CBD vs. Escitalopram: Which is more effective?

In the next article in the miniseries “CBD vs …” we will discuss the effects of cannabis on anxiety compared to commercially used drugs. Can CBD be used as a full replacement for drugs like Cipralex? Can we avoid the nasty side effects of Escitalopram by using CBD? We will discuss this and much more in the following paragraphs. 

Current research agrees that CBD has a proven positive effect on GAD (generalized anxiety disorder) and depression, which are commonly treated with Escitalopram. However, there are no studies that directly compare these substances, so we have to compare them one by one based on the known information. It should be said at the outset that we do not recommend using these two substances at the same time, as they can interact with each other. In the case of simultaneous use, it is necessary to maintain a gap of several hours between the individual substances. Application CBD oils or any other cannabis product, we recommend consulting with the attending psychiatrist.

That's enough warning warning about the introduction, now let's go to the topic itself, which is very interesting. Here we go!

What exactly is CBD?

Cannabidiol aka CBD is a cannabinoid that occurs naturally in the hemp plant. In recent years, many people have become interested in its effects, and we are here to educate you about the entire spectrum of uses. CBD is not classified as an approved medical product, but we know from the experience of users and our customers that it is CBD drops they help with anxiety, depression, pain, stress or various inflammations. This way therefore, alternative treatments could become a certain form of natural and traditional medicine in the future.

Escitalopram in brief

Escitalopram is a drug that is sold in our region under the name Cipralex, and that's what we'll call it in the rest of the article for simplicity. It is a prescription drug used by patients suffering from depression and anxiety. Medicines for these problems are called AD, i.e. antidepressants. Cipralex is used to increase energy levels, reduce nervousness and induce a calmer mind.

How CBD works in the body

We have already discussed the ECS (endocannabinoid system) several times, which maintains homeostasis in our body. It regulates the nervous system, mood, circadian rhythm, motor skills and, for example, the reaction to the occurrence of inflammation. Harvard Medical School published the following statement: "The ECS is critical to almost every aspect of our immediate functioning". The endocannabinoid system produces its own cannabinoids, which we call endocannabinoids (internal cannabinoids). In moments when we expose our body to stress, whether physical or psychological, the production of these cannabinoids is reduced. Therefore, in these situations, supplementing with CBD (external cannabinoid) clearly makes sense, as external cannabinoids can help the ECS with its work.

However, it is still unclear how exactly CBD interacts with the ECS. According to the most recent research, we know that CBD can prevent the breakdown of anandamides, which cause negative physical and mental feelings during their breakdown. The benefits of all cannabinoids should work on this principle.

Other research is looking at the fact that cannabidiol can work very similarly to an SSRI (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor) in our body. Cipralex, for example, is among these drugs.

Serotonin = a neurotransmitter that induces feelings of happiness and well-being. When its level is disturbed, our mood and feelings also change. According to some research, CBD can directly affect the concentration of this neurotransmitter. This can help us improve the mood caused by precisely the wrong level of serotonin. So much for a theory that deals with why among other things CBD oil it works so great.

How Cipralex works in the body

As we mentioned in the previous section, Cipralex is classified as an SSRI medication that prevents the reuptake of serotonin. This is a process where neurotransmitters are absorbed at a high rate between our nerve endings, thereby significantly shortening their effectiveness. This phenomenon (low level of serotonin) causes states of psychological discomfort, which are characteristic of, for example, depression or anxiety. However, it cannot be determined exactly whether lower serotonin levels are the direct cause of depression. There are studies that confirm this, but others say the opposite.

If we look at this issue from a general perspective, we will find that scientists and doctors have found a connection between low serotonin levels and anxiety, depression, panic disorder or aggression.

CBD and anxiety: Can it help?

Yes, it can, but this method is not yet medically verified. So it is still an alternative treatment. CBD drops and oils are classified as dietary supplements, not medications. That's something to remember. However, many studies and research confirm that CBD really helps with anxiety, depression or pain relief. These words have been confirmed many times by hundreds of customers who use them for this purpose and cannot praise them enough. CBD drops for anxiety are therefore a great choice. In addition, they help with falling asleep and better sleep.

Let's take an example studii National Center for Biotechnology Information, when already after the first month, an incredible 79,2% of patients felt a better mental state compared to their original anxiety states. For example, other studies have shown that based on pre-clinical evidence, information on the beneficial function of CBD in the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, social anxiety disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can be substantiated. 

Last but not least, a 2011 study showed that CBD significantly reduced anxiety and cognitive impairment in people during a public speaking test. Also important are the experiences of direct consumers, who speak very positively about the effects of CBD drops on the issue of anxiety. Among the mentioned advantages, we should also include a minimum of side effects, which certainly cannot be said in the case of Cipralex. CBD oil is also friendly in that you don't put yourself at risk of addiction, whereas with AD, the risk of addiction is quite high.

Effects of We have covered CBD oils for anxiety in detail in this article.

Side effects of CBD

Regarding the side effects, it is important to remember that we have to take into account both the short-term ones and the long-term ones, which are much more serious than the short-term ones when using most substances.

Possible side effects of CBD:

• Dry mouth
• Decreased appetite (in excessive doses, at low doses, on the contrary, it helps in the fight against loss of appetite)
• Drowsiness
• Diarrhea
• Increased fatigue

As we have mentioned several times in previous posts; the side effects of CBD usually occur only at ten to one hundred times recommended dosage. We still don't have any reliable study results for long-term effects, but long-term side effects can be expected to depend mainly on long-term overuse and application method (eg CBD drops vs flowers).

Cipralex side effects:

• Dry mouth
• Nausea
• Constipation
• Fatigue 
• Sleep problems
• Increased sweating
• Heartbeat
• Drowsiness
• Dizziness

In terms of long-term side effects, the results of CBD and Cipralex will be diametrically opposed. Long-term use of SSRI drugs is very invasive for our body. For example, one study worked with patients who took SSRI antidepressants for 3-15 years, so we can pinpoint the side effects with great precision:

• Withdrawal symptoms (72,5%)
• Sexual problems (71,8%)
• Weight gain (65,3%)
• Emotional numbness (64,5%)
• Feelings of dependence (43%)

So can we replace Escitalopram with CBD?

CBD has its undeniable benefits when it comes to treating anxiety. Among other things, you will avoid the whole range of long-term side effects that are closely related to the use of antidepressants. Although we do not have as much information about this alternative method of treatment as about the substance Escitalopram, the studies, researches and primarily the experiences of users speak for one thing when they agree that alternative treatment with the help of CBD is definitely worth a try!

If you are interested in this option, do not hesitate to discuss it with your attending psychiatrist. If he is at least partially inclined to natural therapeutic methods, he will certainly adjust your medication so that you can use CBD oil without worry.

Do you need help?

If anything is not clear to you and/or you want advice on the selection, please write to us below in the comments below the post, via contact form or send us a question by e-mail info@miralecbd.cz. Thank you.

Our tip: look at map of branded cannabis stores Miracle CBD, where you have the unique opportunity to consult your needs with professionally trained staff from our team. We have all products in stock, so you don't have to wait for delivery by courier and you can take the products home the same day. We have been bringing you the unrivaled best CBD, HHC and kratom since 2020!

Klatovy store – Viennese 31 | Shop Ml. Boleslav – Železná 162 | Shop J. Hradec – Masarykovo nám. 1

Source: https://www.naturalwayscbd.com/blog/cbd-vs-lexapro/

NOTICE: Hemp products and kratom are exclusively intended for collecting, industrial and technical purposes. Alternatively for further sale and processing. In no case are they intended for consumption, inhalation or smoking! The described effects are purely informative. Company Miracle CBD does not approve or otherwise support the abuse and sale of psychotropic and narcotic substances!