Does Escitalopram Help With Social Anxiety? (5 Studies)

By Ivan Kahwa

Page last updated: 02/01/2024 | Next review date: 02/01/2026

Author bio

Mr Ivan Kahwa is a chemist and phytopharmaceutical scientist with expertise in chemistry, pharmacology, phytochemistry, and Nanobiotechnology. He writes and reviews content on these topics.

Mr Ivan Kahwa’s Highlights:

Guest Researcher at the University of Leipzig, Senior Research Fellow/Scientist, and Lecturer at the Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.

Professional Experience:

Mr Ivan joined PHARMBIOTRAC as a research fellow/scientist during his master of science tenure. He contributed to the development of most of the phytopharmaceutical products in the project. Furthermore, he participated in carrying out the pharmacological activities of the developed products in laboratory animals such as mice and rats in order to develop proper doses hence leading to pre-clinical studies.

With the above relevant research experience, Ivan started to work with the University of Leipzig on collaborative projects with Mbarara University to develop the chemistry of Ugandan Medicinal plants and their pharmacological activities. This was coupled with several consultative positions by different German NGOs. Mr. Kahwa is also a supporting in the teaching and learning at the Departments of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.

With the increase in antimicrobial resistance globally, Ivan retooled his thinking towards developing new naturally derived antibiotic regimens from Ugandan propolis with the assistance of nanotechnology to improve their delivery to microbial cells. Kahwa has also published over 28 articles in peer-reviewed journals and he is currently reviewing for many journals.

Education:

2023-2027: PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences (ongoing) with a focus on Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Nanobiology at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.

2022: 2Msc. in Pharmacognosy and Natural Medicine Science at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.

2018: Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.

Publications:

▪ Iqbal, S., Jabeen, F., Kahwa, I., & Omara, T. 2023. Suberosin Alleviates Thiazolidinedione-Induced Cardiomyopathy in Diabetic Rats by Inhibiting Ferroptosis via Modulation of ACSL4-LPCAT3 and PI3K-AKT Signaling Pathways. Cardiovascular Toxicology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12012-023-09804-7

▪ Gupta, A. K., Yadav, R., Sharma, S., Sawale, J., & Kahwa, I. 2023. Anti-ageing Activity and Antioxidant Activity of Methanol Extracts of Leaves and Flowers of Salvia officinalis and Rosmarinus officinalis. Journal of Young Pharmacists, 15(3), 448–455. https://doi.org/10.5530/jyp.2023.15.60

▪ Tolo, C.U., Kahwa, I., Nuwagira, U., Weisheit, A. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Medicinal plants used in treatment of various diseases in the Rwenzori Region, Western Uganda. Ethnobotany Research and Applications, 25, pp.1-16.

https://ethnobotanyjournal.org/index.php/era/article/view/4683

▪ Kahwa, I., Ajayi, C.O., Yadav, R., Chauhan, N.S., Shah, K., Abdelgadir, A.A., Shegena, E.A., Daniel, S., Omara, T., Asiimwe, J.B. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Pharmacognostic and phytochemical studies as an invaluable approach for correct identification of medicinal plants: The case of Artemisia vulgaris L. substituted for Artemisia annua L. in Western Uganda. TMR Integr Med, 7, p.e23004.

https://doi.org/10.53388/TMRIM202307004

▪ Nalimu, F., Oloro, J., Kahwa, I. and Ogwang, P.E., 2021. Review on the phytochemistry and toxicological profiles of Aloe vera and Aloe ferox. Future Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 7, pp.1-21.

https://doi.org/10.1186/s43094-021-00296-2

▪ Elamin, O.H.S., Ali, M.A., Elgezuli, I.A.A., Bashir, M.A. and Kahwa, I., 2021. Diagnosis of pre-and post-treatment of echinococcus granulosus with counter current immune electrophoresis and bacterial co-agglutination. Journal of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, 11(02), pp.88-94.

https://doi.org/10.5799/jmid.951600

Published book Chapter

▪ Kahwa, I., Ayesiga, I., Nakalema, S., Alinaiswe, R., Mbabazi, R. and Iqbal, S., 2023. Natural products in the management of onchocerciasis. In Natural Products in Vector-Borne Disease Management (pp. 63-80). Academic Press. Book Chapter.

https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-91942-5.00012-4

Submitted manuscripts Under Review:

▪ Comparison of the Wound Healing Activity of the Leaf and Leaf Ash Extracts of Vernonia amygdalina in Rats. Journal name: Clinical Phytoscience

▪ Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal plants used in the management of cancer in Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Herbal Medicine

▪ Ethnobotanical survey and phytochemical screening of medicinal plants used in treatment of epilepsy by PROMETRA-Uganda Traditional Health Practitioners in Mpigi District, Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Ethnopharmacology

Submitted book chapters under review

1.Book title: Algae as a Natural Solution for Water-Food-Energy Nexus, Section 4: Microalgae and cyanobacteria for food applications, Chapter 4.6: Safety, toxicological and allergenic aspects of using algae for food. Authors: Christine Kyarimpa, Tom Omute, Caroline K. Nakiguli, Alice V. Khanakwa4, Christopher Angiro, Ivan Kahwa, Fortunate Ahumuza, Timothy Omara*. Publisher: Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 152 Beach Road, #21-01/04 Gateway East, Singapore 189721, Singapore.

2.Book title: Nutraceuticals Inspiring the Contemporary Therapy for Lifestyle Diseases. Chapter: Nutraceutical applications of Seaweeds and their Phytocompounds in Nutrition and Treatment of Diseases. Authors: Ivan Kahwa, Timothy Omara , Innocent Ayesiga , Gael Noel Neh Neba Ambe , Zehbanaz Javidbhai Panwala , Rachel Mbabazi , Shabnoor Iqbal , Christine Kyarimpa , Christine Betty Nagawa , Kamal Shah ,Nagendra Singh Chauhan* Publisher: CRC Press

You can view my works on the following professional sites:

Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ivan-Kahwa

Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=tOwrvqoAAAAJ&hl=en

ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6440-3437

Linkedin: https://de.linkedin.com/in/ivan-kahwa-865450159

Ivan Kahwa

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In this article, we’ll explore the effectiveness of escitalopram in managing social anxiety. We will discuss the scientific evidence and provide valuable tips to help you make the most of this treatment.

Does Escitalopram help with social anxiety?

Yes, escitalopram can help with social anxiety. While it is not its primary indication, it is used off-label to treat social anxiety disorder (SAD). Escitalopram belongs to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor. (1)

SSRIs are widely used to treat a variety of mental health conditions, such as depression, mood disorders, generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

Escitalopram works by raising serotonin levels in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that regulates mood and emotions.

Social anxiety disorder is characterised by intense fear and discomfort in social situations. It is more than just a nervous feeling; it can cause significant distress and avoidance of social interactions. It is also called social phobia.

People with social anxiety frequently fear being judged, embarrassed, or humiliated in social situations, making everyday activities such as public speaking, meeting new people, and even attending social events difficult. (2)

What does research suggest?

Numerous studies have consistently demonstrated that escitalopram is an effective treatment for social anxiety.

A meta-analysis conducted by one study revealed that escitalopram outperformed a placebo in the treatment of social anxiety disorder. This study concluded that escitalopram is a reliable and safe treatment option for this condition. (3)

Another study, which focused on people with resistant social anxiety, discovered that escitalopram treatment was well tolerated, with participants completing the trial. This demonstrates escitalopram’s tolerability for social anxiety disorder. (4)

A systematic review of several studies found that escitalopram, especially at doses of 10-20 mg per day, is not only effective but also well-tolerated as a first-line treatment for social anxiety disorder. (5)

Another study found that escitalopram’s effectiveness extends to panic disorder, a condition frequently seen alongside social anxiety when looking at the broader spectrum of anxiety disorders. This suggests that escitalopram may be useful in treating various anxiety disorders. (6)

Furthermore, preliminary research found that early improvements in social anxiety symptoms during escitalopram treatment can be used to predict overall treatment response. This emphasises the importance of early symptom improvement in determining the efficacy of escitalopram. (7)

These studies strongly support that escitalopram is a safe and effective treatment for social anxiety disorder. But remember that a trained medical professional should always prescribe and monitor it. You should not use any antidepressant on your own.

What is the recommended dose of Escitalopram for social anxiety?

Escitalopram is typically prescribed once daily for social anxiety, with 10 mg being a common starting dose.

However, if you’re worried about side effects, your doctor may recommend a lower initial dose, usually 5 mg. This lower dose can be gradually increased as needed, with 20 mg being the maximum recommended dose. (1,5)

Consistency and Brands

Cipralex, Cipramil, and Lexapro are some of the brand names for escitalopram. Use the brand that your healthcare provider advised you to use. Escitalopram should be taken at the same time every day to ensure consistent blood levels of the medication.

Dosage Adjustments

Never change your escitalopram dosage on your own. Any modifications should be discussed and approved by your healthcare provider. They will carefully evaluate your progress and determine whether any changes are required.

Escitalopram Withdrawal

Stopping escitalopram suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms. When you have to stop taking the medication, your doctor will walk you through a gradual tapering process to reduce the risk of withdrawal symptoms.

Is initial worsening of symptoms a common experience with escitalopram?

When starting escitalopram for social anxiety, it is common to experience a temporary worsening of anxiety.

The body needs time to reach a steady state of the medication, which can take anywhere from 4 to 6 weeks after the initiation of treatment. Some people may experience increased anxiety during this adjustment period before they begin to improve.

As the escitalopram takes effect and begins to alleviate social anxiety symptoms, there is usually a gradual improvement. This is part of the process.

Regularly keeping in touch with your healthcare provider during this time will be essential for discussing your progress and addressing any concerns.

Conclusion

in conclusion, the evidence is clear: escitalopram is a highly effective treatment for social anxiety disorder (SAD). The numerous studies examined in this article show that escitalopram effectively addresses the challenges of social anxiety.