Escitalopram is a medication to treat depression. This drug is also used to treat anxiety disorders, obsessive compulsive disorder, phobias,or panic attack.
Escitalopram works by restoring the balance of serotonin levels in the brain. This way of working will help control your mood. In this way, the symptoms of depression will subside and your mood will improve.
Escitalopram trademark: Cipralex, Depram, Elxion, Escitalopram oxalate
What is Escitalopram
| group | Prescription drugs |
| Category | Types of antidepressants selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) |
| Benefit | Coping with symptoms of depression, anxiety disorders, obsessive compulsive disorder, panic attacks, or social phobia |
| Consumed by | Mature |
| Escitalopram for pregnant and lactating women | Category C:Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. Drugs should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus. Escitalopram can be absorbed into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor first. |
| Drug form | Tablet |
Precautions Before Taking Escitalopram
Escitalopram should only be taken according to a doctor's prescription. There are several things that must be considered before using this drug, including:
- Do not consume alcoholic beverages while taking escitalopram.
- Do not take escitalopram if you are allergic to this drug.
- Do not drive or do activities that require alertness after taking escitalopram.
- Do not stop taking escitalopram carelessly without consulting your doctor first.
- Tell your doctor if in the last 14 days you have had treatment with an MAOI drug, such as isocarboxid. Escitalopram should not be taken by patients who have recently had treatment with this drug.
- Tell your doctor if you have or have had liver disease, kidney disease, seizures, epilepsy, hyponatremia, glaucoma, thyroid disease, hypertension, arrhythmia, stroke, blood clotting disorder, or bipolar disorder
- Immediately see a doctor if during treatment with escitalopram there is a desire to hurt yourself or commit suicide.
- If you are planning to have dental work or surgery, tell your doctor that you are taking escitalopram.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, supplements, or herbal products.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
- Call your doctor right away if you have an allergic drug reaction, serious side effect, or overdose, after taking escitalopram.
Dosage and Instructions for Use of Escitalopram
The following are general doses of escitalopram based on the patient's condition:
Condition: Depression, anxiety disorder, or obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Mature: 10 mg once a day. The dose may be increased after 7 days of use to a maximum of 20 mg once daily, depending on the patient's response to the drug.
- seniors: 5 mg once a day. The dose may be increased to 10 mg per day, depending on the patient's response to the drug.
Condition: Social phobia
- Mature: 10 mg once a day. The dose may be reduced or increased to a maximum of 20 mg once daily, after 7 days of use, depending on the patient's response to the drug.
- seniors: 5 mg once a day. The dose may be increased to a maximum of 10 mg per day, depending on the patient's response to the drug.
Condition: Panic attacks with or without agoraphobia
- Mature: 5 mg once daily, given for 7 days. The dose can then be increased to a maximum of 20 mg per day, depending on the patient's response to the drug.
- seniors: 5 mg per day. The dose may be increased to 10 mg per day, depending on the patient's response to the drug.
How to Take Escitalopram Correctly
Follow the doctor's recommendations and read the instructions for use listed on the packaging before using escitalopram.
Try to take escitalopram at the same time every day, in the morning or in the afternoon, for maximum benefit. If you suffer from sleep disorders, take escitalopram in the morning.
If you forget to take escitalopram, it is advisable to take it as soon as you remember it, if the break with the next schedule is not too close. If it is close, ignore it and do not double the dose.
Perform regular check-ups with the doctor while undergoing treatment with escitalopram so that the condition and response to therapy can be monitored.
Store escitalopram at room temperature. Do not store it in a wet place or in direct sunlight. Keep out of reach of children.
Interactions of Escitalopram with Other Drugs
The use of escitalopram together with other drugs can cause drug interactions, including:
- Increased risk of side effects of escitalopram, such as serotonin syndrome when used with MAOIs . drugs
- Increased risk of QT prolongation if used with antiarrhythmic drugs, antimalarial drugs, antihistamines, or some antibiotics, such as erythromycin or moxifloxacin
- Increased effectiveness of escitalopram when used with tramadol or lithium
- Increased blood levels of escitalopram when used with cimetidine or CYP2C19 blocking drugs, such as omeprazole, fluconazole, fluvoxamine
- Increased risk of bleeding when used with anticoagulants, antiplatelet drugs, antipsychotics, or NSAIDs
- Increased risk of seizures when used with other antidepressants, including bupropion
- Increased levels and effectiveness of CYP2D6 inhibitors, eg metoprolol or desipramine
- Increased risk of hypoglycemia when used with antidiabetic drugs
Side Effects and Dangers of Escitalopram
Some of the side effects that may appear after taking escitalopram are:
- dry mouth
- Nauseous
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Insomnia
- Dizzy
- Drowsiness
- Weak
- Stomach pain
- Excessive sweating
Check with your doctor if the side effects above don't go away or get worse. See your doctor immediately if you have an allergic reaction to the drug or a more serious side effect, such as:
- The emergence of symptoms of hyponatremia, which is characterized by persistent headaches, weakness, muscle cramps, and even seizures
- High fever, especially accompanied by restlessness or confusion
- The emergence of suicidal ideation or hallucinations
- Abnormal bleeding that can be characterized by bloody vomiting, black vomit, easy bruising, or bloody stools
- Heart rhythm disturbances, including arrhythmias and tachycardia
- Decreased sexual desire or erection longer until it hurts