Lexapro
EscitalopramIndications
- Escitalopram is prescribed for the treatment of depression and anxiety.
- It functions by restoring the balance of serotonin, a natural substance in the brain.
- Classified as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), it may enhance energy levels, improve well-being, and reduce nervousness.
Dosage and administration
- Before starting escitalopram, read the Medication Guide and Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions.
- Take the medication orally, with or without food, as directed by your doctor, usually once daily in the morning or evening.
- The dosage is determined by your medical condition, response to treatment, age, and other medications you may be taking. Inform your doctor and pharmacist about all products you use.
- If using the liquid form, measure the dose carefully with a special measuring device/spoon. Avoid using a household spoon to ensure the correct dose.
- Your doctor may instruct you to start with a low dose and gradually increase it to reduce the risk of side effects. Follow the instructions carefully, and do not exceed the prescribed dose or duration.
- Take the medication regularly at the same time each day for maximum benefit. Even if you feel well, do not stop taking it without consulting your doctor, as some conditions may worsen if the drug is suddenly discontinued.
- If discontinuing the drug, your doctor may reduce the dose gradually to prevent symptoms such as mood swings, headaches, tiredness, sleep changes, or brief electric shock-like feelings. Report any new or worsening symptoms promptly.
- It may take 1 to 2 weeks to feel a benefit and up to 4 weeks to experience the full benefit. Inform your doctor if your condition does not improve or worsens.
Side effects
- Possible side effects of the medication may include nausea, dry mouth, trouble sleeping, constipation, tiredness, drowsiness, dizziness, and increased sweating. Inform your doctor if these effects persist or worsen.
- The medication is prescribed based on the assessment that its benefits outweigh the potential side effects. Many users do not experience serious side effects.
- Notify your doctor immediately if you encounter severe side effects, including decreased interest in sex, changes in sexual ability, or easy bleeding/bruising.
- Seek prompt medical assistance for very serious side effects such as black stools, fainting, fast/irregular heartbeat, vomit resembling coffee grounds, seizures, eye pain/swelling/redness, widened pupils, vision changes, hallucinations, loss of coordination, severe dizziness, severe nausea/vomiting/diarrhea, twitching muscles, unexplained fever, or unusual agitation/restlessness.
- The medication may increase serotonin levels and, in rare cases, lead to serotonin syndrome/toxicity. Notify your doctor or pharmacist about all drugs you are taking to manage potential interactions. Seek immediate medical help if symptoms of serotonin syndrome develop.
- Males may rarely experience a painful or prolonged erection lasting 4 or more hours. Stop using the drug and seek medical help to prevent permanent problems.
- While a severe allergic reaction is rare, seek immediate medical help if symptoms such as rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, or trouble breathing occur.
- The list of side effects provided is not exhaustive. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you notice any other effects not mentioned above.
Precautions
- Inform your doctor or pharmacist about any allergies, especially to escitalopram, citalopram, or other substances in the product.
- Share your medical history, including bipolar/manic-depressive disorder, suicide attempts, liver disease, seizures, bleeding problems, low sodium in the blood, and family history of glaucoma.
- Escitalopram may cause QT prolongation, leading to serious, potentially fatal, heart rhythm issues. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms such as fast/irregular heartbeat, severe dizziness, or fainting.
- The risk of QT prolongation increases with certain medical conditions or drugs. Notify your doctor of any heart problems, family history of heart issues, or use of specific medications.
- Low potassium or magnesium levels in the blood may enhance the risk of QT prolongation. Discuss the safe use of escitalopram, especially if you are taking diuretics, experiencing severe sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting.
- The medication may induce dizziness or drowsiness. Avoid activities requiring alertness and limit alcohol or marijuana use.
- If using the liquid form, be cautious if you have diabetes, phenylketonuria (PKU), or other conditions requiring diet restrictions. Consult your doctor about safe medication use.
- Before surgery, disclose all products you use, including prescriptions, non-prescriptions, and herbal items.
- Older adults may be more sensitive to side effects, particularly QT prolongation, loss of coordination, or bleeding. They may also be prone to salt loss, especially when using diuretics.
- Children may be more sensitive to side effects, especially loss of appetite and weight loss. Monitor weight and height in children taking this drug.
- During pregnancy, use the medication only, if necessary, as it may harm an unborn baby. Babies born to mothers using the drug in the last 3 months of pregnancy may experience withdrawal symptoms.
- Untreated mental/mood problems can be serious, so consult your doctor before discontinuing the medication. Discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using the drug during pregnancy.
- The medication passes into breast milk, potentially affecting a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
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