Is escitalopram a maoi?

Escitalopram, also known as Lexapro, is a commonly used antidepressant. With its growing popularity and widespread use, it has become important for patients to know how it works in their body. One of the most frequently asked questions about escitalopram is whether it’s an MAOI (Monoamine oxidase inhibitors). This article will cover everything you need to know about this drug – from what an MAOI is, to how escitalopram interacts with other drugs.

What are Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)?

Before diving into whether escitalopram is an MAOI, let’s first understand what monoamine oxidase inhibitors are.

  1. Definition
    • Monoamine oxidases belong to a class of enzymes responsible for breaking down neurotransmitters in your brain such as dopamine and norepinephrine.
    • Inhibitors block these enzymes from carrying out their function efficiently by binding onto them.
  2. How do they affect depression?
    • Depression can be caused by reduced activity of these neurotransmitters.
  3. Types of drugs that inhibit monoamines:
Drug Type Examples
Non-Selective Phenelzine (Nardil), Isocarboxazid(Marplan), Tranylcypromine(Parnate)
Selective Moclobemide(Aurorix)

Although effective at treating depression/anxiety disorders,these drugs have fallen out favour due to more contextually compatible alternatives available today. These alternatives include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors – SSRIs.


So, Is Escitalopram An Maoi?

Let’s get straight to the point – No!
Escitalopram belongs to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which selectively enhance serotonin levels by inhibiting its reuptake in the neuronal synapses
.

Despite misconceptions and unanswered questions surrounding escitalopram being an MAOI, it has been shown to have no impact on monoamine oxidase enzymes.

This is not to undermine escitalopram’s potency; according to Healy et al., selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors such as escitalopram adhere better with proper guidelines as a first-line treatment option for anxiety disorders than any other medications available.


What Are The Symptoms Of Combining Escitalopram And An Maoi?

Now that we know what MAOIs are and that escitalopram is not one of them, let’s consider whether combining these two drugs could pose a problem for your health.

Combining escitalopram & monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) can be extremely dangerous, leading to severe side effects:

  • Serotonin syndrome: This may result when both substances increase neurotransmitters excessively.
  • Adverse cardiovascular events: These include an irregular heartbeat or increased blood pressure.
  • Severe adverse neurological symptoms: Nausea, dizziness along with convulsions may also occur.

It’s important always to consult your doctor before switching medication.


Can You Take Both Escitalopram And MAOIS Together?

In short – No!
Taking both together increases the likelihood of severe adverse reactions such as mood changes, high fever, muscle stiffness or tremors/, agitation/ etc..

Doctors recommend allowing two weeks after stopping use of MAOI before starting a new antidepressant like Lexapro /escilatoprma. Consultation with your physician should be taken every step of the way!


Conclusion

EscalitProm/Lexapro increasing popularity encourages critical analysis regardng their interaction within our system. Although busy patients typically don’t research medication they receive, it is vital to have informed individuals. Escitalopram belongs to the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) drug category, which distinguishes it from monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MOAI). It selectively inhibits serotonin’s re-uptake in neuronal synapses to boost its levels, thereby addressing anxiety and depression disorders.

Despite common misconceptions escitalopram being an MOAI,you now know that this claim isn’t true, Its potency as a first-line treatment for anxiety disorders has been confirmed by medical experts.

In conclusion, patients need not fear using escitalopram alongside MAOIs since these two medications combined lead to severe symptoms – especially when taken at the same time. When undergoing variations of prescription drugs or self-medication, consultation with your doctor should be sought every step of the way.

Note: This article should never be used as an alternative opinion than that given by licensed healthcare professionals; compliance with prescribed doses must always come from professional advice./

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