What is Escitalopram Tablets ?
Escitalopram is a medication that belongs to a class of drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It is commonly prescribed to treat depression and anxiety disorders.
Escitalopram works by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter, which is a chemical that transmits signals in the brain. It’s believed that an imbalance in serotonin levels may contribute to the development of mood disorders, and medications like escitalopram help to restore this balance.
Escitalopram Tablets Use
- Depression: Escitalopram is approved for the treatment of major depressive disorder, which is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest or pleasure in most activities.
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): GAD is a condition where individuals experience excessive and uncontrollable worry and anxiety about various aspects of life, often without a specific cause.
- Panic Disorder: This is a type of anxiety disorder characterized by recurrent, unexpected panic attacks, which are sudden episodes of intense fear and physical symptoms like rapid heartbeat, sweating, trembling, and shortness of breath.
- Social Anxiety Disorder: Also known as social phobia, this condition involves an intense fear of social situations and interactions, often leading to avoidance behavior.
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Escitalopram can be used as part of the treatment for OCD, a condition characterized by unwanted repetitive thoughts
Escitalopram Tablets – Mechanism of Action and Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action:
- Reuptake Inhibition: Escitalopram specifically targets the serotonin transporter, a protein responsible for reabsorbing serotonin back into the nerve cell. By inhibiting this transporter, more serotonin remains in the synaptic gap, increasing its availability for communication between nerve cells.
- Enhanced Serotonin Signaling: The increased concentration of serotonin in the synaptic gap leads to improved communication between nerve cells. This is thought to play a crucial role in alleviating symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other related disorders.
Pharmacology:
- Absorption: Escitalopram is well-absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract after oral administration. It reaches peak plasma concentrations within a few hours.
- Distribution: It is distributed throughout the body, including the brain, where it exerts its primary effects.
- Metabolism: Escitalopram is metabolized in the liver by enzymes, primarily by the cytochrome P450 system. The primary metabolite, S-desmethylcitalopram, is considered pharmacologically inactive.
Escitalopram Tablets – Side-effects
- Nausea: Feeling queasy or having an upset stomach.
- Diarrhea or Constipation: Changes in bowel habits.
- Dry Mouth: Reduced saliva production, leading to a dry sensation in the mouth.
- Headache: Mild to moderate headaches may occur.
- Drowsiness or Fatigue: Feeling tired or lethargic.
- Insomnia: Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep.
- Increased Sweating: Some individuals may experience more sweating than usual.
