Escitalopram: Understanding the Medication

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What is escitalopram used for?

Escitalopram is a type of antidepressant known as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It's often used to treat depression and is sometimes used for anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) or panic attacks. Escitalopram helps many people recover from depression and has fewer side effects than older antidepressants.

How does escitalopram affect the brain?

It affects chemicals in the brain that may be unbalanced in people with depression or anxiety. Escitalopram is used to treat major depressive disorder in adults and adolescents at least 12 years old. Escitalopram is also used to treat anxiety in adults.

Does escitalopram treat generalized anxiety disorder?

Escitalopram appears to be effective in treating generalized anxiety disorder, with relapse on escitalopram at 20% rather than placebo at 50%, which translates to a number needed to treat of 3.33. Escitalopram appears effective in treating social anxiety disorder as well.

Is escitalopram a SSRI?

Escitalopram is one of a group of antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs. These medicines are thought to work by increasing the levels of a mood-enhancing chemical called serotonin in the brain. When will I feel better?

How does escitalopram work?

Escitalopram is in a class of antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It works by increasing the amount of serotonin, a natural substance in the brain that helps maintain mental balance. How should this medicine be used? Escitalopram comes as a tablet and a solution (liquid) to take by mouth.

What are the side effects of escitalopram?

Escitalopram is mainly used to treat major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder. It is taken by mouth, available commercially as an oxalate salt exclusively. Common side effects include trouble sleeping, nausea, sexual problems, and feeling tired.

What Is Escitalopram

1. https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/escitalopram/about-escitalopram/
2. https://www.drugs.com/escitalopram.html
3. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Escitalopram
4. https://bnf.nice.org.uk/drugs/escitalopram/
5. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a603005.html
6. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/escitalopram-oral-route/description/drg-20063707
7. https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/drugs-and-treatments/antidepressants-a-z/escitalopram/

Escitalopram Information

1. https://patient.info/medicine/escitalopram-for-mood-and-anxiety-disorders-cipralex