Major depression, generalized anxiety, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder . . . Many of these psychological conditions, so common, but also so devastating for those with them, are treated with escitalopram, a substance that is one of the most prescribed antidepressants. remedies, which is part of Serotonin reuptake inhibitors.
Escitalopram is now marketed under several well-known names such as Cipralex, Lexapro, Ezentius, Ipran or Neuroipran, in this way, anyone who has gone through the disorder or is currently having a time in their life characterized by a major depression will surely have heard the name of this active ingredient so widely marketed.
- If this is the case.
- It is because its mechanism of action is particularly effective compared to other remedies.
- How to talk about its predecessor.
- Citalopram.
- Or even fluoxetine ?.
- The famous Prozac.
We are faced with one of the most prescribed psychotropics to treat mood disorders, and after its arrival on the market in 2011 through the laboratories of Lundbeck and Forest, many hopes were placed there by a very clear factor: escitalopram is a fast-acting antidepressant. Its effect is earlier than that of other drugs of the same type. Let’s look at more data below.
Here in our space we have already had the opportunity to talk about Serotonin. This substance has the exceptional ability to behave as a hormone in the blood and as a neurotransmitter in the brain. Thus, one of its main objectives is to regulate our mood: can it generate well-being, motivation, increase our energy, optimism?and essentially all the capabilities that define the human being and that allow us to function, connect, create?act in the world.
In mood disorders, such as depression or panic disorder, one can talk about a lack of this neurotransmitter, so, as we know, in clinical practice it is very common for psychologists to use this drug treatment so that the patient can recover neurochemistry. balance of the brain.
Escitalopram does so, and it does so through its mechanism of action: it blocks the reuptake of serotonin, that is, prevents it from reabsorbing into the post-osinaptic receptors of neurons and therefore causes an increase in their concentration in intersynaptic spaces. .
This property of promoting the arrangement of a greater and adequate amount of this neurotransmitter to our brain is shared with many other remedies, including fluoxetine, but then what distinguishes scitalopram from the rest?Why is this psychiatric medication one of the most prescribed?Let’s see below.
It should be noted that for a time it was said that there was a reason why escitalopram became a prescription drug. For many, the reason was the marketing campaigns that companies conducted to convince mental health professionals to prescribe this drug.
However, clinical studies are there and very conclusive, all point out one thing: the clinical advantage of this psychotropic drug over other selective serotonin or SSRS reuptake inhibitors is already well demonstrated.
The profile of the side effects of escitalopram is very similar to that of other SSRS in your family, they are quite tolerable in general and will undoubtedly depend on the duration of the treatment itself, given this and speaking of general parameters, the most common pathologies would be:
Sexual dysfunction is one of the most serious effects that can occur, however, it should be noted that this characteristic is reversible once treatment is complete, it is still advisable to warn the patient.
To be clear, these remedies can only be prescribed by professionals, we should also avoid associating them with other medications, such as antidepressants of the monoamine oxidase inhibitor class (MAOI).
In addition, it is important to make sure that the patient does not have other kidney or liver problems, in these cases it is best to opt for other drug options, pregnant women and the elderly are two other population groups in which the prescribed dose should be administered. Lower.
Always rely on the professional’s prescription, and let’s not forget that medications are never the only answer when it comes to treating a mental disorder, they are, although very important, part of a multifaceted and personalized approach, which should always be patient sensitive.