How to use Escitalopram? (Lexapro) - Doctor Explains
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In this video we will
In this video we will cover everything you need to know about Escitalopram, also known as Lexapro. This video is part of a video series on mental health problems. So for more mental health related videos check out this playlist:
Mental Health Problems and Solutions
Generic name: Escitalopram.
Brand names: Lexapro.
Available as a tablet and as drops.
How to use it?
Swallow the tablet completely with half a glass of water.
When using it as drops: add some drops in half a glass of water and drink it. You could also mix it with a sweet and sour drink, such as orange juice or apple juice.
Duration of treatment:
Furthermore if Escitalopram has no effect within 6-16 weeks, it is probably not effective for you. However if it is effective, you should usually keep using it for 6 months up to several years.
When to use it?
Escitalopram is part of a group of drugs called Specific serotonin re-uptake inhibitor (SSRI). It selectively inhibits the serotonin uptake in your brain. Escitalopram can be used to treat several mental health conditions:
- Depressive episode.
- Panic disorder.
- Anxiety Disorders.
What is the correct dosage?
Unfortunately I can’t provide you with guidelines for the correct dosages, as these differ a lot depending on the specific indication, the side effects you experience and the severity of your complaints. Therefore always use the prescribed dose and frequency your doctor gave you.
However the usual dose most doctors prescribing is 5-10mg of escitalopram, which if necessary can be increase up to max. 20 mg per day.
What are the side-effects?
- Very common (10%): headache, nausea and withdrawal symptoms when treatment is discontinued.
- Common (1-10%): altered appetite, anxiety, restlessness, abnormal dreams, decreased libido, insomnia, somnolence, dizziness, tremor, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, excessive sweating, erectile dysfunction, fatigue, fever, and weight gain.
- Uncommon (0.1–1%): agitation, panic attack, confusion, disturbed taste, fast heart rate, nose bleed, rash, itching and weight loss.
- Rare (0.01–0.1%): severe allergic reaction, aggression, hallucinations and slow heart rate.
Safety:
You should be careful to combine Escitalopram with alcohol. As this might increase the dazing effect of this drug.
In addition it is usually safe to drive while using Escitalopram, however it can cause you to become drowsy, sleepy and/or dizzy. If you experiencing any of these side effects then please do not drive.
Furthermore, Escitalopram can have interactions with several drugs. Therefore always discuss this with your treating physician.
Pregnancy and Lactation:
Escitalopram can be dangerous in both cases, however there are some exceptions. Therefore always discuss this with your doctor.
- Disclaimer: this video and the comments are meant purely informational! This is not medical advice! If you are looking for medical advice always contact your own doctor. -
I want to give special thanks to my sponsors on Patreon:
- Sebastian Houwing: Investor
- Roel: Supporter
Literature:
1: Farmacotherapeutisch Kompas. (2020). Escitalopram
2: Apotheek.nl (2020). Escitalopram.
* The images in this video are used for educational purposes only. Most of the images and video material in this video come from https://www.canva.com/.
Music:
1. Verified Picasso, Fish Room
2. Patrick Patrikos, Good Times
3: Patrick Patrikios. Rockville
Follow me on instagram: @HOWTOMEDICATE
Follow me on twitter: @HOWTOMEDICATE
Support me on Patreon: Patreon: howtomedicate
Mental Health Problems and Solutions
Generic name: Escitalopram.
Brand names: Lexapro.
Available as a tablet and as drops.
How to use it?
Swallow the tablet completely with half a glass of water.
When using it as drops: add some drops in half a glass of water and drink it. You could also mix it with a sweet and sour drink, such as orange juice or apple juice.
Duration of treatment:
Furthermore if Escitalopram has no effect within 6-16 weeks, it is probably not effective for you. However if it is effective, you should usually keep using it for 6 months up to several years.
When to use it?
Escitalopram is part of a group of drugs called Specific serotonin re-uptake inhibitor (SSRI). It selectively inhibits the serotonin uptake in your brain. Escitalopram can be used to treat several mental health conditions:
- Depressive episode.
- Panic disorder.
- Anxiety Disorders.
What is the correct dosage?
Unfortunately I can’t provide you with guidelines for the correct dosages, as these differ a lot depending on the specific indication, the side effects you experience and the severity of your complaints. Therefore always use the prescribed dose and frequency your doctor gave you.
However the usual dose most doctors prescribing is 5-10mg of escitalopram, which if necessary can be increase up to max. 20 mg per day.
What are the side-effects?
- Very common (10%): headache, nausea and withdrawal symptoms when treatment is discontinued.
- Common (1-10%): altered appetite, anxiety, restlessness, abnormal dreams, decreased libido, insomnia, somnolence, dizziness, tremor, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, excessive sweating, erectile dysfunction, fatigue, fever, and weight gain.
- Uncommon (0.1–1%): agitation, panic attack, confusion, disturbed taste, fast heart rate, nose bleed, rash, itching and weight loss.
- Rare (0.01–0.1%): severe allergic reaction, aggression, hallucinations and slow heart rate.
Safety:
You should be careful to combine Escitalopram with alcohol. As this might increase the dazing effect of this drug.
In addition it is usually safe to drive while using Escitalopram, however it can cause you to become drowsy, sleepy and/or dizzy. If you experiencing any of these side effects then please do not drive.
Furthermore, Escitalopram can have interactions with several drugs. Therefore always discuss this with your treating physician.
Pregnancy and Lactation:
Escitalopram can be dangerous in both cases, however there are some exceptions. Therefore always discuss this with your doctor.
- Disclaimer: this video and the comments are meant purely informational! This is not medical advice! If you are looking for medical advice always contact your own doctor. -
I want to give special thanks to my sponsors on Patreon:
- Sebastian Houwing: Investor
- Roel: Supporter
Literature:
1: Farmacotherapeutisch Kompas. (2020). Escitalopram
2: Apotheek.nl (2020). Escitalopram.
* The images in this video are used for educational purposes only. Most of the images and video material in this video come from https://www.canva.com/.
Music:
1. Verified Picasso, Fish Room
2. Patrick Patrikos, Good Times
3: Patrick Patrikios. Rockville
Follow me on instagram: @HOWTOMEDICATE
Follow me on twitter: @HOWTOMEDICATE
Support me on Patreon: Patreon: howtomedicate
3 سال پیش
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