CBD Vs Lexapro

If you have been diagnosed with depression, you have probably heard about Lexapro. Lexapro is an antidepressant used by people suffering from anxiety. You will even find adults with major depressive disorder using Lexapro to help reduce the symptoms of depression. Since time immemorial, CBD has also been available to us. However, it is now that is has become commercially viable and more people have started embracing it recently. CBD has many potential benefits, and may help address symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Further research on this is happening right now. But scientists think that CBD has the potential to target anxiety and depression. Mental disorders are a global issue. Many people worldwide have either been diagnosed with anxiety or depression. In 2017, anxiety outpaced depression, making it the most common mental disorder in the world. For these reasons, many people have turned to products such as CBD and Lexapro to get some relief. Most users of the two products report that the they are highly effective. However, it is essential to do your research on CBD vs Lexapro. Please spare some time to understand the products before you use them. Read on to learn more about CBD vs Lexapro.

What Is CBD And How Does It Work?

Cannabidiol is an active compound in the cannabis plant. There are many compounds present in the cannabis plant. However, CBD and THC are the most popular ones. CBD works as a treatment for different ailments, such as anxiety, depression, and epileptic seizures. It seems to be effective since so many people have been choosing CBD products. CBD is safer when compared to certain over-the-counter drugs. It is also non-psychoactive, meaning that individuals do not feel ‘high’ after using it. CBD works by interacting with the endocannabinoid system which is responsible for keeping body homeostasis. CBD also activates the body pain receptors and, in the process, may help to minimize symptoms such as pain and anxiety. For example, CBD influences the TRPV1, and in the process, can block the pain signals from reaching other parts of the body.

How Does CBD Reduce Depression?

It is possible for CBD to address symptoms of depression because of its impact on the serotonin receptors in the brain. Usually, when your body produces low serotonin levels, there are high chances of you having depression. CBD will not necessarily boost the serotonin levels. But it will affect how your brain’s chemical receptors respond to the serotonin already present in your system. There are also links between anxiety and low serotonin levels in the body. When you take CBD, the symptoms of anxiety and depression may start to quell. As much as CBD may offer similar benefits to antidepressants, it is good to note that CBD isn’t a replacement. So it would be best if you do not stop taking your medication because of CBD. Always consult your doctor before making decisions about managing your depression.

What Is Lexapro And How Does It Work?

Lexapro is an effective treatment option for individuals with depression. It is usually available in the form of an oral tablet and liquid solution. It belongs to a group of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors {SSRI}. The amount you take will depend on several factors, such as your age and other medications that you may be taking. Lexapro works by increasing the amounts of serotonin in your brain. When serotonin levels in your body are high, the symptoms of depression and anxiety go away. Many people prefer this antidepressant because it has fewer unwanted side effects than older drugs.

Things You Should Know About Lexapro.

Lexapro belongs to a class of drugs called SSRIs, which are more tolerated than other medications used to treat depression. That is why Lexapro is more popular. It is also available as a generic under the name escitalopram. The treatment also has several side effects which you need to be aware of. Just because it is more tolerated doesn’t mean there are no side effects associated with its uptake. Some of the side effects include sexual dysfunction, increased sweating, and dry mouth. The uptake of Lexapro is also associated with increased suicidal thoughts and behavior. Therefore, you need to monitor your moods from time to time. Lexapro lowers the total amount of sodium in the body, affecting the older adults who take diuretics.

This antidepressant is not suitable for individuals suffering from glaucoma. Nor for people with a history of seizures or that have heart conditions. If you have diabetes, you will have to ask your doctor to adjust your treatment to suit your condition. There are specific concerns that arise when taking Lexapro during pregnancy. It is important for pregnant women taking Lexapro to notify their health care provider to help them manage their medication. Untreated major depressive disorder can affect both the mother and the fetus. If you take antidepressant through your second and third trimester, the baby might be born before fully developing.

Is It Safe to Use Both Lexapro And CBD At the Same Time?

It might seem like taking CBD and Lexapro at the same time is good because both have antidepressant properties. However, this could be dangerous, since using both products simultaneously boosts the risk of harmful side effects. If you want to take CBD, you must stop taking the Lexapro first and then proceed to take the CBD. Don’t do this without seeking the advice of your healthcare provider. Note that stopping an antidepressant instantly could cause some of the original symptoms to return. Withdrawal symptoms you may experience include drowsiness, sleep disorders, and flu-like symptoms. Consulting with your doctor enables you to make a smooth transition.

CBD Vs Lexapro Usage.

How to Take Lexapro.

When it comes to the dosage of Lexapro, you don’t need to worry too much. It isn’t complicated, and hence easier to use. You will need to take escitalopram once every day. Either choose to take the medication before or after eating food. It is necessary you take the drug once a day, at your preferred time. However, try to stick to the same time every single day. If you are the type that experiences difficulty sleeping, you should take your medication in the morning.

You will realize that the tablets come in different strengths ranging from 5mg to 20 mg. Usually, the recommended dose is 10 milligrams per day. If you are new to this, you can start with the 5mg dose and increase it slowly, depending on your doctor’s guidance. In case you forget to take the medication, don’t take a double dose to make up for the forgotten doses. If you happen to forget and remember before you sleep, take it as soon as possible and then proceed with the rest of the dose as usual. You need to ensure that you take your medication every day if you want to see results. If you notice that you keep forgetting to take medicine, consider setting the alarm to remind you. In case you overdose, and you start experiencing symptoms such as vomiting, you should contact your doctor immediately.

How To Take CBD For Depression

More people are using CBD oil products to address symptoms of depression. You may choose to take the CBD orally as a spray, capsule, or oil. Due to the lack of regulation on CBD’s use, there is no specific advice on how to use CBD. However, you can establish a baseline dosage and then adjust your dosage as you progress. If possible, start by taking a dosage of 5-10 mg every day. Take some time to study your body and see how it responds to the medication. You must ensure the CBD product you are using contains less than 0.03% of THC because you want to avoid the psychoactive effect that THC has on users.

If you choose to use an oral spray, do so after you have eaten. Studies show that your body absorbs CBD faster after you have eaten something. This is because chewing increases blood flow to your mouth, facilitating faster absorption. You also should keep CBD oil in your mouth for a few minutes before you swallow. Try to increase the absorption rate by swishing the oil around your mouth and between your teeth.

When it comes to CBD, it is possibly unsafe for a mother to use it when pregnant or breastfeeding. The CBD may contain traces of other products which may be harmful to the fetus. Women should avoid taking CBD when pregnant. Some of CBD’s other side effects include low blood pressure, liver injuries, dry mouth, and lightheadedness.

CBD vs Lexapro – The Takeaway

If you have been suffering from depression and anxiety, you must take the necessary measures to improve your mental health. Without taking the required precautions, the symptoms may become overwhelming. Some people use CBD or Lexapro to reduce depression symptoms. Don’t forget to consult your doctor before you start taking either of the two products. Use the information provided here to make informed decisions when it comes to CBD vs Lexapro.