. This article will review what potential side effects can happen and how to manage them if they occur.
What is escitalopram?
This prescription drug is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) used to treat major depressive disorder (MDD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It is a medication that works by increasing the amount of serotonin in the brain, which helps improve mood and reduce anxiety. Common side effects of escitalopram include nausea, insomnia, dry mouth, and drowsiness.
Common side effects
The most common side effects of escitalopram include nausea, insomnia, dry mouth, drowsiness, dizziness, fatigue, and headache. Other mild side effects may include weight gain, decreased libido, and difficulty concentrating. These side effects are usually mild and tend to decrease over time with continued use of the medication. If you find these side effects continue to be bothersome after 3-4 weeks of using escitalopram, talk to your doctor.
Severe side effects
Though rare, some people may experience more severe side effects when taking escitalopram. These include an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in the first few weeks of starting escitalopram, feeling restless or agitated, and serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition caused by an increase in serotonin levels in the brain. Serotonin syndrome may cause seizures, fast heart rate, increased blood pressure, and muscle rigidity. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention right away.
Long-term side effects
Escitalopram can also cause long-term side effects, such as increased risk of bone fractures, sexual dysfunction, and weight gain. Some people have reported antidepressant “poop out” or “breakthrough depression” after taking medications like escitalopram for a long time. However, only a minority of people experience this.
Signs and symptoms of escitalopram side effects
Side effects of escitalopram can vary from person to person and can include both physical and emotional symptoms. It’s important to be aware of these signs and symptoms so that you can seek help if needed.
Behavioral symptoms
Behavioral symptoms of escitalopram side effects can include irritability, agitation, and restlessness especially in the first few weeks of starting the medication. Rarely, these symptoms can make some people feel like they want to hurt themselves. If this happens at any time, go to the nearest emergency department right away.
Physical symptoms
Physical symptoms of escitalopram side effects may include nausea, dry mouth, constipation, insomnia, blurred vision, and fatigue. You may also experience an increase in sweating, tremors, headaches, and muscle aches.
Cognitive symptoms
Cognitive symptoms can also be caused by taking escitalopram and may include difficulty concentrating, memory problems, and impaired problem-solving skills. You may also experience a decrease in coordination and balance. These are rare side effects, and it would be a good idea to contact your doctor if they occur.
Risk factors for developing escitalopram side effects
There are certain risk factors that may increase your chances of developing escitalopram side effects. These include age, dose, and co-occurring medical conditions.
Dose-dependent side effects
The higher the dose of escitalopram you take, the more likely you are to experience side effects. It’s important to talk to your doctor about the right dose for you and to not increase your dose without consulting with them first.
Age-related side effects
Older people are at an increased risk of experiencing escitalopram side effects due to age-related changes in the body. It’s important to talk to your doctor about the right dose for you if you are older, especially if you are over 65.
Co-occurring medical conditions
If you have any co-occurring medical conditions such as diabetes or heart disease, you may be at an increased risk of experiencing side effects from escitalopram. It’s important to talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits before taking the medication.
Managing escitalopram side effects
The best way to manage escitalopram side effects is to talk to your doctor about any concerns you may have. There are some self-care strategies, medication adjustments, and therapeutic interventions available to help manage the side effects.
Self-care strategies
Self-care strategies for managing escitalopram side effects include getting enough rest, maintaining a healthy diet, and moderating alcohol and caffeine intake. Exercise may also help to reduce the side effects, as well as talking to a therapist or counselor.
Medication adjustments
If you are experiencing side effects from escitalopram, your doctor may recommend that you adjust your dose or switch to a different medication. It’s important to talk to your doctor before making any changes to your medication.
Therapeutic interventions
If self-care strategies and medication adjustments aren’t sufficient in managing your escitalopram side effects, your doctor may recommend therapeutic interventions. These can include cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychotherapy, or other forms of psychosocial treatments.
When to seek help for escitalopram side effects
It’s important to recognize the signs and symptoms of escitalopram side effects and contact your doctor or healthcare provider if needed. There are certain times when it’s important to seek help sooner rather than later.
When to see a doctor
If you are experiencing mild to moderate side effects, it’s important to contact your doctor to discuss your symptoms and develop a plan to manage them.
When to Seek emergency care
Seek emergency care if you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, or symptoms associated with serotonin syndrome. It’s important to get medical help right away if you are experiencing any of these symptoms.
