Escitalopram
About Escitalopram
Escitalopram is a prescription medication used to treat depression and generalised anxiety disorder. It belongs to a group of medicines known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, which help balance natural chemical levels in the brain. This medication helps improve mood, sleep, appetite, and energy levels while reducing everyday worry.
You will typically take this medication once daily, either in the morning or in the evening. It can be taken with or without food, but it is best to take it at the same time every day to maintain a steady level in your body. Incorporating daily stress-reduction activities, regular sleep patterns, and moderate physical exercise can greatly assist in achieving the best results from your treatment.
While starting this medicine, some people may experience mild side effects such as nausea, dry mouth, or trouble sleeping. Most of these symptoms improve within a few weeks, but you should contact your doctor immediately if you experience severe symptoms like worsening mood, confusion, or severe dizziness.
Before taking Escitalopram, you must talk to your doctor if you have a history of heart rhythm problems, liver or kidney disease, or seizures. This medicine should not be taken if you are currently taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or other specific medications that affect heart rhythm.
This medication can interact with other substances; for instance, drinking alcohol while taking it can significantly increase drowsiness and impair your coordination. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, breastfeeding, or if you are an older adult, as specific precautions or dose adjustments may be needed.
Uses of Escitalopram
• Depression Treatment: Escitalopram is frequently prescribed to improve mood and mental health by reducing the symptoms of major depressive illness.
• Anxiety Management: This medication helps lessen excessive worry and symptoms associated with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).
Escitalopram can be prescribed to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), which lowers the frequency and severity of compulsive behaviours and obsessive thoughts.
• Panic Disorder: By lowering the frequency of panic attacks and the distress they cause, the medicine can help treat panic disorder.
• Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Escitalopram can assist people with PTSD manage their anxiety and distress from painful memories as part of their treatment approach.
Medicinal Benefits
Escitalopram may provide the following benefits when used as prescribed.
- Improved Mood and Emotional Well-Being: Escitalopram in Escitalopram helps reduce symptoms of depression and may improve overall emotional balance, motivation, and interest in daily activities.
- Reduced Anxiety and Excessive Worry: The medication may help decrease persistent anxiety, nervousness, and tension, making it easier to manage everyday situations.
- Better Sleep Quality: By helping stabilise mood and anxiety levels, Escitalopram may improve sleep patterns and reduce sleep disturbances in some individuals.
- Improved Energy and Daily Functioning: Many people experience improvements in energy levels, concentration, and the ability to participate in work, social activities, and relationships.
- Relief from Physical Symptoms of Anxiety: Escitalopram may help reduce symptoms such as restlessness, muscle tension, and feelings of being constantly on edge.
Directions for Use
Always follow your doctor's exact instructions on how and when to take this medication. Below are the standard guidelines for using Escitalopram safely:
- Take this medication by mouth, usually once a day in the morning or evening.
- Swallow the tablet whole with a full glass of water. Do not chew or crush the tablet unless your doctor tells you to.
- If you are taking the liquid oral solution, measure your dose carefully using a medical dosing syringe or the marked measuring cup provided. Do not use a standard household spoon, as it may not provide the correct measurement.
- You can take this medication with or without food. If it causes an upset stomach, taking it with a meal can help prevent nausea.
Storage
Side Effects of Escitalopram
Common Side Effects (Usually mild)
- Nausea or mild stomach upset
- Dry mouth
- Trouble sleeping (insomnia) or feeling unusually sleepy during the day
- Increased sweating
- Mild fatigue, weakness, or yawning
- Reduced sexual desire, delayed ejaculation, difficulty reaching orgasm, or other changes in sexual function
Serious Side Effects (Call a doctor right away)
- Signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as a skin rash, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, or trouble breathing
- Sudden, severe worsening of depression, anxiety, or thoughts of self-harm or suicide
- Stiff muscles, high fever, sweating, confusion, shivering, or rapid heartbeat (potential signs of a rare, serious condition called serotonin syndrome)
- Unusual bleeding or bruising, including nosebleeds or dark, tarry stools
- Dizziness, fainting, or chest pain
Medicines Containing this Salt
View All
Drug Warnings
- Do not stop taking this medication suddenly: Abrupt discontinuation may cause withdrawal symptoms such as dizziness, headache, irritability, anxiety, sleep disturbances, nausea, sensory disturbances, or flu-like symptoms. If treatment needs to be stopped, your doctor will usually recommend gradually reducing the dose over several weeks or longer, depending on the dose, duration of treatment, and your individual response.
- Avoid driving or using heavy machinery: This medication can make you drowsy or dizzy when you first start taking it. Do not perform tasks requiring full alertness until you know how it affects you.
- Monitor your mood closely: Pay close attention to any sudden changes in your behaviour, thoughts, or emotions, especially when you first start taking this medicine or when your dose is changed. Inform your family or caregiver so they can help watch for these changes.
- Consult your pharmacist before taking pain relievers: Pain relievers like ibuprofen, naproxen, or aspirin can increase your risk of bleeding when taken alongside this medication.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions
The following medicines may interact with Escitalopram:
- Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs): Do not take this medication within 14 days of taking an MAOI, as this can lead to a severe, life-threatening condition called serotonin syndrome.
- Blood Thinners and NSAIDs: Medications like warfarin, aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen can increase your risk of bruising or bleeding when combined with Escitalopram.
- Other Serotonergic Medications: Combining this medicine with other drugs that increase serotonin (such as triptans for migraines, lithium, tramadol, or other antidepressants) increases the risk of serotonin syndrome.
Drug-Food Interactions
- St. John's Wort: Avoid taking this herbal supplement while using Escitalopram, as it can significantly increase the risk of serotonin syndrome.
Drug-Disease Interactions
Inform your doctor if you have any of the following conditions before taking Escitalopram:
- Heart Rhythm Issues: Talk to your doctor if you have a history of irregular heartbeat, congenital long QT syndrome, or low potassium levels.
- Liver Damage: People with liver damage may process this medicine more slowly, requiring a lower dose or closer monitoring.
- Seizure Disorders: Use this medicine with caution if you have a history of epilepsy or seizures, as it may increase the risk of having a seizure.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeIt is not recommended to take alcohol with Escitalopram to avoid unpleasant side-effects.
Pregnancy
unsafeEscitalopram is not recommended in pregnancy. However, if you were already taking this medicine before becoming pregnant, do not stop taking it without consulting your doctor. It can pose a small risk of problems for an unborn baby. Your doctor might prescribe you this medicine in pregnancy depending upon your condition as it is important to stay well in pregnancy.
Breast Feeding
unsafeEscitalopram passes into breast milk in very small amounts and might cause side effects in breastfed babies. It can be prescribed if the baby is healthy. However, if after taking Escitalopram, the baby isn't feeding well as usual, or is sleeping a lot than normal, please consult your doctor.
Driving
unsafeIt is not recommended to drive after taking Escitalopram as it may cause drowsiness and interfere with your driving ability.
Liver
cautionEscitalopram to be taken with caution, especially if you have a history of liver diseases. The dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor.
Kidney
cautionEscitalopram to be taken with caution, especially if you have a history of kidney diseases, as dose adjustment might be required.
Children
unsafeEscitalopram is not recommended in children below 12 years of age.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Limit or avoid alcohol: Drinking alcohol while taking this medicine can increase side effects like drowsiness, dizziness, and coordination issues, and it can also make depression or anxiety worse.
- Manage your caffeine intake: High amounts of caffeine from coffee, tea, or energy drinks can worsen feelings of restlessness and anxiety, and interfere with your sleep patterns.
- Establish a consistent sleep routine: Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time each day to help manage any sleep disturbances or fatigue caused by the medication.
- Incorporate light physical activity: Consistent, moderate exercise, such as walking or cycling, can help boost your overall mood and support the therapeutic effects of your medicine.
Special Advise
- Escitalopram causes drowsiness. Avoid doing activities that require your complete focus and attention, like driving when on this drug.
- An abrupt stoppage of Escitalopram can lead to significant withdrawal symptoms. Always discuss with your doctor about decreasing the dosage before completely stopping its usage.
- Escitalopram is unsafe for usage if you're pregnant or are planning to get pregnant. Discuss with your doctor in such situations about changing/replacing the medicine with safer alternatives.
- Do not self-medicate.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Depression: It is a mood disorder that affects a person's day-to-day life. A person may have symptoms such as feeling sad or feeling of loss and might have mood swings.
Anxiety: It is defined as an emotion that is characterised by feelings of tension, worried thoughts, and symptoms like increased blood pressure. Anxiety disorder also includes panic disorder, which is characterised by sudden feelings of terror.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD): In this disorder, a person feels the need to think or perform things repeatedly.
FAQs
Escitalopram is used in the treatment of depression and other mental health conditions, such as anxiety, panic disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. It works by increasing serotonin levels and alleviates symptoms of mental health conditions.
It takes about 2-4 weeks before you start feeling better. Do not stop this medicine without consulting your doctor, as it may lead to unpleasant side effects.
Escitalopram is not advised in cases if a person is allergic to Escitalopram, has epilepsy, or are having electroconvulsive treatment as Escitalopram may increase your risk of having a seizure. Escitalopram should not be taken by a person having heart problems as taking Escitalopram can speed up or change the heartbeat. It should not be given to a person having a low heart rate along with symptoms of diarrhoea and vomiting, pregnant women, trying to get pregnant, breastfeeding, or having eye problems such as glaucoma. In diabetics, it can cause difficulty in keeping stable blood sugar levels. However, please consult your doctor before you stop taking Escitalopram as the sudden stoppage of this medicine can lead to unpleasant side effects.
Escitalopram should be preferably taken in the morning as taking it at night can keep you awake till late. It is better to take it at a fixed time.
Certain side effects of Escitalopram can be dealt with with simple tips, such as if you experience dry mouth, you can chew sugar-free gum or take sugar-free sweets. If you are sweating a lot while taking Escitalopram, wear loose clothing and use a strong antiperspirant. If you are unable to sleep after taking Escitalopram, prefer to take it in the morning to avoid sleep disturbances. If you feel sleepy after taking Escitalopram, avoid taking it in the evening and limit your alcohol intake. If you feel tired or weak after taking Escitalopram, sit or lie down until you feel better. If you feel that the side effects are worsening, please consult your doctor.
Taking Escitalopram in more than the recommended dose can cause unpleasant side effects such as dizziness, tremor, agitation, convulsion, coma, nausea, vomiting, changes in heart rhythm, decreased blood pressure, and a change in body fluid/salt balance.
Initially, Escitalopram can make you feel less hungry, which can cause you to lose weight. After some days, you might gain weight as your appetite returns. Please consult your doctor if you experience too much weight loss or gain.
Yes, Escitalopram might cause memory problems, headache, confusion, trouble concentrating, weakness, or unsteadiness.
Escitalopram should be taken as per the advice of your doctor. Once you start feeling better, you might have to continue it for several months to prevent the symptoms from returning. Your doctor will advise you on how much time you need to continue Escitalopram, depending upon the type and severity of your symptoms.
If you miss a dose of Escitalopram, do not take a double dose of Escitalopram. If you remember the missed dose before sleeping, take it at that time and take Escitalopram at the same time the next day which you took earlier. If you remember the missed dose the next day, leave the skipped dose and continue with the next dose.
The common side effects of Escitalopram include nausea, headaches, excessive sweating, dry mouth, feeling sleepy, being unable to sleep, and feeling tired or weak. If these side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
Escitalopram usage in children, adolescents, and young adults may increase the risk of suicidal tendencies. Thus, Escitalopram is not recommended for children below 12 years of age. Always, discuss the risks and benefits of taking Escitalopram with your doctor before using it.
You are recommended not to stop taking Escitalopram abruptly as it may cause withdrawal symptoms. Even though the withdrawal symptoms are usually mild and subside within 2 weeks, do not stop it without consulting your doctor. Your doctor will gradually reduce the dose.
The withdrawal symptoms include sleep disturbances like vivid dreams, nightmares, and inability to sleep; dizziness; headaches and anxiety. Additionally, you may get electric shock sensations and burning sensations. Other possible withdrawal symptoms include sweating including night sweats, nausea, restlessness or agitation, irritability, tremors, confusion, diarrhoea, palpitations and visual disturbances.
You may begin to notice improvements in sleep, appetite, energy levels, or anxiety symptoms within the first 1 to 2 weeks. However, mood symptoms often take 4 to 6 weeks, and sometimes longer, to improve fully. Continue taking the medicine as prescribed and attend follow-up appointments so your doctor can assess your progress.
You should consult your doctor before taking this medication if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Your doctor will weigh the benefits of treatment against any potential risk to the baby to make the safest decision for you.
Some people may experience changes in weight or appetite while taking this medication. While some individuals report mild weight gain or loss over long-term use, the effect varies from person to person. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns about weight changes.
It is highly recommended that you avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medication. Alcohol can increase side effects like extreme sleepiness, dizziness, and confusion, and can also interfere with how well the medicine works to treat your symptoms.
Never stop taking this medication abruptly on your own. Doing so can lead to withdrawal symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, irritability, and tingling sensations. Talk to your doctor, who will create a plan for gradually decreasing dose safely.
Yes, drowsiness or fatigue is a common side effect when first starting this medication. If you feel sleepy during the day, talk to your doctor about whether taking your dose at bedtime might be appropriate for you.
No, this medication is not considered addictive or habit-forming. However, stopping it suddenly can cause your body to experience withdrawal symptoms, which is why a plan for gradually decreasing dose is always necessary.
Taking pain relievers like ibuprofen, naproxen, or aspirin with this medication can increase your risk of stomach bleeding or bruising. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist to find a safer pain relief alternative, such as acetaminophen.
Escitalopram may take 4 to 6 weeks, and sometimes longer, to show its full benefits. If your symptoms do not improve after an adequate treatment trial, your doctor may review your diagnosis, adjust your dose, recommend psychotherapy, or consider a different medication. Do not stop taking Escitalopram without medical advice, even if you feel it is not working.
