Escitalopram: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use

What Drug Escitalopram?

What is escitalopram for?

Escitalopram is a drug useful for treating depression and anxiety. This drug works by helping to restore the balance of a certain natural substance (serotonin) in the brain. Escitalopram belongs to a class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). This medication may increase energy levels and feel good and reduce nervousness.

OTHER USES: This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed on US professional labeling approved for the drug but may be prescribed by a professional healthcare provider. Use this medication only in the conditions listed in this section if it has been prescribed by a professional healthcare provider.

This medication may also be useful in treating other mental / mood disorders (eg obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder) and the red and hot skin that occurs with menopause.

How do I use escitalopram?

Use this medication orally with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once a day in the morning or evening. The dosage is based on your medical condition, response to treatment, age, and other drugs you are taking. Be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use (including prescription, over-the-counter and herbal products).

If you are using a liquid medicine, measure the dose carefully using a special measuring tool / spoon. Don't use a tablespoon as you may not be able to get the correct dose.

To reduce your risk of side effects, your doctor may tell you to start taking this medication in a low dose and gradually increase the dose. Follow the doctor's instructions carefully. Do not increase your dose or use the medicine more often or for longer than recommended. The condition will not improve any sooner, and the risk of side effects will increase. Take this medicine regularly for maximum benefits. To help remind you, drink it at the same times each day.

It is important to continue taking your medication even if you feel well. Don't stop taking your medication without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may get worse if you suddenly stop taking the medicine. In addition, you may experience symptoms such as mood swings, headaches, fatigue, changes in sleep patterns, and feeling like being electrocuted. To prevent these symptoms while you are trying to stop medication, your doctor may reduce your dose gradually. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

Report any new or worsening symptoms right away. It may take 1-2 weeks for all medicinal benefits and 4 weeks for all medicinal benefits. Tell your doctor if the condition does not improve or if it gets worse.

How is escitalopram stored?

This medication is best stored at room temperature, away from direct light and damp places. Don't keep it in the bathroom. Don't freeze it. Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your product.

Escitalopram dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the dose of escitalopram for adults?

Usual adult dosage for generalized anxiety disorder

Initial dose: 10 mg orally once a day; increase if necessary after at least 1 week of treatment to 20 mg once daily

Follow-up dose: 10-20 mg orally once a day

Maximum dose: 20 mg orally once a day

Usual adult dosage for depression medication

Initial dose: 10 mg orally once a day; increase if necessary after at least 1 week of treatment to 20 mg once daily

Follow-up dose: 10-20 mg orally once a day

Maximum dose: 20 mg orally once a day

Usual parent dosage for depression

Recommended dosage: 10 mg orally once a day

What is the dose of escitalopram for children?

Usual dosage for depression

12-17 years:

Initial dose: 10 mg orally once a day; increase if necessary after at least 3 weeks of treatment to 20 mg once daily

Follow-up dose: 10-20 mg orally once a day

Maximum dose: 20 mg orally once a day

18 years or older: Usual adult dosage

In what dosage is escitalopram available?

Escitalopram is available in tablet form: 10 mg, 20 mg

Escitalopram side effects

What side effects can be experienced due to escitalopram?

Common side effects can include drowsiness, dizziness, insomnia, nausea, weight changes, and reduced sex drive.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: itching; difficulty breathing; swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Report any new or worsening symptoms to the doctor, for example: changes in mood or habits, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, or if you feel impulsive, irritable, grumpy, aggressive, restlessness, hyperactive (mentally or physically), more depressed, or thinking about suicide or injuring yourself.

Call your doctor right away if you experience serious side effects such as:

• very stiff muscles, high fever, sweating, fast or irregular heartbeat, trembling, feeling about to pass out;
• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, feeling unstable, or loss of coordination
• headache, difficulty concentrating, memory problems, lethargy, confusion, hallucinations, fainting, seizures, difficulty breathing or stopping breathing.

Milder side effects may include:

• drowsiness, dizziness
• insomnia
• mild nausea, gas, heartburn, stomach pain, constipation
• changes in weight
• reduced sex drive, impotence or difficulty orgasming
• dry, drowsy mouth, ringing in the ears

Not everyone experiences this side effect. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you want to know about side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Escitalopram Drug Warnings and Cautions

What should be known before using escitalopram?

Before using escitalopram, tell your doctor (or pharmacist) if you:

• allergy to escitalopram, citalopram (Celexa), or other medications
• take pimozide (Orap) or monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar), and tranylcypromine (Parnate), or if you have stopped taking MAO inhibitors for more than 14 day. Your doctor may tell you not to take escitalopram. If you do stop, you should wait at least 14 days before starting an MAO inhibitor
• It should be noted that escitalopram is very similar to another SSRI, citalopram (Celexa). You must not take these two drugs at the same time.
• plan or are taking prescription and over-the-counter medications and vitamins. Be sure to mention these drugs: anticoagulants such as warfarin (Coumadin); antihistamines; aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn); carbamazepine (Tegretol); cimetidine (Tagamet) l ketoconazole (Sporanox), lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid, Lithotab); linezolid (Zyvox); anxiety, mental disorders, or seizure medications; migraine headache medications such as almotriptan (Axert), eletriptan (Relpax), frovatriptan (Frova), naratriptan (Amerge), rizatriptan (Maxalt), sumatriptan (Imitrex), and zolmitriptan (Zomig); metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL); other antidepressants such as desipramine (Norpramin); sedatives; sibutramine (Meridia); sleeping pills; tramadol; methylene blue; and sedative. Your doctor may need to change the dose of your medication or watch you for side effects.
• is currently taking health supplements and herbal products, especially products containing St. John's wort or tryptophan
• have recently had a heart attack and (have had) had seizures or disease of the liver, kidneys, thyroid, or heart
• pregnant, especially if you have been pregnant in the last few months, or you plan to become pregnant or are breastfeeding If you become pregnant while taking escitalopram, call your doctor. Escitalopram might cause problems in the newborn if you take the medicine during the last few months of pregnancy
• having surgery, including dental surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking escitalopram
• keep in mind that escitalopram might make you sleepy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you
• remember that alcohol can make you even more sleepy because of this drug
• You need to know that escitalopram might cause acute glaucoma (a condition in which fluid is suddenly blocked and can't flow out of the eye, causing a rapid and severe increase in pressure on the eye resulting in vision loss). Check your eyes with a doctor before starting treatment. If you have nausea, eye pain, vision changes, such as light-headedness, and swelling or redness in or around the eyes, call your doctor or seek emergency medical care right away.

Is escitalopram safe for pregnant and lactating women?

There is no adequate research on the risks of using this drug in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication. This drug is included in the risk of pregnancy category C according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The following references the pregnancy risk categories according to the FDA:

A = No risk,

B = not at risk in several studies,

C = May be risky,

D = There is positive evidence of risk,

X = Contraindicated,

N = Unknown

Escitalopram Drug Interactions

What medicines might interact with escitalopram?

Taking this medication with other medicines may make you drowsy or slow your breathing, so it is dangerous or cause life-threatening side effects.

Ask your doctor before taking escitalopram with a sleeping pill, narcotic pain medication, medicine that relaxes muscles, or medication for anxiety, depression, or seizures.

Tell your doctor about all the drugs you use, and any medications you start or stop using during treatment with escitalopram, especially:

• other antidepressants
• buspirone
• lithium
• St. John's wort
• tryptophan (sometimes called L-tryptophan)
• a blood thinner - warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven
• migraine headache medicine - sumatriptan, rizatriptan, and so on
• narcotic pain medication - fentanyl or tramadol.

This list is not exhaustive. Other drugs may interact with escitalopram, including prescription and nonprescription drugs, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed above.

Can food or alcohol interact with escitalopram?

Certain drugs cannot be used with meals or when eating certain foods because drug interactions can occur. Consuming alcohol or tobacco with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur. These interactions have been selected on the basis of potential benefits and need not be too inclusive.

What health conditions can interact with escitalopram?

The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this drug. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

• bradycardia (slow heart rate)
• Heart rhythm problems (for example, prolonged QT)
• hypokalemia (low potassium level in the blood), not corrected
• hypomagnesemia (lack of magnesium in the blood), not corrected — drug use is not recommended for patients with this condition
• congenital heart failure — doses of granules and tablets containing sodium, which can make this condition worse
• increase in enzymes in the liver or
• liver disease (including cholestatic hepatitis)
• myasthenia gravis (severe muscle weakness) —use with caution. It might worsen the condition.

Escitalopram overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (112) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department. Overdose symptoms may include:

• dizzy
• sweating
• nausea
• gag
• trembling
• sleepy
• fast or irregular heartbeat
• seizures
• confusion
• senile
• breathe quickly
• coma

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, when it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the usual dosing schedule. Do not double up on a dose to make up for a missed dose.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.