what is escitalopram treatment

Precautions

Escitalopram may cause weight loss or a decrease in appetite. Teenagers who will be taking it for a long time should have their weight and growth measured on a regular basis. Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of escitalopram in children with generalized anxiety disorder.

Does escitalopram make you lose weight?

Escitalopram may be taken with or without food. If your doctor tells you to take it at a specific time, follow your doctor's instructions. If you are using the oral liquid, shake the bottle well before measuring each dose. Use a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup to measure each dose.

How to start taking escitalopram?

Incidence not known

• Blistering, peeling, loosening of the skin
• change in walking and balance
• clumsiness or unsteadiness
• hair loss or thinning of the hair
• increased sensitivity of skin to sunlight
• lack or loss of strength
• red irritated eyes
• red skin lesions, often with a purple center
• redness or other discoloration of the skin
• severe sunburn

What does escitalopram do to the body?

The usual dose of escitalopram is 10mg a day in adults. But you may start on a lower dose and increase to a maximum dose of 20mg a day. If you have liver problems, the maximum recommended dose is 10mg a day. With liquid drops of escitalopram, 1 drop is equivalent to 1mg, 10 drops is 10mg, 20 drops is 20mg. What if I forget to take it?

Is escitalopram 10 mg safe to take?

What to do if you have serious side effects?

Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 if your symptoms feel life-threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency. Serious side effects and their symptoms can include the following:

What is the condition called when you take serotonin?

Important warnings. Serotonin syndrome: A serious condition called serotonin syndrome may occur when you take this drug. It occurs when dangerously high levels of a natural brain chemical are present. It occurs when your levels of a natural brain chemical called serotonin are dangerously high.

Can escitalopram interact with other medications?

Escitalopram oral tablet can interact with other medications, vitamins, or herbs you may be taking. An interaction is when a substance changes the way a drug works. This can be harmful or prevent the drug from working well. To help avoid interactions, your doctor should manage all of your medications carefully.

Is escitalopram a generic?

Escitalopram oral tablet is a prescription drug that’s available as the brand-name drug Lexapro. It’s also available as a generic drug. Generic drugs usually cost less. In some cases, they may not be available in every strength or form as the brand-name version.

Does escitalopram cause bleeding?

Bleeding: Using escitalopram can increase your risk of bleeding if you also take aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ( NSAIDs ), warfarin, or other anticoagulants. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if you notice any bleeding or unusual bruising.

Can escitalopram cause serotonin?

Seroto nergic drugs. Taking these drugs with escitalopram may increase your risk of serotonin syndrome, which can be fatal. If you take any of these drugs, your doctor will start you on a lowered dosage of escitalopram and monitor you for signs of serotonin syndrome.

Can escitalopram be used for breast feeding?

This drug should be used only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. For women who are breastfeeding: Escitalopram may pass into breast milk and may cause side effects in a child who is breastfed. Talk to your doctor if you breastfeed your child.

How does escitalopram work?

It works by helping to restore the balance of a certain natural substance ( serotonin) in the brain. Escitalopram belongs to a class of drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors ( SSRI ).

What is escalopram used for?

Escitalopram may also be used to treat other mental/mood disorders (such as obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder) and hot flashes that occur with menopause. Escitalopram is available under the following different brand names: Lexapro. Dosages of Escitalopram: Adult and Pediatric Dosage Forms and Strengths. Tablet.

Does escitalopram have any side effects?

Side effects of escitalopram include: Less common side effects of escitalopram include: This document does not contain all possible side effects and others may occur. Check with your physician for additional information about side effects.

Is bipolar medication FDA approved?

This increase was not seen in patients younger than 24 years; a slight decrease in suicidal thinking was seen in adults older than 65 years. Drug is not FDA approved for treatment of bipolar depression. In children and young adults, the risks must be weighed against the benefits of taking antidepressants.

Is escitalopram used in the third trimester?

Use of escitalopram late in the third trimester is associated with complications in newborns and may require prolonged hospitalization, respiratory support, and tube feeding. Persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn: Potential risk of persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn when used during pregnancy.

How long does it take for escitalopram to work?

Your doctor may start you on a low dose of escitalopram and increase your dose after 1 week. It may take 1 to 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.

How often should I take escitalopram?

It is usually taken once a day with or without food. To help you remember to take escitalopram, take it at 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.

What is escalopram used for?

It works by increasing the amount of serotonin, a natural substance in the brain that helps maintain mental balance.

How long should I wait before taking escitalopram?

Your doctor will probably tell you not to take escitalopram. If you stop taking escitalopram, you should wait at least 14 days before you start to take an MAO inhibitor. you should know that escitalopram is very similar to another SSRI, citalopram (Celexa). You should not take these two medications together.

Can escalopram cause diarrhea?

Escitalopram may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

Should I talk to my doctor before taking antidepressants?

No matter your age, before you take an antidepressant, you, your parent, or your caregiver should talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of treating your condition with an antidepressant or with other treatments. You should also talk about the risks and benefits of not treating your condition.

Can a teenager take escitalopram?

A small number of children, teenagers, and young adults (up to 24 years of age) who took antidepressants ('mood elevators') such as escitalopram during clinical studies became suicidal (thinking about harming or killing oneself or planning or trying to do so). Children, teenagers, and young adults who take antidepressants to treat depression or other mental illnesses may be more likely to become suicidal than children, teenagers, and young adults who do not take antidepressants to treat these conditions. However, experts are not sure about how great this risk is and how much it should be considered in deciding whether a child or teenager should take an antidepressant. Children younger than 12 years of age should not normally take escitalopram, but in some cases, a doctor may decide that escitalopram is the best medication to treat a child's condition.

What is escitalopram used for?

About escitalopram. Escitalopram belongs to a group of medicines called SSRI antidepressants. It is prescribed for the treatment of some mood and anxiety disorders. These are depression, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, generalised anxiety disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

How to take escitalopram?

If you have been given escitalopram oral drops, your doctor will tell you how many drops to take each day: Turn the bottle completely upside down. If no drops come out, tap the bottle lightly to start the flow. Count the correct number of drops into a drink of water, orange juice or apple juice.

How long can you keep escitalopram drops?

Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children. Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light. You can use escitalopram drops for eight weeks after first opening the bottle. After this time, make sure you have a fresh supply to use.

Why is it important to take escitalopram before you start taking it?

For these reasons, before you start taking escitalopram it is important that your doctor knows: If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breastfeeding. If you have any problems with the way your liver works, or any problems with the way your kidneys work. If you have a heart condition or heart rhythm disorder.

What is ECT treatment?

If you are being treated with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). If you have ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine. If you are taking any other medicines. This includes any medicines you are taking which are available to buy without a prescription, as well as herbal and complementary medicines.

Can you drink alcohol while on escitalopram?

If you drink alcohol, ask your doctor for advice about drinking while you are on escitalopram.

Is escalopram an SSRI?

Available as. Tablets and oral liquid drops. Escitalopram belongs to a group of medicines called SSRI antidepressants. It is prescribed for the treatment of some mood and anxiety disorders. These are depression, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, generalised anxiety disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

What to do if you are taking escitalopram?

All people who take this medicine (escitalopram tablets) need to be watched closely. Call the doctor right away if signs like low mood (depression), nervousness, restlessness, grouchiness, panic attacks, or changes in mood or actions are new or worse. Call the doctor right away if any thoughts or actions of suicide occur.

How long does it take for escitalopram to work?

In depression, sleep and appetite may get better soon after starting this medicine (escitalopram tablets). Other low mood signs may take up to 4 weeks to get better. This medicine may raise the chance of bleeding. Sometimes, bleeding can be life-threatening. Talk with the doctor.

Can escitalopram affect growth?

Talk with the doctor. Children: Use with care in children. Talk with the doctor. This medicine may affect growth in children and teens in some cases. They may need regular growth checks.

Can escitalopram cause eye problems?

Some people may have a higher chance of eye problems with this medicine (escitalopram tablets). Your doctor may want you to have an eye exam to see if you have a higher chance of these eye problems. Call your doctor right away if you have eye pain, change in eyesight, or swelling or redness in or around the eye.

Can you drink alcohol while taking escitalopram?

If you need to stop this medicine (escitalopram tablets), you will want to slowly stop it as ordered by your doctor. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medicine (escitalopram tablets). Talk with your doctor before you use other drugs and natural products that slow your actions.

Can you get pregnant with escitalopram?

Very low sodium levels can be life-threatening, leading to seizures, passing out, trouble breathing, or death. If you are 65 or older, use this medicine (escitalopram tablets) with care. You could have more side effects. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan on getting pregnant, or are breast-feeding.

Can children take escitalopram?

Children: This medicine is not approved for use in all children. Talk with the doctor to be sure that this medicine (escitalopram tablets) is right for your child. If your child has been given this medicine (escitalopram tablets), talk with the doctor about the benefits and risks. Talk with the doctor if you have questions or concerns about giving ...

What is escitalopram used for?

Escitalopram Oxalate. Antidepressant medications are used to treat a variety of conditions, including depression and other mental/ mood disorders. These medications can help prevent suicidal thoughts /attempts and provide other important benefits. However, studies have shown that a small number of people (especially people younger than 25) ...

Can you stop taking clopidogrel without your doctor's approval?

Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. Some products that may interact with this drug include: other drugs that can cause bleeding/bruising (including antiplatelet drugs such as clopidogrel, NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, " blood thinners " such as warfarin ).

Can escitalopram cause a fast heartbeat?

Escitalopram may cause a condition that affects the heart rhythm (QT prolongation). QT prolongation can rarely cause serious (rarely fatal) fast/irregular heartbeat and other symptoms (such as severe dizziness, fainting) that need medical attention right away.

Can citalopram cause allergic reactions?

Before taking escitalopram, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to citalopram; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems.

Can escitalopram make you dizzy?

Talk to your doctor about using escitalopram safely. This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Alcohol or marijuana ( cannabis) can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Avoid alcoholic beverages.

How long does it take for Lexapro to work?

Like other SSRI medications, it could take up to 12 weeks to see the full effects of Lexapro (escitalopram) on your mood. If you have trouble sleeping while taking Lexapro (escitalopram) it can help to take it in the morning.

How long does it take for Lexapro to make you feel better?

Oftentimes, it can take up to 12 weeks for you to notice changes in your mood while taking Lexapro (escitalopram). It's possible to have side effects before you see an improvement in your mood. If you have side effects be sure to talk to your doctor to see if you should continue and try another SSRI.

What drugs affect serotonin levels?

Risk factors: Taking other drugs that can affect the serotonin levels in your brain, such as: Antidepressants, Lithium, Ultram, Imitrex, Remeron, Lexapro, Dilaudid , St. John's Wort. Serotonin syndrome is a rare, but potentially life-threatening condition where there's too much serotonin active in the brain.

Does Lexapro cause bleeding?

Risk factors: Taking other blood-thinning drugs (including aspirin, NSAIDs such as Advil, or warfarin) Lexapro (escitalopram) can increase the risk of bleeding or bruising, especially if you're also taking aspirin, NSAIDs (like Advil), or blood thinners. The bleeding can be life-threatening.

Does Lexapro affect serotonin?

Your risk goes up if you use Lexapro (escitalopram) with other medications that affect serotonin levels (antidepressants, lithium, triptans, St. John's wort). Symptoms of too much serotonin include fast heart rate, sweating, muscle stiffness or spasms, fever, and confusion.

Is Lexapro the same as Xanax?

Is Lexapro (escitalopram) the same as Xanax? No. You might experience some of the same side effects while taking Xanax or Lexapro (escitalopram), but the two medications belong to different drug classes. Lexapro (escitalopram) is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), while Xanax is a benzodiazepine.

Is it safe to take Lexapro?

If you experience symptoms such as fast heart rate, dizziness, difficulty breathing or chest pain, go to the emergency room right away. If you've had heart problems in the past, talk to your healthcare provider first to make sure Lexapro (escitalopram) is safe for you to take.

Usual Adult Dose for Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Initial dose: 10 mg orally once a day; increase if necessary after at least 1 week of treatment to 20 mg once a day Maintenance dose: 10 to 20 mg orally once a day Maximum dose: 20 mg orally once a day Comment: Treatment should be periodically reassessed to determine the need for ongoing treatment; efficacy beyond 8 weeks has not been systematically studied. Use: Acute treatment of generalized anxiety disorder.

Usual Adult Dose for Depression

Initial dose: 10 mg orally once a day; increase if necessary after at least 1 week of treatment to 20 mg once a day Maintenance dose: 10 to 20 mg orally once a day Maximum dose: 20 mg orally once a day Comments: -Acute episodes may require several months or longer of sustained pharmacological therapy beyond response to the acute episode. -Patients should be periodically reassessed to determine the need for maintenance treatment. Use: Acute and maintenance treatment of major depressive disorder.

Usual Geriatric Dose for Depression

Recommended dose: 10 mg orally once a day Use: Acute and maintenance treatment of major depressive disorder

Usual Pediatric Dose for Depression

12 years and older: -Initial dose: 10 mg orally once a day; increase if necessary after at least 3 weeks of treatment to 20 mg once a day -Maintenance dose: 10 to 20 mg orally once a day -Maximum dose: 20 mg orally once a day Comments: -Acute episodes may require several months or longer of sustained pharmacological therapy beyond response to the acute episode. -Patients should be periodically reassessed to determine the need for maintenance treatment. Use: Acute and maintenance treatment of major depressive disorder.

Renal Dose Adjustments

Mild to moderate renal dysfunction: No adjustment recommended Severe renal dysfunction: Use with caution

Dose Adjustments

Treatment withdrawal: A gradual dose reduction is recommended instead of abrupt cessation where possible Switching between MAOI and this drug: At least 14 days should elapse between ceasing one of these medicines and starting the other.

Precautions

US BOXED WARNINGS: -Antidepressants increased the risk compared to placebo of suicidal thinking and behavior (suicidality) in children, adolescents, and young adults in short-term studies of major depressive disorder (MDD) and other psychiatric disorders.

How old do you have to be to take Lexapro?

Your doctor should check your progress at regular visits. Your family or other caregivers should also be alert to changes in your mood or symptoms. Lexapro is not approved for use by anyone younger than 12 years old. Ask your doctor about taking this medicine if you are pregnant.

How long after MAO inhibitor can you take Lexapro?

Do not use Lexapro within 14 days before or 14 days after you have used an MAO inhibitor. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, and tranylcypromine.

What is the name of the drug that affects the brain?

Lexapro ( escitalopram) is an antidepressant belonging to a group of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Escitalopram affects the levels of certain chemicals in the brain that may be altered in people suffering from depression or anxiety.

What are the symptoms of taking antidepressants?

seizures; low levels of sodium in your blood; heart disease, high blood pressure; a stroke; bleeding problems; bipolar disorder (manic depression); or. drug addiction or suicidal thoughts. Some young people have thoughts about suicide when first taking an antidepressant.

Can you stop taking Lexapro while pregnant?

Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Do not start or stop taking Lexapro without your doctor's advice. If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry to track the effects of escitalopram on the baby.

Can you take Lexapro with Celexa?

You should not use Lexapro if you also take pimozide or citalopram ( Celexa ). Do not use Lexapro within 14 days before or 14 days after you have used an MAO inhibitor, such as isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, or tranylcypromine.

Can Lexapro make you drowsy?

Using Lexapro with other drugs that make you drowsy can worsen this effect. Ask your doctor before using opioid medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines, especially a blood thinner such as warfarin, Coumadin, or Jantoven.

Medical uses

Administration

Results

Diet

Risks

• Escitalopram is used to treat depression and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD; excessive worry and tension that disrupts daily life and lasts for 6 months or longer). Escitalopram is in a class of antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It works by increasing the amount of serotonin, a natural substance in the brain...

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Prevention

Preparation