What is Escitalopram?
Escitalopram is a prescription medication that is available under the brand name Lexapro. Escitalopram is an antidepressant that belongs to the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) pclass of medicines. It affects brain chemicals that may be out of control in people who suffer from depression or anxiety. Escitalopram is a medication that is used to treat major depression in adults and teenagers aged 12 and up. Adults are also treated with escitalopram for anxiety.
Escitalopram uses
Escitalopram is an antidepressant and anxiety medication. It functions by assisting in the restoration of a natural substance (serotonin) balance in the brain. Escitalopram belongs to the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) class of medicines. Escitalopram will help you feel more energised and relaxed while also reducing nervousness. Such mental/mood conditions (such as obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder) and hot flashes associated with menopause can also be treated with escitalopram.
Escitalopram Side Effects
Most common side effects of Escitalopram are:
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Drowsiness
- Increased sweating
- Dizziness
- Diarrhea
- Heartburn
- Unexplained
- Stomach pain
- Excessive Tiredness
- Dry mouth
- Decreased appetite
- Weight loss
- Runny nose
Some of the serious side effects of Escitalopram are:
- Unusual excitement
- Rash
- Hives
- Itching
- Fever
- Joint pain
- Swelling of face
- Headache
- Seizures
Escitalopram can cause some serious side effects and can lead to some serious health problems. If you are facing any of the above serious side effects. Talk with your doctor if you are having any serious problems.
Precautions
Before taking Escitalopram talk with your doctor if you are allergic to it or any other medications. The product may contain some inactive ingredients which can cause some serious allergic reactions or some other serious problems. Before taking the drug talk with your doctor if you are having any medical history such as: bipolar or depressive disorder, liver disease, seizures, intestinal ulcers, bleeding problems and low sodium in the blood.
How to take Escitalopram?
Escitalopram is available as a tablet and a liquid solution to be taken by mouth. It's taken once a day, with or without food. Take escitalopram at the same time every day, either in the morning or in the evening, to make you continue to take it. You do not experience the full benefit of escitalopram for 1 to 4 weeks or longer. Even if you feel fine, keep taking escitalopram. Stopping escitalopram without consulting the doctor is not a good idea.
Dosage of Escitalopram
Forms and strengths
Other drugs' removal from the body can be slowed by this drug, which can influence how they work. Antiarrhythmics (such as propafenone, flecainide, and quinidine), antipsychotics (such as thioridazine), and tricyclic antidepressants (such as desipramine and imipramine) are among the medications affected.
Brand: Lexapro
Form: Oral tablet (5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg)
Form: Liquid oral solution (5 mg/5mL)
Generic: escitalopram
Form: Oral tablet (5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg)
Form: Liquid oral solution (5 mg/5mL)
Dosage for major Depressive disorder:
10 to 20 mg which should be taken once a day
Missed Dose
To make up for missed doses, do not take a double dose. If you forget to take a dose and remember right before bedtime, take it immediately. Take just one dose if you recall just a few hours before the next scheduled dose. Never try to make up for missed doses by taking two at once. This could have dangerous consequences.
Overdose
Overdose of a drug can be accidental. If you have taken more than the prescribed escitalopram tablets there is a chance of getting a harmful effect on your body’s functions. Overdose of a medicine can lead to some medical emergency.
Warnings for serious Health Conditions
People with Glaucoma
This medication has the potential to dilate (widen) your pupils, which could lead to a glaucoma attack. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have glaucoma.
People with Seizure disorders
This medication has the potential to cause seizures. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you've ever had a seizure. This medication will increase your chances of having more seizures.
People with Heart problems
The use of this medication can result in a prolonged QT interval. This is a heart rhythm problem that can trigger an irregular heartbeat. If you have heart disease, the chance of QT interval prolongation is higher. Before taking this medication, consult your doctor.
Pregnant Women
It is important for you and your baby that you remain healthy during your pregnancy. Consult your doctor if you become pregnant when taking escitalopram. If your doctor orders you to, don't stop taking your medication. Escitalopram has been related to a minor rise in the risk of birth defects in your unborn child. However, if your depression isn't handled when you're pregnant, you're more likely to have a miscarriage.
Breastfeeding
Escitalopram can be used when breastfeeding if your doctor or health visitor says your baby is fine. Escitalopram is only found in trace quantities of breast milk and has been related to side effects in a limited number of breastfed babies. It's important to keep taking escitalopram to stay well.
Storage
Direct contact with heat, air and light may damage your medicines. The exposure of medicine may cause some harmful effects. The medicine must be kept in a safe place and out of children’s reach.
Mainly the drug should be kept at room temperature between 68ºF and 77ºF (20ºC and 25ºC).
Escitalopram vs Setraline
Escitalopram |
Setraline |
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Escitalopram is an antidepressant that belongs to the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors class of medicines. | Sertraline affects brain chemicals that may be out of whack in people suffering from depression, fear, anxiety, or obsessive-compulsive symptoms. |
Escitalopram is an antidepressant and anxiety medication. It functions by assisting in the restoration of a natural substance (serotonin) balance in the brain. | People use Sertraline tablets for treating depression, anxiety and various mood disorders. |
Most common side effects of Escitalopram are:
|
Some of the common side effects of Sertraline are:
|