Is escitalopram a strong drug? (+ research studies)

This article will discuss the effectiveness and strength of escitalopram and compare it to other antidepressants. It will also explore factors that can influence the strength of the drug. Moreover, the article will cover the available strengths and recommended dosages for different ages.

Is escitalopram a strong drug?

For some patients, escitalopram is strong and effective in treating depression and anxiety, as it is one of the strongest antidepressants. However, people’s responses to medications can differ, and the effectiveness of escitalopram can depend on various factors.

It is recommended to discuss this with a healthcare professional to determine the most suitable and effective treatment approach.

How does escitalopram work?

Escitalopram is an antidepressant that works by selectively inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin, increasing its availability in the brain. Increased serotonin helps improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety [1].

SSRIs are selective, meaning they primarily focus on serotonin and have less impact on other neurotransmitters. This selectivity reduces the risk of unwanted side effects, which leads to increased adherence to the medication and less discontinuation, resulting in effective and safe treatment.

However, individual responses may vary, and each person’s condition may have unique treatment requirements. It is always advisable to discuss medication options with a healthcare professional to determine the most suitable and effective approach.

What is escitalopram’s effectiveness in treating mental health conditions?

One study found that patients taking escitalopram for 8 weeks experienced a significant decrease in their depression scale score (-16.3). Moreover, the study stated that escitalopram treatment significantly improved the symptoms of subjects compared to the placebo group by the second week of therapy [2].

In addition, the remission rate was substantially higher in the escitalopram-treated patients than in the placebo-treated patients. Escitalopram was therefore found to be a potent and strong medication for treating depression [2].

A study on the effectiveness of escitalopram in treating generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) found that escitalopram-treated subjects showed a significant improvement in anxiety symptoms scores compared to placebo, even at Week 1 [3].

The average changes from baseline to Week 8 on the HAMA total score, which is a score that represents the severity of anxiety, were -11.3 for escitalopram and -7.4 for placebo. Response rates after 8 weeks, additionally, were 68% for escitalopram and 41% for placebo [3].

It can be concluded from these studies that escitalopram is indeed a strong and effective drug for the treatment of major depressive disorder and general anxiety disorder.

Comparing the efficacy of escitalopram with other antidepressants

According to recent studies, escitalopram is the most effective antidepressant when compared to fluoxetine, paroxetine, sertraline, venlafaxine, and citalopram.

The estimated difference in depression score between the escitalopram-treated group and the groups taking the other drugs was 1.07 points, favoring escitalopram. Furthermore, fewer participants stopped using escitalopram as a result of adverse effects (6.7% versus 9.1% for other SSRIs) [4].

Additionally, escitalopram showed a higher response rate (65.8% response) and remission rate (58.1% of patients) compared to the average response rate and remission rate of other competitors (61.6% and 55%, respectively) [4].

Therefore, it can be suggested that escitalopram is more efficacious than other selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, but there isn’t a clinically significant difference between it and individual SSRIs.

What factors influence the strength of escitalopram?

The effectiveness and strength of Lexapro may be influenced by the following factors:

• The dosage prescribed by your doctor can impact Lexapro’s effects’ strength. To illustrate, higher doses of Lexapro may result in a stronger effect but also increase the risk of side effects.

• Similarly, taking low doses of escitalopram can result in decreased efficacy. Moreover, adherence to prescribed dosages can also influence the effectiveness and strength of Lexapro. For example, taking Lexapro irregularly or skipping doses may decrease its strength and effectiveness.

• Another factor is the variation in medication metabolism. For example, people with high levels of CYP2C19, CYP3A4, and CYP2D6 enzymes metabolize escitalopram faster, which impacts the drug’s effectiveness and strength.

• Age can also influence how the body responds to medications, so older adults may experience different effects from Lexapro compared to younger individuals.

• Liver function is very important in metabolizing Lexapro. People with impaired liver function or decreased amounts of CYP2C19, CYP3A4, and CYP2D6 enzymes, are susceptible to decreased Lexapro metabolism and consequently increased strength and potency.

• Impaired kidney function may lead to decreased excretion of Lexapro, which leads to increased concentrations of Lexapro available in the body. This can also increase Lexapro’s strength and potency.

• Concurrent use of other medications or substances (prescription, over-the-counter, or recreational) can interact with Lexapro, potentially affecting its effectiveness and strength.

• The length of time an individual has been taking Lexapro can also impact its effectiveness and strength. To illustrate, escitalopram’s effect is not so strong at the beginning of treatment, as the drug doesn’t work immediately. It takes a few weeks for escitalopram to be effective.

• In contrast, over time, long-term use can lead to tolerance, which may decrease the response to Lexapro and decrease its strength.

How can you know if escitalopram is effective?

To determine if escitalopram is effective for you, consider the following signs:

• If your depression leads to tiredness and a lack of energy, then you may notice an increase in your energy levels if escitalopram successfully manages your condition.

• If escitalopram is effective for your depression, you will find more joy in life situations that you didn’t find interesting before.

• If your depression or anxiety leads to disrupted sleep, effective treatment with escitalopram should help you sleep better.

• If you suffer from depression-related loss of appetite, increased appetite due to taking escitalopram indicates that it is effective in managing your depression symptoms.

• In contrast, some people tend to eat more while stressed, depressed, or anxious. In such cases, they may notice decreased appetite as a result of successful treatment with escitalopram.

• In case your anxiety and depression make it harder for you to get tasks done, successful treatment with escitalopram should make it easier to do tasks and normal daily activities.

• People suffering from anxiety will notice less worrying and irritability while taking escitalopram.

• One of the important aspects of treating depression is a reduction in suicidal thoughts. If escitalopram effectively helps in reducing these thoughts, it is a sign of its effectiveness.

What are the side effects of escitalopram?

Escitalopram can be associated with various side effects. However, people react differently to medications, and some individuals may experience more side effects than others. The most common side effects include insomnia, dry mouth, sleepiness, tiredness, headaches, and weight loss or gain.

Moreover, escitalopram may cause nightmares in some people. It can also lead to heart rhythm problems and hypertension. Some individuals may additionally suffer from decreased appetite while taking escitalopram. Rare side effects include migraines, joint stiffness, paranoia, and acid reflux.

What to do if escitalopram is too strong for you?

For people with a high sensitivity to medications, escitalopram may be too strong and intolerable. These people include patients with decreased liver or kidney function, as well as those with serious comorbidities like heart diseases, respiratory diseases, or other mental health issues. 

If this occurs, it is crucial to talk to a doctor and discuss any experienced side effects. It is essential not to make any changes to your treatment plan without first consulting with your doctor. The doctor will evaluate your treatment regimen and may suggest reducing the dosage of escitalopram.

If dosage adjustment does not help, the doctor may recommend discontinuing escitalopram and switching to another medication. However, it is important to gradually decrease the dose before completely stopping the medication to prevent withdrawal symptoms.

Furthermore, monitoring your symptoms is necessary to assess your body’s response during these adjustments.

As each person responds differently to medications and treatment modifications, it is crucial to maintain open communication with your doctor. You should keep them updated on your condition and follow their recommendations.

What are the available strengths or dosage forms of escitalopram?

Escitalopram is available in different strengths and dosage forms. The tablets come in strengths of 5 mg, 10 mg, which is scored, and 20 mg, which is scored as well. There is also an oral solution with a concentration of 1 mg per mL. The recommended doses of escitalopram are mentioned below:

Major depressive disorder

For people with depression, the starting recommended dosage is 10 mg per day [1]. In some cases, people may need to increase it to a maximum daily dosage of 20 mg. It’s important to wait at least one week before increasing the dosage, and it should only be done under a doctor’s recommendation [1].

For children (12 years and older) with depression, the recommended starting and maximum dosages are the same as for adults: 10 mg and 20 mg once per day, respectively. It is important to wait at least three weeks before considering a dosage increase for children [1].

Generalized anxiety disorder

Similarly, for people with generalized anxiety disorder, the starting dose is 10 mg once per day, which can be increased to a maximum of 20 mg per day after waiting for at least one week, as advised by the doctor [1].

Based on my knowledge, escitalopram is a strong and effective drug for the treatment of depression and generalized anxiety disorder. However, I believe that individual responses may vary, and I recommend talking to a doctor to determine the most suitable drug in terms of strength and efficacy. 

In my perspective, dosage plays a crucial role in escitalopram’s strength, and it is advised to follow the recommended starting and maximum dosages as prescribed by a doctor.

Adherence to prescribed dosages and considering factors such as individual metabolism, age, liver and kidney function, and interactions with other medications are important for optimizing the strength and effectiveness of escitalopram.

Monitoring improvements in mood, anxiety symptoms, energy levels, focus, concentration, and reduction in suicidal thoughts can help evaluate the effectiveness of escitalopram for an individual.

References