How does escitalopram work?
Escitalopram is one of a group of antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs.
These medicines are thought to work by increasing the levels of a mood-enhancing chemical called serotonin in the brain.
When will I feel better?
You may not notice much improvement in your symptoms for a week or two until escitalopram begins to take effect.
It usually takes between 4 and 6 weeks before you feel the full benefits.
Do not stop taking escitalopram after a week or two just because you feel it's not helping your symptoms. Give the medicine at least 6 weeks to work.
How will it make me feel?
Antidepressants like escitalopram help to improve or lift your mood so you feel better.
You may notice that you sleep better and get on with people more easily because you're less anxious. You will hopefully be more relaxed about things that used to worry you.
Escitalopram will not change your personality. It will simply help you feel like yourself again.
Do not expect to feel better overnight though. Some people feel worse during the first few weeks of treatment before they begin to feel better.
Are there any long-term side effects?
For most people, escitalopram is safe to take for a long time.
A few people may get sexual side effects, such as problems getting an erection or a lower sex drive. In some cases these can continue even after stopping the medicine. Speak to your doctor if you are worried.
Otherwise there do not seem to be any lasting harmful effects from taking escitalopram for many months or years.
How does escitalopram compare with other antidepressants?
Escitalopram is not any better or worse than other antidepressants.
But sometimes people respond better to one antidepressant than to another.
Talk to your doctor if you are not feeling any better after 6 weeks.
What's the difference between escitalopram and citalopram?
Escitalopram and citalopram are both medicines used to treat depression.
They may sound similar, but they're different medicines.
Differences include:
- escitalopram is given in different doses
- the likely side effects are similar but some people may get different side effects with each medicine
- escitalopram is approved for more health problems than citalopram
Will I gain or lose weight?
Escitalopram can make you feel less hungry, so you may lose weight when you first start taking it.
Later on, you may gain a little weight as your appetite returns.
If you start to have problems with your weight while taking escitalopram, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Will it affect my sex life?
The good effects of escitalopram may, after a while, improve your sex life as your mood lifts and you become interested in life and relationships again.
Some of the possible sexual side effects include:
- painful erections and problems getting an erection and ejaculating
- some vaginal bleeding and not reaching orgasm the same way as before
- a lower sex drive
Sexual side effects usually pass after the first couple of weeks. However, very rarely, they can be long lasting and may not get better even after stopping the medicine.
If these happen and are a problem for you, go back to your doctor to see if there's another treatment you can try.
Will it affect my contraception?
Escitalopram will not affect any type of contraception, including the combined pill or emergency contraception.
Can I drive or ride a bike?
Some people find they cannot concentrate properly or they feel sleepy, tired or weak while taking escitalopram.
It might be best to stop driving and cycling for the first few days of treatment until you know how this medicine makes you feel.
It's an offence to drive a car if your ability to drive safely is affected. It's your responsibility to decide if it's safe to drive. If you're in any doubt, do not drive.
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you're unsure whether it's safe for you to drive while taking escitalopram.
Can I drink alcohol with while taking escitalopram?
You can drink alcohol while taking escitalopram, but it may make you feel sleepy.
It might be best to stop drinking alcohol for a few days until you see how the medicine makes you feel.
Is there any food or drink I need to avoid?
You can eat and drink normally while taking escitalopram.
Are there other treatments that will help?
Antidepressants, including escitalopram, are just one of several approaches to treating depression or anxiety.
Other potential treatments for depression include:
- talking therapy (such as cognitive behavioural therapy)
- exercise programmes
- help to get a good night's rest if sleep is a problem
Other potential treatments for anxiety include:
- talking therapy (such as cognitive behavioural therapy)
- joining a self-help group
- using relaxation techniques
Choosing a treatment that's most suitable for you depends on:
- how long you have had depression or anxiety
- your symptoms
- whether previous treatment has worked
- how likely you are to stick with your treatment
- the potential side effects
- your preferences and priorities
If you're interested in any of these treatments, talk to your doctor.
Will recreational drugs affect it?
Using cannabis while you're taking escitalopram can give you a fast heartbeat.
Cannabis can also make drowsiness worse if you're taking escitalopram, especially in people who have just started taking it.
Methadone can increase the risk of side effects in people taking escitalopram.
It can be potentially dangerous to take escitalopram with:
- stimulants like ecstasy (MDMA) or cocaine
- hallucinogens like LSD
- novel psychoactive substances
Talk to your doctor if you think you might use recreational drugs while taking escitalopram.
Find out more about the side effects of recreational drugs and how they can affect you on the Frank website.
Important
Escitalopram has not been properly tested with recreational drugs.