Why is this medication prescribed?
Escitalopram is
used to treat depression. Escitalopram is in a class
of antidepressants (mood elevators) called selective
serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It works by
increasing the amount of serotonin, a natural substance
in the brain that helps maintain mental balance.
How should this medicine be used?
Escitalopram comes as a tablet
to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day with
or without food. To help you remember to take escitalopram,
take it around the same time every day, in the morning
or in the evening. Follow the directions on your prescription
label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist
to explain any part you do not understand. Take escitalopram
exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it
or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Your doctor may start you on a
low dose of escitalopram and increase your dose after
1 week.
It may take 1-4 weeks or longer
before you feel the full benefit of escitalopram.
Continue to take escitalopram even if you feel well.
Do not stop taking escitalopram without talking to
your doctor, especially if you have taken large doses
for a long time. Your doctor will probably decrease
your dose gradually.
Other uses for this medicine
This medication may be prescribed
for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for
more information.
What special precautions should I follow?
Before taking
escitalopram,
- tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic
to escitalopram, citalopram (Celexa), or any other
medications.
- do not take escitalopram if you are taking an
MAO inhibitor such as phenelzine (Nardil) or tranylcypromine
(Parnate) or have stopped taking them in the last
2 weeks.
- you should know that escitalopram is very similar
to another SSRI, citalopram (Celexa). You should
not take these two medications together.
- tell your doctor or pharmacist what prescription
and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional
supplements, and herbal products you are taking.
Be sure to mention anticoagulants ('blood thinners')
such as warfarin (Coumadin); antihistamines; carbamazepine
(Tegretol); cimetidine (Tagamet); ketoconazole (Sporanox);
lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid, Lithotabs); medications
for anxiety, mental illness, or seizures; metoprolol
(Lopressor, Toprol XL); other antidepressants such
as desipramine (Norpramin); sedatives; sleeping
pills; sumatriptan (Imitrex); and tranquilizers.
Your doctor may need to change the doses of your
medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
- tell your doctor if you have recently had a heart
attack and if you have or have ever had bipolar
disorder; seizures; or liver, kidney, thyroid, or
heart disease.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to
become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become
pregnant while taking escitalopram, call your doctor.
- if you are having surgery, including dental surgery,
tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking escitalopram.
- you should know that escitalopram may make you
drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery
until you know how this medication affects you.
- remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness
caused by this medication.
What special dietary instructions should I follow?
Unless
your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal
diet.
What should I do if I forget a dose?
Take the missed
dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is
almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose
and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not
take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
What side effects can this medication cause?
Escitalopram
may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of
these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- upset stomach
- diarrhea
- constipation
- changes in sex drive or ability
- difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
- drowsiness
- increased sweating
- dizziness
- heartburn
- stomach pain
- excessive tiredness
- dry mouth
- increased appetite
- flu-like symptoms
- runny nose
- sneezing
Some side effects can be serious.
The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience
either of them, call your doctor immediately:
- unusual excitement
- seeing things or hearing voices that do not exist
(hallucinating)
Escitalopram may cause other side
effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual
problems while taking this medication.
What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?
Keep
this medication in the container it came in, tightly
closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at
room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture
(not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that
is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist
about the proper disposal of your medication.
In case of emergency/overdose
In case of overdose, call your
local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If
the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call
local emergency services at 911.
Symptoms of overdose may include:
- dizziness
- sweating
- upset stomach
- vomiting
- tremor
- drowsiness
- fast or pounding heartbeat
- seizures
- confusion
- forgetfulness
- fast breathing
- coma
What other information should I know?
Keep all appointments
with your doctor .
Do not let anyone else take your
medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you
have about refilling your prescription.
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