Major depressive disorder & maintenance therapy to prevent people with depression from suffering a relapse. Genaralized anxicty disorder.
Serotonin-Noreprnephrine Inhibitor; Antidepressant
Escitalopram is an orally administered selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). Escitalopram is the pure S-enantiomer of the racemic bicyclic phthalate derivative citalopram. Escitalopram is at least 100 fold more potent than the R-enantiomer with respect to inhibition of 5-HT reuptake. Escitalopram has no or very low affinity for serotonergic or other receptors including alpha- and beta-adrenergic Dopamine, Histamine, Muscarinic and benzodiazepine receptors.
Adults : 1 tablet once daily.
As SSRI or related antidepressants should not be started until 2 weeks after stopping an MAOI. Conversely, an MAOI should not. be started until at least a week after an SSRI or related antidepressant has been stopped (2 weeks in the case of paroxetine and sertraline, at least 5 weeks in the case of fluoxetine).
Known hypersensitivity to escitalopram. If a patient enters a manic phase, Escitalopram Oxalate should be discontinued. As with all drugs effective in the treatment of major depressive disorder, Escitalopram should be used cautiously in patients with a history of mania. A combination of symptoms, possibly including agitation, confusion, tremor, myoclonus & hyperthermia, may indicate the development of this condition.
Agitation or restlessness, blurred vision, diarrhea, indigestion, nausea, increased or decreased appetite, increased sweating, sexual difficulties (decreased sexual ability or desire, ejaculatory delay), taste alterations, tremor (shaking), weight changes.
The drug should be used during pregnancy & lactation if potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
Symptoms: Symptoms seen in a reported overdose of escitalopram include symptoms mainly related to the central nervous system (ranging from dizziness, tremor, and agitation to rare cases of serotonin syndrome, convulsion, and coma), the gastrointestinal system (nausea/vomiting), and the cardiovascular system (hypotension, tachycardia, QT interval, prolongation, and arrhythmia) and electrolyte/fluid balance conditions (hypokalaemia, hyponatremia). Management: There is no specific antidote. Establish and maintain an airway, ensure adequate oxygenation and respiratory function. Gastric lavage and the use of activated charcoal should be considered. Gastric lavage should be carried out as soon as possible after oral ingestion. Cardiac and vital signs monitoring are recommended along with general symptomatic supportive measures. ECG monitoring is advised in case of overdose, in patients with congestive heart failure/bradyarrhythmias, in patients using concomitant medications that prolong the QT-interval, or in patients with altered metabolism, e.g. liver impairment.
Store below 30°C temperature and protect from light & moisture. Keep the medicine out of the reach of children.
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