Treating Depression And Certain Types of Anxiety Disorder

Escitalopram is a type of anti-depressant. It is inexpensive drug used to treat depression and certain types of anxiety. It belongs to the group of medicines known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).  Adults and children age 12 to 17 years of age can use this drug. The depressed mood interfere with the normal routine.  Many symptoms may express depression, such as

• Loss of interest in usual activities
• Change in weight or appetite
• Insomnia
• Psychomotor retardation
• Fatigue
• Feeling of guilt, hopeless
• Trouble to concentrate
• Suicidal thoughts
• Depressed mood

Other symptoms in anxiety disorder are;

• Restlessness
• Low energy (fatigue)
• Sleep disturbance

How Escitalopram works?

Escitalopram is in a class of anti-depressant called (SSRIs). Neuro-transmitters are present at the junction in two nerve cell. They help carry messages between the cells. One cell releases and other cell absorbs the serotonin to pass the message. Sometimes, first cell reabsorbs a little serotonin. This disturbs the chemical balance of serotonin. Above drug restore the balance of the serotonin. Serotonin is a natural substance in the brain that helps maintain mental balance. This improves your mental health condition enough to do your usual activities.

How To Take Escitalopram?

It is available in the form of tablet of strength 5 mg, 10 mg and 20 mg. Doctors decide the strength depending upon your condition like

• Your age
• How severe is your condition
• Other medical condition
• How you react to the first dose

General dosage:

Adult dosage (age 18-64 years) – 10 to 20 mg one time every day

Child dosage (12-17 years) – 10 to 20 mg one time every day.

Child dosage (0 to 11 years) – No strong proof available regarding its safety in people of this age limit.

Dosage above 65 years- The processing of the drug is slow at this age. So the drug remains for long time in the body. This increases the risk of side effects. The doctor may use a lower dose or different medication schedule.

How To Use Escitalopram?

• Escitalopram treats the symptoms of depression and anxiety disorder.
• It restores the balance of a certain natural substance (serotonin) in the brain.
• It helps to increase energy level and feeling of wellbeing.
• Decrease nervousness.
• Useful in the treatment of obsessive compulsive disorder.
• Other problems such as body dysmorphic and pervasive disorder may also treated.
• It shows fewer side effects and drug interaction than other SSRIs medication.

What Are The Precautions in Taking Escitalopram?

Precautions to take note of:

• Avoid grape fruit with this drug. It may interact with the drug.
• Use with caution in pregnancy and breast feeding.
• If you have a surgery, inform doctor as it can interact with anesthetics.

Cost of Escitalopram (Generic Versus The Brand)

Brand Lexapro, Cipralex contain escitalopram. It is easily available in the market. Difference between the prices is due to brand name, packaging and pricing. Both work effectively as an anti-depressant drug. Cost of generic drug is cheaper than brand ones.

Cost of per pill of generic drug is

$0.2 for 5 mg,

$ 0.4 for 10 mg and

$ 0.8 for 20 mg.

Cost of brand Lexapro is

$ 6.33 for 5 mg,

$6.93 for 10 mg and

20 mg for $7.43.

This shows us the difference in their costing. So you should go with generic prescription drugs.