Free Seychelles: escitalopram

es-sye-TAL-oh-pram

Oral route(Tablet;Solution)

Antidepressants increased the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in children, adolescents, and young adults with major depressive disorder (MDD) and other psychiatric disorders in short-term studies. Short term studies did not show an increase in the risk of suicidality with antidepressants compared to placebo in adults beyond age 24, and there was a reduction in risk with antidepressants compared to placebo in adults aged 65 and older. This risk must be balanced with the clinical need. Monitor patients closely for clinical worsening, suicidality, or unusual changes in behavior. Families and caregivers should be advised of the need for close observation and communication with the prescriber. Not approved for use in pediatric patients .

Commonly used brand name(s)

In the U.S.

Lexapro

Available Dosage Forms:

Tablet

Solution

Therapeutic Class: Antidepressant

Pharmacologic Class: Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor

Uses For escitalopram

Escitalopram is used to treat mental depression and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).

Escitalopram belongs to a group of medicines known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). These medicines are thought to work by increasing the activity of the chemical serotonin in the brain.

escitalopram is available only with your doctor's prescription.

Before Using escitalopram

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For escitalopram, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to escitalopram or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated pediatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of escitalopram in children and teenagers with depression 12 years of age and older. However, safety and efficacy have not been established in children less than 12 years of age.

Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of escitalopram in children with generalized anxiety disorder. Safety and efficacy have not been established.

Geriatric

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of escitalopram in the elderly. However, elderly patients are more likely to have age-related liver problems, which may require an adjustment in the dose for patients receiving escitalopram.

Pregnancy

	Pregnancy Category	Explanation
All Trimesters	C	Animal studies have shown an adverse effect and there are no adequate studies in pregnant women OR no animal studies have been conducted and there are no adequate studies in pregnant women.

Breast Feeding

Studies in women breastfeeding have demonstrated harmful infant effects. An alternative to this medication should be prescribed or you should stop breastfeeding while using escitalopram.

Interactions with Medicines

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking escitalopram, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

Using escitalopram with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.

Clorgyline

Furazolidone

Isocarboxazid

Lazabemide

Linezolid

Methylene Blue

Metoclopramide

Moclobemide

Phenelzine

Selegiline

Tranylcypromine

Using escitalopram with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

Abciximab

Aceclofenac

Acemetacin

Acenocoumarol

Alclofenac

Almotriptan

Ancrod

Anisindione

Antithrombin III Human

Apazone

Ardeparin

Aspirin

Benoxaprofen

Bivalirudin

Bromfenac

Bufexamac

Carprofen

Certoparin

Cilostazol

Citalopram

Clometacin

Clonixin

Clopidogrel

Dalteparin

Danaparoid

Defibrotide

Dermatan Sulfate

Desirudin

Desvenlafaxine

Dexketoprofen

Dextromethorphan

Diclofenac

Dicumarol

Diflunisal

Dipyridamole

Dipyrone

Droxicam

Duloxetine

Eletriptan

Enoxaparin

Eptifibatide

Escitalopram

Etodolac

Etofenamate

Felbinac

Fenbufen

Fenoprofen

Fentiazac

Floctafenine

Flufenamic Acid

Fluoxetine

Flurbiprofen

Fluvoxamine

Fondaparinux

Frovatriptan

Heparin

Ibuprofen

Indomethacin

Indoprofen

Isoxicam

Ketoprofen

Ketorolac

Lornoxicam

Magnesium Salicylate

Meclofenamate

Mefenamic Acid

Meloxicam

Milnacipran

Nabumetone

Nadroparin

Naproxen

Naratriptan

Nepafenac

Niflumic Acid

Nimesulide

Oxaprozin

Oxycodone

Oxyphenbutazone

Parnaparin

Paroxetine

Pentosan Polysulfate Sodium

Phenindione

Phenprocoumon

Phenylbutazone

Pirazolac

Piroxicam

Pirprofen

Prasugrel

Propyphenazone

Proquazone

Rasagiline

Reviparin

Rizatriptan

Salicylic Acid

Salsalate

Sertraline

Sibutramine

St John's Wort

Sulindac

Sumatriptan

Suprofen

Tapentadol

Tenidap

Tenoxicam

Tiaprofenic Acid

Ticlopidine

Tinzaparin

Tirofiban

Tolmetin

Tramadol

Vilazodone

Warfarin

Zolmitriptan

Zomepirac

Using escitalopram with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

Cimetidine

Cyclobenzaprine

Desipramine

Ginkgo

Hydrocodone

Ketoconazole

Lamotrigine

Lithium

Metoprolol

Telaprevir

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

Proper Use of escitalopram

Take escitalopram only as directed by your doctor to help your condition as much as possible. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered.

escitalopram should come with a Medication Guide. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Escitalopram may be taken with or without food on a full or empty stomach. If your doctor tells you to take it at a specific time, follow your doctor's instructions.

If you are using the oral liquid form of escitalopram, shake the bottle well before measuring each dose. Use a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup to measure each dose.

You may have to take escitalopram for 1 to 4 weeks before you begin to feel better.

Dosing

The dose of escitalopram will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of escitalopram. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

For oral dosage form (oral solution and tablets):
- For depression:
  - Adults, teenagers, and children 12 years of age and above—At first, 10 milligrams (mg) once a day, taken either in the morning or evening. Your doctor may increase your dose gradually if needed. However, the dose usually is not more than 20 mg a day.
  - Older adults and patients with liver problems—Usually 10 mg once a day, taken either in the morning or evening.
  - Children below 12 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
- For anxiety:
  - Adults—At first, 10 milligrams (mg) once a day, taken either in the morning or evening. Your doctor may increase your dose gradually if needed. However, the dose usually is not more than 20 mg a day.
  - Older adults and patients with liver problems—Usually 10 mg once a day, taken either in the morning or evening.
  - Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of escitalopram, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

Precautions While Using escitalopram

It is very important that your doctor check you or your child's progress at regular visits to allow for changes in your dose and to help reduce any side effects.

Do not take escitalopram with or within 14 days of taking a drug with monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor activity (e.g., isocarboxazid [Marplan®], phenelzine [Nardil®], procarbazine [Matulane®], selegiline [Eldepryl®], or tranylcypromine [Parnate®]). Do not take an MAO inhibitor within 14 days of taking escitalopram. If you do, you may develop extremely high blood pressure or convulsions (seizures). Do not take escitalopram with pimozide (Orap®).

Make sure your doctor knows about all the other medicines you are using. Escitalopram may cause serious conditions such as serotonin syndrome or neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS)-like reactions when taken with certain medicines. Do not use escitalopram with linezolid (Zyvox®), lithium, tryptophan, St. John's Wort, or some pain or migraine medicines (e.g., tramadol [Ultram®], sumatriptan [Imitrex®], zolmitriptan [Zomig®], or rizatriptan [Maxalt®]).

Escitalopram may cause some people to be agitated, irritable, or display other abnormal behaviors. It may also cause some people to have suicidal thoughts and tendencies or to become more depressed. If you, your child, or your caregiver notice any of these side effects, tell your doctor or your child's doctor right away.

Do not suddenly stop taking this medication without checking first with your doctor. Your doctor may want you to gradually reduce the amount you are taking before stopping it completely. This is to decrease the chance of having symptoms such as increased anxiety; burning or tingling feelings; confusion; dizziness; headache; irritability; nausea; nervousness; trouble with sleeping; or unusual tiredness or weakness.

escitalopram may cause some people to become drowsy, to have trouble with thinking, or to have problems with movement. Make sure you know how you react to escitalopram before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert or well-coordinated.

Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages while you are taking escitalopram.

Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements.

escitalopram Side Effects

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Rare

Coma

confusion

convulsions

decreased urine output

dizziness

fast or irregular heartbeat

headache

increased thirst

muscle pain or cramps

nausea or vomiting

shortness of breath

swelling of the face, ankles, or hands

unusual tiredness or weakness

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Constipation

decreased interest in sexual intercourse

diarrhea

dry mouth

ejaculation delay

gas in the stomach

heartburn

inability to have or keep an erection

increased sweating

loss in sexual ability desire, drive, or performance

sleepiness or unusual drowsiness

sleeplessness

stomach pain

trouble with sleeping

unable to sleep

Less common

Chills

cough

decreased appetite

fever

general feeling of discomfort or illness

joint pain

loss of appetite

muscle aches and pains

not able to have an orgasm

pain or tenderness around the eyes and cheekbones

runny nose

shivering

sneezing

sore throat

stuffy nose

sweating

tightness of the chest or wheezing

trouble with breathing

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

See also: escitalopram side effects (in more detail)

The information contained in the Thomson Reuters Micromedex products as delivered by Drugs.com is intended as an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatment. It is not a substitute for a medical exam, nor does it replace the need for services provided by medical professionals. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before taking any prescription or over the counter drugs (including any herbal medicines or supplements) or following any treatment or regimen. Only your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist can provide you with advice on what is safe and effective for you.

The use of the Thomson Reuters Healthcare products is at your sole risk. These products are provided "AS IS" and "as available" for use, without warranties of any kind, either express or implied. Thomson Reuters Healthcare and Drugs.com make no representation or warranty as to the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, usefulness or completeness of any of the information contained in the products. Additionally, THOMSON REUTERS HEALTHCARE MAKES NO REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTIES AS TO THE OPINIONS OR OTHER SERVICE OR DATA YOU MAY ACCESS, DOWNLOAD OR USE AS A RESULT OF USE OF THE THOMSON REUTERS HEALTHCARE PRODUCTS. ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE ARE HEREBY EXCLUDED. Thomson Reuters Healthcare does not assume any responsibility or risk for your use of the Thomson Reuters Healthcare products.

More escitalopram resources

Escitalopram Side Effects (in more detail)
Escitalopram Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Escitalopram Drug Interactions
Escitalopram Support Group
435 Reviews for Escitalopram - Add your own review/rating

Escitalopram MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)

Escitalopram Oxalate Monograph (AHFS DI)

Lexapro Prescribing Information (FDA)

Lexapro Consumer Overview

Compare escitalopram with other medications

Anxiety
Bipolar Disorder
Body Dysmorphic Disorder
Depression
Fibromyalgia
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
Trichotillomania
Vulvodynia

Free Seychelles

Thursday, September 22, 2016

escitalopram