Uses: Antidepressant

Chemical Name: Escitalopram

Quantity: 28 Tabs

The recommended dose is usually started at 10 mg daily, preferably at the same time each day. Escitalopram should be taken once daily in the morning or evening, with or without food. The dose can be increased by your doctor as needed to a maximum of 20 mg daily. For seniors, people with liver problems, and people taking the medications omeprazole or cimetidine, the maximum recommended daily dose is 10 mg. In some cases, the doctor may recommend a 5 mg starting dose.

Regular tablets: The tablet should be swallowed whole (not chewed) with a glass of water.

Who should NOT take this medication?

Do not take this medication if you:

• are allergic to escitalopram, citalopram, or any ingredients of the medication

• have a condition known as congenital long QT syndrome or have a heart rhythm disturbance called QT prolongation

• are taking the medication pimozide

• have taken a MAO inhibitor medication (e.g., phenelzine, tranylcypromine, moclobemide) in the past 2 weeks – MAO inhibitors should not be taken until at least 2 weeks after stopping treatment with escitalopram

Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.

The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

• changes in heart rate

• congested or runny nose

• constipation

• diarrhea

• difficulty sleeping

• dizziness

• drowsiness

• dry mouth

• fatigue

• fever

• heartburn

• increased sweating

• insomnia

• loss of appetite

• muscle or joint pain

• nausea

• sexual dysfunction including:

  • decreased libido (sex drive)

  • erectile dysfunction (difficulty getting or keeping an erection)

  • inability to have an orgasm

• stomach pain

• stomach upset

• yawning

Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not check with your doctor or seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• anxiety

• bruising or unusual bleeding from the skin or other areas

• difficulty controlling blood sugar levels

• feeling of skin prickling

• hallucinations

• inability to urinate

• involuntary movements of the body or face

• low blood sodium (confusion, seizures, drowsiness, dryness of mouth, increased thirst, lack of energy)

• mania (overactive behavior and thoughts)

• new or worsening emotional symptoms

• severe agitation or restlessness

• symptoms of glaucoma, e.g.:

  • increased pressure in the eye

  • eye pain

  • blurred vision

• symptoms of liver damage, e.g.:

  • abdominal pain

  • dark urine

  • clay-coloured stools

  • itching

  • loss of appetite

  • nausea and vomiting

  • yellow skin or eyes

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

• seizure or convulsions

• serotonin syndrome or neuroleptic malignant syndrome – signs include:

  • agitation

  • confusion

  • diarrhea

  • fever

  • overactive reflexes

  • poor coordination

  • restlessness

  • shivering

  • sweating

  • talking or acting with excitement you cannot control

  • trembling or shaking

  • twitching

• symptoms of an abnormal rhythm such as heart palpitations, dizziness, or fainting