Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are the most widely used antidepressant drugs. In this article we will describe Therapeutic uses and side effects of escitaloprama very popular SSRI that is especially effective in treating depression and various anxiety disorders due to its precise pharmacological activity.
Escitalopram is an antidepressant drug in the class of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Other widely used medications in this group are sertraline, paroxetine, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine and citalopram, an antecedent of escitalopram very similar to this one
This psychotropic drug was created between 1997 and 2001 by the pharmaceutical companies H. Lundbeck A/S and Forest Laboratories, which had previous experience in the production of citalopram. Currently it is one of the most used SSRIs.
It is marketed under different names in many countries around the world. Some of the best known are Cipralex, Lexapro, Esertia, Meridian, Ipran and Heipram ; A large number of brands include the term “Escitalopram” in the product name.
Unlike other SSRIs, escitalopram exerts its effect highly selectively on serotonin receptors; This means that its interaction with other neurotransmitter receptors is limited. For this reason, some authors attribute it to be more effective than other SSRIs in the treatment of severe depression.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
SSRIs are the most frequently prescribed group of antidepressants. Its effectiveness in treating symptoms of depression and anxiety It is attributed to its agonism of different monoamines (a very relevant type of neurotransmitter): serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine.
The mechanism of action of SSRIs is not exactly known, although it is known that their effects are associated with blocking serotonin reuptake, as their name indicates. These drugs increase the availability of serotonin in the synaptic space by limiting its reabsorption by postsynaptic receptors.
Medications in this class are primarily used to treat symptoms of depression, although many of them have also been shown to be effective in managing anxiety disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder or obsessive-compulsive disorder. Fluoxetine is also prescribed in some cases of bulimia nervosa.
What is it for?
Like other SSRIs, escitalopram has been shown to be effective in treating multiple symptoms related to anxiety and depression, although its use for the same disorders is not approved in all countries.
Let’s see what they are the most common therapeutic uses of escitalopram
1. Major depressive disorder
Various scientific investigations have demonstrated the effectiveness of escitalopram in the treatment of major depressive disorder. Some of the additional uses of this drug are associated with alterations biologically related to depression particularly generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and bulimia nervosa.
2. Generalized anxiety disorder
The therapeutic effects of escitalopram in cases of generalized anxiety disorder are significant and rapid; Clear improvements are detected in the condition of the majority of patients approximately two months after starting treatment.
3. Panic disorder
Panic disorder is characterized by appearance of panic attacks, during which symptoms such as tachycardia, breathing difficulties and fear of dying arise. It may or may not be accompanied by agoraphobia.
In social phobia they appear symptoms of anxiety and avoidance associated with social interaction In addition to antidepressants, anxiolytics, particularly beta blockers and benzodiazepines, are sometimes prescribed.
5. Obsessive-compulsive disorder
Escitalopram and some other SSRIs are also frequently used for the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder or OCD, which is diagnosed when anxiety-provoking obsessive thoughts and behavioral rituals intended to reduce distress are present.
Escitalopram Side Effects
The most common side effects of escitalopram consumption are headache, nausea, diarrhea and insomnia Other less common ones include the appearance of anxiety, dizziness, fatigue, drowsiness, sweating, dry mouth, constipation, heartburn and stomach gas.
It is also relatively common to develop sexual dysfunctions as a consequence of treatments with escitalopram and other SSRIs especially decreased desire, genital anesthesia, arousal disorders, ejaculatory delay and anorgasmia.
Serious adverse reactions that can occur with taking escitalopram, although they are rare, include seizures, breathing difficulties, heart rhythm disturbances, and swelling of the face, hands, and ankles.
Precautions and contraindications
Special caution must be taken when prescribing escitalopram if the person has heart, respiratory, liver or kidney disorders relevant, as well as if you have suffered manic episodes or epileptic seizures.
Hostile behavior and suicide attempts associated with escitalopram appear in children and adolescents with a higher frequency than that which has been detected in adults; However, in older people it is also possible for these reactions to occur, which are usually detectable by monitoring the effects of the treatment during the first weeks.
Given that there is a certain risk of drug tolerance and dependence, abrupt cessation of consumption can cause serotonin syndrome characteristic of SSRIs. In this case, the most common symptoms are the appearance of depressive reactions, irritability, feelings of dizziness and akathisia.
Its potential for negative interaction with other substances is low compared to that of other SSRIs, particularly paroxetine. It is advisable to avoid taking escitalopram and antidepressants from the monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) class due to the increased risk of developing serotonin syndrome.
