Information on Escitalopram (Cipralex) oxalate, Lexapro

Brand Name: Cipralex

Uses of Escitalopram:

Escitalopram is mainly used for treating depression. SSRIs work by preventing serotonin from being reabsorbed back into the nerve cells in the brain. This helps prolong the mood lightening effect of any released serotonin. In this way, escitalopram helps relieve depression, panic and fear.

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How to Take Escitalopram:

Take this medicine as directed. It can be taken with or without food. Do not stop taking this medicine abruptly without consulting with your doctor.

Side Effects of Escitalopram:

Some common side effects reported with this medicine include:

Difficulty in sleeping (insomnia)
Confusion
Shaking, usually of the hands (tremor)
Disturbances of the gut such as diarrhoea, constipation, nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain
Visual disturbances
Decreased appetite
Fever (pyrexia)
Dizziness
Alteration in taste
Seizures
Sleepiness (somnolence)
Nervousness
Sexual problems
Inflammation of the sinuses (sinusitis)
Pain in the muscles and joints
Increased sweating
Rash or itching

Warnings and precautions for Escitalopram

Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to escitalopram or any other drugs.
In people with diabetes, treatment with an SSRI antidepressant may alter control of blood sugar, possibly due to an improvement in depressive symptoms. Your dose of insulin or antidiabetic medicine may need to be altered. Seek medical advice from your doctor.
Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had glaucoma, an enlarged prostate, difficulty urinating, seizures, brain tumors, head injuries, an overactive thyroid gland, or liver, kidney, or heart disease.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking escitalopram, call your doctor immediately.
If you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking escitalopram.
You should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you.
Remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug.
Tell your doctor if you use tobacco products. Cigarette smoking may decrease the effectiveness of this drug.
Avoid suddenly stopping this medicine. Sudden withdrawal may result in headache, nausea, pins and needles, dizziness and anxiety. When it is time to stop taking this medicine it should be discontinued gradually, following the instructions given by your doctor or pharmacist.

What to do if you take Overdose of Escitalopram?

Seek medical attention immediately. For non emergencies, contact your local or regional poison control center.

What to do if you take Missed Dose of Escitalopram?

Take your next dose as soon as you remember. If it is time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

How to Store Escitalopram:

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of the reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.