Does Lexapro help with overthinking? (3+ Management tips)
By
Ivan Kahwa
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
In this brief article, we will answer the question,” Does Lexapro help with overthinking?” and other questions like, What is overthinking and how does it impact your mental health? How does Lexapro work in treating overthinking?; What additional strategies you can use for managing to overthink?
Does Lexapro help with overthinking?
Yes, Lexapro can help you with overthinking.
Overthinking itself is not a mental disorder and almost everybody overthinks at some point. However, prolonged thinking is often accompanied by other mental disorders such as panic attacks, generalized anxiety, and social anxiety.
One of the most effective ways to stop overthinking is to treat underlying anxiety and depression. Lexapro can help relieve the anxiety and depression associated with overthinking by restoring Serotonin levels (1).
Many people who overthink do not even think of consulting a doctor. They try to manage symptoms on their own. Overthinking can dominate your life and can affect your daily life. Certain kinds of psychological medications like antidepressants can help to reduce associated anxiety to tolerable limits.
What does research suggest?
Lexapro or Escitalopram is a member of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), a class of drugs that works by inhibiting Serotonin reuptake in the brain. It is generally regarded as a safe antidepressant that can help you with overthinking by alleviating symptoms of anxiety and depression (2).
Research studies have shown Escitalopram as the first-line therapy for the management of symptoms of anxiety and depression including panic attacks, overthinking, suicidal tendencies, insomnia and hopelessness with a low propensity for drug interactions (3).
In a case study, a woman with severe mental illness failed to respond to medication until her “laboured thinking” was targeted specifically. She was treated with memantine, Ketamine and exposure therapy with Escitalopram for excessive thinking. Once her overthinking improved, her other symptoms of mental illness started to respond as well (4).
In another comparative study, Escitalopram reduced negative thoughts or ruminations in major depressive disorder (5).
What is overthinking and how does it impact your mental health?
Overthinking involves thinking over a situation over and over rather than solving that problem. Though overthinking is not recognised as a mental disease, prolonged thinking impacts your mental as well as physical health. Those who overthink may experience the following:
- Unnecessary worries
- Thinking about negative outcomes and worst-case scenarios
- Depression
- Difficult to concentrate on work
- Not able to take any decision
- Second-guessing the moves you take
- Feeling exhausted
How can Lexapro help with overthinking?
Lexapro can help you manage overthinking in the following ways:
- Lexapro reduces anxiety about what other thinks. This builds self-confidence and alleviates social anxiety.
- Lexapro administration can help to make your mind calm and decrease excessive worrying,
- Antidepressants help you to focus better and avoid getting trapped in repetitive thinking.
- Lexapro relieves depression which helps you stay motivated and indulge in productive activities.
What are the additional management strategies for overthinking?
Lexapro may not work well for everyone and its effects can vary from person to person. Additional management strategies that you can try for overthinking involve:
Other antidepressants:
In such cases, you can switch to other antidepressant medications like other SSRIs (Sertraline and Paroxetine), SNRIs (Venlafaxine, Duloxetine), Buspirone and Benzodiazepines (Diazepam, Alprazolam).
Psychological treatments:
You can also try the following psychological treatments that can help you with overthinking:
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy: deals with the cognitive thoughts and behaviour of an individual. It helps you confront your fears and cope with your worries and anxiety more healthily.
- Mindfulness: is another approach that helps to refocus your mind away from worrying. Mindfulness can also help you to live in the present rather than dwelling upon past mistakes or projecting future actions.
- Mind-relaxing techniques: such as yoga and meditation can aid in calming your mind. Focusing on simpler and repetitive things such as breathing can prevent your mind from unnecessary thinking.
Lifestyle modifications:
Some small changes in your daily routine can help you cope with unnecessary worries and overthinking. These include developing a habit that keeps you engaged (such as journaling), eating a well-balanced and nutritious diet and having a proper sleep.
Seek professional help:
If you find yourself constantly overthinking and depressed despite taking medication or psychological treatments, you should immediately contact your healthcare provider.
Overthinking can be an early symptom of other mental health disorders and it should not be neglected. Your therapist may help you to identify the underlying cause and treat you with the right medication.
As per my research analysis, Lexapro can help you with overthinking by alleviating depression and anxiety symptoms. However, the time taken by Lexapro to mitigate these symptoms may vary from individual to individual.
If you are considering taking Lexapro to help overthinking, you should consult your doctor first. Based on your symptoms and medication history, your doctor will decide if it is reasonable to try this medication for overthinking.
Was this helpful?
References
1.-
Townsend MH, Conrad EJ. The therapeutic potential of escitalopram in the treatment of panic disorder. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat. 2007 Dec;3(6):835-8. doi: 10.2147/ndt.s965. PMID: 19300618; PMCID: PMC2656325. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2656325/
2.-
Landy K, Rosani A, Estevez R. Escitalopram. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-.[Updated 2023 Nov 10; Cited 2023 Nov 27]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557734/
3.-
Waugh J, Goa KL. Escitalopram : a review of its use in the management of major depressive and anxiety disorders. CNS Drugs. 2003;17(5):343-62. doi: 10.2165/00023210-200317050-00004. PMID: 12665392. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12665392/
4.-
Flaherty A, Katz D, Chosak A, Henry ME, Trinh NH, Waldinger RJ, Cohen JN. Treatment of Overthinking: A Multidisciplinary Approach to Rumination and Obsession Spectrum. J Clin Psychiatry. 2022 Jul 6;83(4):21ct14543. doi: 10.4088/JCP.21ct14543. PMID: 35802931. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35802931/
5.-
Barba T, Buehler S, Kettner H, Radu C, Cunha BG, Nutt DJ, Erritzoe D, Roseman L, Carhart-Harris R. Effects of psilocybin versus escitalopram on rumination and thought suppression in depression. BJPsych Open. 2022 Sep 6;8(5):e163. doi: 10.1192/bjo.2022.565. PMID: 36065128; PMCID: PMC9534928. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9534928/
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