Introduction
Cipralex® is an antidepressant containing the active ingredient escitalopram. It is one of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and, by increasing serotonin levels in the central nervous system, has a stimulating and anxiety-reducing effect. In addition to its use in the treatment of severe depression, it is also prescribed for various anxiety disorders. Cipralex® is not approved for use in children and adolescents under 18 years of age.
Indication
The active ingredient escitalopram contained in Cipralex® has an antidepressant effect. For this reason the drug is used in the context of severe depression. However, it should be borne in mind that the effect is delayed and long-term therapy is necessary for the drug to be effective.
Cipralex® is also prescribed for various anxiety disorders. On the one hand it is used to treat panic disorders. These are characterised by recurrent panic attacks, which often occur in combination with agoraphobia (anxiety or severe discomfort in certain places).
In addition, the preparation is also used for social anxiety disorders (social phobias), where the patient experiences severe anxiety during social contacts (especially with strangers). Another indication for Cipralex® is generalised anxiety disorders. The sensation of anxiety has spread to all areas of everyday life.
Patients are characterised by an inner restlessness, rapid fatigue and easy irritability. In addition, they show difficulty concentrating. Finally, Cipralex® can also be prescribed for obsessive-compulsive disorders. Obsessive thoughts and compulsive acts place a heavy burden on the patient and his or her environment.
Active substance and its effect
The active ingredient escitalopram contained in Cipralex® acts as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) at the synapses between two nerve cells of the central nervous system. To transmit signals, a nerve cell releases various neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft, which bind to receptors of another nerve cell and transmit the signal. The remaining neurotransmitters are then broken down and reabsorbed into the nerve cells via the transporters.
Escitalopram blocks these serotonin transporters and selectively inhibits the reuptake of serotonin. Due to the increased serotonin levels in the synaptic cleft, the signal transmission between two nerve cells is prolonged and amplified. The exact cause and development of depression is not yet fully understood. However, a deficiency of the neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine seems to play a significant role in the development of depression. Increasing serotonin levels in the central nervous system during treatment with escitalopram therefore has an anxiety-reducing, mood-lifting and stimulating effect.
Side effects of Cipralex
Like all antidepressants, Cipralex® is characterized by a broad spectrum of potential side effects. However, it should be noted that the group of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), to which the active substance escitalopram belongs, is much better tolerated than the tricyclic antidepressants that have long been preferred. In principle, the majority of side effects occur mainly at the beginning of treatment with Cipralex® and gradually subside as treatment progresses.
Very often (in more than 10% of patients) headaches and nausea occur during the course of therapy. In addition, patients often report changes in weight. The majority of patients show an increase in weight due to an increase in appetite.
In rare cases, however, weight loss is also possible. Furthermore, complaints in the gastrointestinal tract (diarrhoea, constipation, vomiting) as well as sleeping disorders are possible. In addition, treatment with SSRIs often leads to sexual dysfunction with a loss of libido (sexual desire). Ejaculation and cycle disorders can also occur. Numerous other side effects are possible and can be found in the package insert.
