Lexapro (Escitalopram) Abuse and Addiction

 Escitalopram, also known as Lexapro, is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and a commonly prescribed antidepressant. SSRIs like Lexapro are often prescribed for people suffering from depression and alcohol use disorder. SSRIs are known to have the highest rates of success compared to other antidepressants. Their side effects are mild and can easily be managed if the dose is adjusted.

Use of Lexapro

Due to the ability of Lexapro to address the serotonin deficiency that causes anxiety and depression, it is often the first line of antidepressants that doctors prescribe. While not all cases of depression are caused by a serotonin deficiency, Lexapro can be an effective medication for some cases of depression.

 This drug works by delaying the reabsorption of serotonin. Serotonin is the neurotransmitter that is responsible for mood stabilization and for promoting feelings of well-being. Low serotonin activity in the brain often results in depression.

In addition to treating depression, Lexapro is sometimes used to treat other mental health disorders common in people dealing with substance use disorder.

Indications for the use of Lexapro include:

·        Premenstrual dysmorphic disorder

·        Generalized anxiety disorder

·        Obsessive-compulsive disorder

·        Social anxiety disorder

·        Post-traumatic stress disorder

Side Effects Taking Lexapro

Side effects of Lexapro commonly occur while the patient is adjusting to being on or off the drug. They are usually easy to manage. Side effects of taking the drug include restlessness, nausea, low sex drive, drowsiness, headaches, and weight loss. More severe side effects can occur on rare occasions. These include seizures, rapid heart rate, high fever, and skin inflammation. In such cases, the doctor should be contacted immediately.

During the use of Lexapro, symptoms of depression begin to improve in one to two weeks. The full effect of the drug is usually felt at four weeks. If a patient shows no sign of improvement during this time, the doctor will most likely recommend discontinuation of use.

Lexapro Addiction

Lexapro is effective at reducing alcohol cravings for people with major depressive disorder. In this case, it is used as a primary treatment for depression and adjunct treatment for addiction. Depression in these patients is caused by the serotonin imbalance that influences alcohol use disorder. Even though Lexapro is not a cure for substance use disorder, the symptoms can be minimized by addressing these overlapping imbalance.

Unfortunately, Lexapro does not reduce anxiety, depression, and alcohol cravings for everyone. Medicating Lexapro has, on rare occasions, increased alcohol and drug cravings.

Stopping or reducing Lexapro doses can cause symptoms of withdrawal syndrome. They include nausea, confusion, flu-like symptoms, vertigo, anxiety, insomnia, and irritability. Patients under the age of 25 may even have suicidal thoughts.

It is recommended that patients undergo withdrawal and detox in a medical facility where they can be monitored and provided with 24-hour medical care.