Escitalopram

Escitalopram, marketed under the brand name Lexapro, is a prescription antidepressant indicated to treat major depressive disorder & generalized anxiety disorder. It contains escitalopram oxalate as its active ingredient, which is an SSRI or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor. It functions by raising the serotonin levels in the brain, which further helps improve mood, relieve anxiety, and restore emotional stability. It is available in the form of oral tablets with strengths of 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg to be taken once daily, with or without food, preferably at the same time each day.

Adults usually take this antidepressant at 10 mg once a day, which may be increased to 20 mg if required. Adolescents with MDD and children aged seven and above with GAD may also be prescribed this SSRI medication under close medical supervision. Similar to other medicines, it can cause certain commonly occurring side effects such as drowsiness, insomnia, dry mouth, headache, and sexual dysfunction. Escitalopram carries a boxed warning due to the risk of suicidal thoughts in pediatric patients, adolescents, and young adults.

Regular monitoring of symptoms is essential, especially during the first few weeks of being treated with this drug. Patients should tell their healthcare provider beforehand if they have a history of bipolar disorder, seizures, or hepatic issues. You should not take this antidepressant along with MAOIs or pimozide. Combining it with other serotonergic drugs can increase the risk of serotonin syndrome. In case of a missed dose or suspected overdose, seek medical attention immediately. Follow proper storage guidelines to make sure the medicine is safe for use. Do not discontinue use without consulting your doctor first, as withdrawal symptoms may occur. If you plan to buy Escitalopram online from Canada, choose trusted pharmacies to ensure its authenticity.

Escitalopram is used to:

• Treat major depressive disorder in adults and teenagers aged 12 years or above.
• Generalized anxiety disorder in adults, adolescents, and pediatric patients aged seven or above.

Benefits of Escitalopram

• It improves mood, emotional stability, and reduces excessive worry.
• Compared to some other SSRIs, escitalopram tends to have fewer and milder side effects.

What Are the Forms & Strengths of Escitalopram?

It is available in the following forms and strengths:

Form: Oral tablets

Strengths: 5 mg, 10 mg & 20 mg

Form: Oral solution

Strength: 5 mg per 5ml

What Is the Recommended Dosage for Escitalopram?

The recommended Escitalopram dose may vary from person to person depending on the medical condition being treated, age, and other factors. Do not alter your dosage without talking with your doctor first, as it can cause harm. The typical dose of Escitalopram includes:

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder

• Initial Dose: 10 mg orally once daily
• Maintenance Dose: 10-20 mg once daily orally
• Maximum Dose: 20 mg orally once daily

For Depression

• For Adults
  • Initial Dose: Take 10 mg by mouth once a day.
  • Maintenance Dose: 10-20 mg orally once daily.
  • Maximum Dose: 20 mg orally once daily.
• For Elderly Patients
  • Recommended Daily Dose: 10 mg by mouth
• For Pediatric Patients
  • Aged 12 Years and Above: The recommended dose is 10 mg orally once daily. The dosage should not exceed 20 mg every day.

Note: These guidelines may vary from person to person. Discuss it with your doctor, and they will alter your dosage accordingly.

Follow proper usage guidelines to ensure the medicine's safe and effective use. Make sure to carefully read the product label before using this drug for the first time and each time you get a refill. Ask your doctor if you have any concerns or if you have difficulty understanding any part of the label.

• You should take Escitalopram exactly as your doctor has prescribed and do not make changes to your dosage without consulting them first.
• You can take Escitalopram tablets once daily, with or without food. Take it at the same time every day, preferably in the morning or evening, to maintain consistent levels in your body.
• Your physician may suggest that you start taking Escitalopram on a low dose and increase your dosage after one week in adults and after two or three weeks in young patients.
• It may take around one to four weeks to notice the full benefits of this antidepressant medicine. Continue using it even if you feel well.
• Your doctor will periodically check on your progress when you visit them. A child using this drug should be checked for height and unusual weight gain.
• Do not abruptly stop using Escitalopram as it may cause withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, confusion, headache, sweating, shaking, or abnormal excitement, fatigue, or insomnia. Inform your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms.

Note: Your doctor will decide the right dose for you based on your condition, following guidelines and studies on the drug. They'll adjust it as needed over time.

Escitalopram belongs to the drug class of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. It functions by increasing serotonin levels in your brain, which further helps regulate mood. Essentially, it prevents nerve cells from reabsorbing serotonin too quickly, keeping more of it available to support stable mood and emotional balance. It may take a few weeks to start noticing the benefits associated with this SSRI drug.

Common Side Effects of Escitalopram: Similar to other SSRIs, Escitalopram can cause certain temporary side effects in some people using it. These side effects usually resolve on their own without requiring medical intervention. However, if these persist or become bothersome, consult your doctor. Common Escitalopram side effects include:

• Dizziness: This may be due to the changes in blood pressure or serotonin levels, affecting balance and coordination. This is more noticeable when you stand up too quickly or during the initial stages of starting treatment, as the body adjusts to the drug.
• Urinary Discomfort: This is a less common side effect associated with the use of Escitalopram, but some users report bladder pain or discomfort while urinating, possibly due to urinary retention or irritation caused by neurotransmitter changes.
• Anxiety: Escitalopram can temporarily increase anxiety before stabilizing mood. This happens because serotonin levels in your body are adjusting, and the brain may react with heightened nervousness before adjusting.
• Shakiness: Shakiness or tremors may be due to serotonin’s effect on the nervous system, causing involuntary muscle movements. Some users experience fine tremors, particularly in the hands.
• Nausea: This is one of the most common gastrointestinal side effects associated with the use of Escitalopram, occurring in the initial weeks. It happens because serotonin receptors in the digestive tract are affected, causing increased stomach sensitivity.
• Constipation: This mental health drug can slow intestinal motility, causing constipation. Serotonin plays a role in gut movement, and altering its levels can disrupt normal bowel function.
• Yawning: Excessive yawning is linked to serotonin’s role in regulating sleep-wake cycles and thermoregulation. Some users report frequent yawning without feeling tired.
• Nosebleed: This oral tablet can affect blood clotting by decreasing platelet aggregation, increasing the risk of spontaneous bleeding, including nosebleeds.
• Reduced Sex Drive: Sexual dysfunction, including decreased libido and difficulty achieving orgasm, occurs because serotonin inhibits dopamine and other neurotransmitters involved in sexual arousal.
• Sweating: Excessive sweating, or hyperhidrosis, can occur due to serotonin’s effect on the hypothalamus, which regulates body temperature. Some people experience night sweats or excessive sweating during the day.
• Loss of Appetite: This prescription drug can alter appetite regulation, causing reduced appetite. This occurs because serotonin influences satiety signals, and increasing its levels can suppress appetite.

Severe Side Effects of Escitalopram: This selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor can cause rare but severe side effects in some users. These reactions necessitate prompt medical intervention and can become potentially life-threatening if not treated promptly. You should call your doctor or 911 if you experience any of the symptoms given below.

• Severe Vision Problems: Escitalopram can cause various ocular side effects, including blurred vision, dry eyes, and in rare cases, acute angle-closure glaucoma. Patients may experience symptoms like eye pain, visual disturbances, or seeing halos.
• Severe Allergic Reactions: In rare cases, Escitalopram can cause severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis. Its symptoms include rash, itching, facial swelling, severe dizziness, and trouble breathing.
• Slow Growth or Weight Gain (In Children): Escitalopram has been associated with decreased appetite, weight loss, and potentially delayed growth in pediatric patients due to its impact on serotonin levels.
• Low Sodium Levels: Escitalopram can induce hyponatremia, a medical condition characterized by abnormally low sodium levels in the blood. This often occurs due to the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion, where excessive antidiuretic hormone leads to water retention and diluted sodium levels. Its symptoms include confusion, headache, weakness, and in severe cases, seizures.
• Severe Nervous System Reaction: In rare cases, Escitalopram can cause severe nervous system reactions, including neuroleptic malignant syndrome, which require immediate medical attention. Symptoms include high fever, confusion, autonomic instability, and muscle rigidity.
• Serotonin Syndrome: This is a potentially life-threatening medical condition that results from excessive serotonergic activity in the central nervous system. It can occur with Escitalopram, especially when combined with other serotonergic agents. Its symptoms include agitation, hallucinations, rapid heartbeat, fluctuating blood pressure, increased body temperature, and neuromuscular abnormalities.

Note: This list may not cover all possible side effects. Always consult with your healthcare provider for medical advice about side effects.

There are certain warnings that users should consider while they are using Escitalopram. Key warnings include the following:

• Avoid Concomitant Use: You should not use Escitalopram if you are also using citalopram or pimozide, as it can raise the risk of severe side effects, including serotonin syndrome, since they have a similar mechanism of action.
• Avoid MAOIs Use: You should not use Escitalopram within two weeks before or two weeks after you have used an MAOI, including linezolid, isocarboxazid, methylene blue injection, rasagiline, tranylcypromine, or selegiline.
• Allergy: You should not use Escitalopram if you have ever had a hypersensitivity reaction to any of the active or inactive ingredients present in the medicine. Consult your pharmacist to understand the ingredients in your medications.
• Angle-closure Glaucoma: This medicine can cause angle-closure glaucoma by causing choroidal effusion or ciliary body swelling, which pushes the iris forward, narrowing or closing the drainage angle.
• Suicide Risk: Some young patients using Escitalopram may have suicidal thoughts or behavior, especially during the initial stages of starting treatment. Report any new or bothersome symptoms to your healthcare provider.
• Serotonin Syndrome: This SSRI can increase your risk of serotonin syndrome, especially when combined with MAOIs, certain migraine medicines, or excessive doses of SSRIs. Symptoms may range from mild to severe. If you experience any signs of this condition, stop use and seek medical care.

There are certain precautions that users should be mindful of before they buy Escitalopram online. These mainly include:

• Medical History: To make sure this drug is safe for you to use, you should inform your doctor if you have a history of hepatic or renal disease, low levels of sodium in your body, heart disease, stroke, bleeding problems, bipolar disorder, sexual dysfunction, or drug addiction.
• Pregnancy: You should tell your doctor beforehand if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant. Using Escitalopram during late pregnancy can cause serious medical complications. However, you may have a depression relapse if you discontinue using this antidepressant.
• Breastfeeding: This drug can pass into the breast milk. Tell your doctor if you observe agitation, feeding issues, drowsiness, or poor weight gain in the nursing baby.

Avoid Driving or Using Machines: This medication can cause dizziness or affect your mental alertness or vision. You should avoid driving a car or using heavy machinery unless you determine how this drug affects you.

To get the most out of your medicine, you should stay consistent with dosage and try to take it around the same time every day. If you have missed a dose and cannot determine what to do next, ask your doctor or follow the instructions below.

• You should take the missed dose as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, you may omit the missed dose and resume your regular schedule.
• Do not take extra doses of Escitalopram to make up for the missed dose, as it can cause harm.
• If you often forget to take your medicine according to the dosing schedule, setting a medication reminder on your mobile phone may help.

Note: If you have missed a medication dose and are unsure when to take the next one, immediately consult your doctor or pharmacist.

An Escitalopram overdose can lead to serotonin toxicity, seizures, and heart rhythm disturbances like QT prolongation. It can lead to muscle rigidity, high fever, and unconsciousness in severe cases. If you suspect an Escitalopram overdose, seek prompt medical attention by calling 911 or a healthcare professional. You can also head to the nearest medical care center.

Note: If you consumed more than the recommended dose, get medical help right away or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Following proper storage guidelines is essential to maintain the safety and accuracy of your medicine. Follow the instructions below or talk to your pharmacist or healthcare provider about the proper storage and handling of the drug you are using.

• Store Escitalopram oral tablets and suspension at room temperature, away from extreme cold or heat.
• Do not keep it in the bathroom, under the sink, or in other humid areas, as high moisture levels can harm it.
• Keep Escitalopram in a safe place such as a medicine cabinet, away from the sight and reach of pets & kids to prevent accidental consumption.
• You should check the expiration date of the medicine you are using and discard it safely if it has passed its expiration date.
• Avoid flushing or pouring down the drain, as it may harm the environment.
• The best way to eliminate unwanted and unused medicines is to give them to the medicine take-back program.

Note: Discuss with your healthcare professional the proper disposal of unused medicine and any questions you may have regarding its storage.

There are many drugs that may interact with Escitalopram, and certain drugs should not be used together. Inform your doctor about all the products you currently use or plan to use alongside Escitalopram, including all prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, herbs, or vitamin or mineral supplements. Some of the drugs that may interact with Escitalopram may include:

• Abilify
• Adderall
• Adderall XR
• Aspirin
• Benadryl
• Crestor
• Eliquis
• Fish Oil
• Flonase
• Jardiance
• Lyrica
• Metoprolol Succinate ER
• Metoprolol Tartrate
• Seroquel
• Symbicort
• Vyvanse
• Wellbutrin XL
• Xarelto
• Zyrtec

What Are the Other Escitalopram Interactions?

Apart from medicines, certain substances, herbs, vitamins, food items, and beverages may interact with Escitalopram. Discuss any potential interaction with your doctor if you are concerned about it. The presence of certain diseases may also affect how this drug works. These mainly include:

• Depression
• Hyponatremia
• Hepatic disease
• Kidney dysfunction
• Mania
• Platelet function
• Seizure disorders
• SIADH
• Weight loss

Note: This isn't a complete list, and there could be other drugs that interact with Escitalopram. Tell your doctor about prescription, over-the-counter medicines, and herbal products.

While Escitalopram is effective in treating mental health conditions, it may not be suitable for everyone. In such cases, healthcare providers recommend using an alternative medicine that aligns better with your health profile and treatment goals. These include:

• Anafranil
• Buspirone
• Doxepin
• Imipramine
• Nefazodone
• Norpramin
• Pamelor
• Protriptyline

Note: Your doctor will choose what’s best for you. Don’t use any of these alternative medications without consulting your healthcare provider. Taking them by yourself may cause serious side effects.

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