Escitalopram – Side effects
- Nov 29, 2022
- 4 min read
Anxiety treatment with Escitalopram? Facts you should know!
Escitalopram is one of the most widely used drugs in the world, which aims to help treat depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It helps many people to improve their quality of life, contributes to the improvement of their social and family life, and helps to improve their conduct at work. At the same time, it is important to know the side effects of escitalopram.
About escitalopram in brief
Escitalopram is a drug from the SSRI family (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors). Our brain contains a natural substance called serotonin. Studies have found that there is a connection between the disruption of serotonin levels in the brain, and anxiety and depression. The purpose of escitalopram is to increase the level of serotonin and thus treat depression, prolonged stress and worry, general anxiety, social anxiety, panic attacks, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
Advantages of Escitalopram
Escitalopram is considered the most effective drug among the drugs of the SSRI family. It has the highest sensitivity to inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin, so it is very helpful in the treatment of depression and anxiety. In addition, when compared to other SSRI drugs, escitalopram causes fewer side effects and less frequently. Another advantage is that even in high doses it is not lethal, so it is not possible to commit a suicidal act with it.
Disadvantages of Escitalopram
Escitalopram is not suitable for everyone. You should consult your doctor if you suffer from an allergy to the SSRI drug family, epilepsy, heart problems, diabetes, glaucoma, and liver disease. In addition to this, people taking other antidepressants, pregnant women, women trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding - all of these must consult with the doctor before using this medicine. Another disadvantage of the drug is that it can cause various side effects.
The side effects of Escitalopram
Escitalopram may cause side effects that vary from patient to patient. Common side effects include fatigue during the day, increased sweating, sleep disturbances, nausea, diarrhea, changes in appetite, dry mouth, sexual dysfunction, and constipation. There are rare side effects such as bleeding from a wound or nose that does not go away in a short time, fainting, epileptic seizures, muscle spasms, high fever over 38 degrees, and suicidal thoughts.
Natural Supplements for Anxiety- Natural substitutes for Escitalopram
Due to the many side effects that escitalopram can cause, you should know that there are other natural substitutes for escitalopram, and for other psychiatric drugs, such as the new dietary supplement DAILY SMILE. These substitutes can help reduce and treat anxiety, treat OCD, depression, and improve mood - it is important to emphasize that this supplement does not have any side effects.
The advantage of herbs for calming anxiety
Since ancient times medicinal plants have been used to cure mental conditions. There is a variety of herbs that help treat depression, such as Hypericum. This plant increases the activity of the MAO enzyme and thus increases the level of serotonin and reduces depression. Herbs that are known to help relieve anxiety are saffron, Rhodiola, velvet bean, and Withania. These plants do not cause side effects and therefore may be a natural substitute for escitalopram.
More alternatives to Escitalopram
Psychological Treatments
Psychological treatments can help a person cope better with depression and/or anxiety. There are different types of psychological treatments, such as psychotherapy or cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Psychotherapy treatment is a long-term treatment in which the therapist and the patient examine the source of the depression or anxiety the patient suffers from, and whether he faced a conflict and some experience in the past that led him to mental harm. CBT treatment, on the other hand, is a short-term treatment. Its purpose is to change negative thinking patterns and certain behaviors in order to reduce the symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Exercise
Studies have found that exercise helps reduce depression and anxiety. When we engage in physical activity, our body secretes substances such as serotonin and endorphins that contribute to improving mood and induce calmness. Therefore, it is highly recommended to regularly engage in physical activity that you enjoy.
Good nutrition
The food we eat has an impact not only on our physical health but also on our mental health. Studies have found that foods rich in omega-3 such as salmon and mackerel, eating fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins, olive oil, nuts, and low-fat dairy products help reduce depression and anxiety. So instead of a menu that includes junk food and products high in fat and sugar, make sure you have a proper diet.
Meditation
Meditation is known for its calming effect on our minds, and this is also proven in research. Studies have found that practicing meditation and mindfulness has an effect on lowering levels of depression and anxiety. In addition, according to other studies, combining CBT treatment with meditation helps prevent the recurrence of depressive episodes at a level of effectiveness of antidepressants.
In conclusion
Escitalopram is a popular drug for treating depression and anxiety, but it is not suitable for everyone and can cause side effects. You should carefully check the side effects of the drug and consider using natural substitutes that do not cause side effects and can help reduce depression and anxiety.
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