Description
Generic
Indications
The use of escitalopram oxalate in the treatment of major depressive episodes is recommended.
- Treatment for panic disorder that includes or excludes agoraphobia.
- Social anxiety disorder treatment (social phobia).
- Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is treated.
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder treatment.
Pharmacology
Escitalopram is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor that is taken orally (SSRI). The pure S-enantiomer of the racemic bicyclic phthalate derivative citalopram is escitalopram. When it comes to inhibiting 5-HT reuptake, escitalopram is at least 100 times more potent than the R-enantiomer. Escitalopram binds to serotonergic and other receptors, including alpha, with no or very low affinity.
Administration & Dosage
The recommended oral dose is as follows-
Adults: 15-30ml before breakfast or at bedtime.
Children:
- Over 7 years: 7.5 ml-15 ml at bedtime.
- 3-7 years: 5-10 ml at bedtime.
The dose may be mixed with milk or half a glass of water if desired. Don’t take for more than 1 week unless under doctor’s supervision
Interaction
Antidepressants such as SSRIs and related antidepressants should not be started for at least two weeks after stopping an MAOI. An MAOI, on the other hand, should not be started until at least one week after an SSRI or similar antidepressant has been discontinued (2 weeks in the case of paroxetine and sertraline, at least 5 weeks in the case of fluoxetine).
Contraindications
Escitalopram is not recommended for patients who have a known hypersensitivity to Escitalopram, Citalopram, or any of the drug’s inactive ingredients. It’s not a good idea to take escitalopram and monoamine oxidase/pimozide at the same time.
Side Effect
SSRIs are less sedating than tricyclic antidepressants and have fewer antimuscarinic and cardiotoxic effects. SSRIs can cause gastrointestinal problems (nausea, vomiting, dyspepsia, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and constipation are all dose-related and fairly common), as well as anorexia and weight loss (increased appetite and weight gain also reported).
Pregnancy & Lactation
The risks and benefits of treating a pregnant woman with Escitalopram during the third trimester should be carefully considered by the physician. It’s passed through human breast milk. The risk of citalopram exposure for the infant and the benefits of Escitalopram treatment should be considered when deciding whether to continue or stop nursing or Escitalopram therapy.
Precautions & Warnings
In patients with epilepsy (avoid if poorly controlled, discontinue if convulsions develop), concurrent electroconvulsive therapy (prolonged seizures reported with fluoxetine), history of mania, cardiac disease, diabetes mellitus, angle-closure glaucoma, concomitant use of drugs that increase bleeding risk, and history of bleeding disorders, SSRIs should be used with caution.
Therapeutic Class
SSRIs and other antidepressant medications
Storage Conditions
Protect from light and moisture by storing below 30°C. Keep the medicine out of children’s reach.
