When you’re feeling depressed or anxious, it can feel like the world is closing in on you. These are both challenging mental health conditions that can be hard to manage, at least initially. Luckily, there are different types of medication available to help ease symptoms of anxiety and depression, as well as other mental health conditions.
Together they’re known as SSRI’s (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), which are a type of drug that primarily functions by keeping more serotonin in your brain for longer periods of time after each dose so that you have lower levels of serotonin throughout the rest of your day. Escitalopram has been shown to be one of the most effective ways to treat both mild and severe cases of depression and anxiety; here’s why:
What is Escitalopram?
Escitalopram hydrobromide is a type of medication known as an SSRI (Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor). It is used to treat symptoms of depression and anxiety. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor. Escitalopram is part of a class of medications known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). SSRIs are a type of medication that is typically used for treating depression and anxiety.
How does Escitalopram Help with Depression & Anxiety?
To understand how escitalopram helps with depression and anxiety, we first have to understand how the brain works. The brain is made up of a network of billions of cells called neurons. These neurons send and receive chemical signals to one another through tiny gaps called synapses. When you experience something in life, your neurons will release serotonin, which travels across your synapses and gets absorbed by other neurons.
This serotonin is one of the main chemicals that is responsible for making you feel happy, relaxed, and positive. In most people, serotonin goes back into their own neurons after a few minutes, like a traffic jam where there’s too much traffic to move through the intersection.
This is referred to as serotonin reuptake. When you have low serotonin levels, it can contribute to depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. Escitalopram helps with depression and anxiety by preventing too much serotonin from being reabsorbed after it gets released. This means that more serotonin stays in your brain for longer amounts of time, which results in lower serotonin levels throughout the rest of your day.
- Headaches, nausea, and insomnia are the most common side effects of taking escitalopram.
- You may experience sexual side effects, such as reduced libido, difficulty reaching orgasm, and ejaculation disorder.
- Some people experience changes in their appetite and weight, and some people gain weight.
- You may also experience dizziness, difficulty urinating, and rare but serious side effects include seizures and serotonin syndrome.
- If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, you should talk to your doctor before taking this medication.
When Should You Not Take Escitalopram?
You should talk to your doctor before taking this medication if you have or have ever had bipolar disorder, seizure disorder, a heart rhythm disorder, an eating disorder, liver or kidney disease, or have ever had a stroke.
If you have or have ever had a substance abuse problem, you should avoid taking this medication.
Final Words: Is Escitalopram Right for You?
If you’re experiencing symptoms of depression or anxiety and you want to be proactive about getting help, you should discuss your options with your doctor. If you decide to start taking escitalopram, you should be aware of the benefits and drawbacks of this medication. You also need to be diligent about remembering to take your medication as prescribed. In many cases, taking escitalopram is the first step to thriving with depression and anxiety. It can be a challenging process, but with dedication and self-care, you can get the help you need.