Each of us is prone to feelings of sadness once in a while. But usually, these feelings are temporary and disappear, sometimes with the aid of a big tub of ice cream. Imagine experiencing such feelings constantly. That is depression. Depression is a very real and extremely common medical condition where the patient experiences constant feeling of low mood and low self esteem. Depression is characterized by lack of sleep, loss of interest in once pleasurable activities, reduced sex drive, inability to concentrate and continuous lethargy and low energy levels.
Impact of Depression
Depression has a severe impact on the quality of life of the individual. A depressed individual avoids social contact and the social isolation further intensifies the feeling of depression causing a vicious cycle. Depression can negatively impact interpersonal relationships and is the single largest reason for suicides.
Treatment of Depression
It is necessary to understand that a depressed individual just ‘can’t snap out it’ as urged by family and friends. The fact is he/she is suffering from a medical disorder and requires suitable medications to treat the condition. The drugs in use to treat depression include escitalopram and fluvoxamine maleate available under the brand names lexapro and luvox respectively. Lexapro contains escitalopram in the form of its salt escitalopram oxalate.
Lexapro and Luvox – Similarities and Differences
Both escitalopram and fluvoxamine maleate are anti-depressant drugs belonging to category called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (or SSRI) and hence their mode of action is the same. They prevent the reabsorption of neurotransmitter serotonin by the nerve cells, increasing the serotonin levels in the brain. And this seems to have an impact on reducing feelings of depression.
Therapeutic Usage Of Lexapro and Luvox
The indications for therapeutic usage of Lexapro and Luvox as approved by the FDA differ. Lexapro containing escitalopram is prescribed primarily to treat depression and General Anxiety Disorder, which is a condition where patients experience constant feelings of severe anxiety. Luvox, which contains Fluvoaxamine maleate is the drug of choice in patients suffering from obsessive compulsive disorders and is also prescribed for treating depression.
Formulation and Side Effects
Both Lexapro and Luvox are oral formulations available as tablets. Lexapro is additionally available as a liquid. It is recommended to take the dosage as prescribed by the physician to ensure that best results.
Side effects common to SSRIs include nausea, diarrhea, dry mouth, rash and insomnia.
A Word of Caution
Studies have shown that as compared to placebo, antidepressant treatment increases the risk of suicidal tendency. It is recommended that caregivers closely monitor the patient’s behavior during the course of treatment and report any unusual changes in behavior to the prescriber.
Support the one you love to come out of that terrible and lonely place called depression.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The author of the article is the spokesperson for www.respectpharmacy.com
