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Escitalopram Antidepressant : Cipralex

Brand Name : Cipralex

Escitalopram Oxalate (Lexapro™) is a medicine for depression and other related problems. Lexapro is a potent selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). Lexapro (escitalopram) is the active isomer of the antidepressant drug Celexa (citalopram). Escitalopram is in a class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Escitalopram affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced and cause depression.

Uses of Escitalopram

• Escitalopram is used in the treatment of depression and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).
• Escitalopram may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
• Escitalopram is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) used to treat depression.
  

How to Take Escitalopram

Take Lexapro exactly as prescribed, even after you begin to feel better. Although improvement usually begins within 1 to 4 weeks, treatment typically continues for several months. Lexapro is available in tablet and liquid forms and can be taken with or without food.

Escitalopram is usually taken once a day. Follow your doctor's instructions. Take the dose at the same time each day.

What are the Side Effects of Escitalopram Medication

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe to continue using Lexapro. More common side effects may include:

• Constipation
• decreased appetite
• decreased sex drive
• diarrhea
• dizziness
• dry mouth
• ejaculation disorder
• fatigue
• flu-like symptoms
• impotence
• indigestion
• insomnia
• nausea
• runny nose
• sinusitis
• sleepiness
• sweating
• Abdominal pain
• abnormal dreaming
• allergic reactions
• blurred vision
• bronchitis
• chest pain
• coughing
• earache
• fever
• gas
• heartburn

Warnings and precautions before taking Escitalopram Medication

• Lexapro makes some people sleepy. Until you know how the drug affects you, use caution when driving a car or operating other hazardous machinery.
• In rare cases, Lexapro can trigger mania (unreasonably high spirits and excess energy). If you've ever had this problem, be sure to let the doctor know.
• Also make sure that the doctor knows if you have liver problems or severe kidney disease. Your dosage may need adjustment.
• This medicine can cause dizziness or drowsiness.
• This medicine may take several weeks to reach its full effect. Do not stop taking this medicine without talking to your doctor.

What drugs may interact with Escitalopram Tablet

Do not use Lexapro if you are taking the related drug Celexa. Be sure to avoid MAO inhibitors when taking Lexapro. Although Lexapro does not interact with alcohol, the manufacturer recommends avoiding alcoholic beverages.

If Lexapro is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Lexapro with the following:

• Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
  
• Cimetidine (Tagamet)
  
• Desipramine (Norpramin)
  
• Drugs that act on the brain, including antidepressants, painkillers, sedatives, and
• tranquilizers
  
• Ketoconazole (Nizoral)
  
• Lithium (Eskalith)
  
• Metoprolol (Lopressor)
  
• Narcotic painkillers
  
• Sumatriptan (Imitrex)

What to do if you take Overdose of Escitalopram ?

A massive overdose of Lexapro can be fatal. If you suspect an overdose, seek emergency treatment immediately. Typical symptoms of Lexapro overdose include:

• Dizziness
• sweating
• nausea
• vomiting
• tremors
• drowsiness
• rapid heartbeat
• seizures

In rare cases, an overdose may also cause memory loss, confusion, coma, breathing problems, muscle wasting, irregular heartbeat, and a bluish tinge to the skin.

How to Store Escitalopram ?

Store at room temperature (77 degrees F or 25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Do not store in the bathroom.