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Escitalopram
Generic Name: Escitalopram
Brand Name: Lexapro
Escitalopram is an oral drug which is used to treat mental
depression & mental disorders.
How Is It Used?
Usually starting dose of escitalopram is 10 mg once daily. Benefit
may not be seen until treatment has been given for up to 4 weeks.
It can be taken with or without food. Older and younger persons
require similar doses.
Are There Possible Side Effects?
Commonly-noted side effects attached with escitalopram are agitation,
blurred vision, diarrhea, sleeping problems, drowsiness, dry
mouth, fever, frequent urination, increased sweating, sexual
difficulties (decreased sexual ability or desire, ejaculatory
delay), taste alterations, tremor (shaking), weight changes.
Although changes in sexual desire, sexual performance and sexual
satisfaction often occur as a result of depression itself, they
also may be a consequence of the drugs used to treat depression.
In particular, about one in 13 men had given escitalopram report
difficulties experiencing ejaculation.
What particular precautions should I follow?
Presence of other medical issues may affect the dosage of escitalopram.
You have to make sure you tell your doctor/pharmacist if you
have any other medical problems, like
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Diseases affecting metabolism or diseases
involving blood circulation -caution should be used in patients
with these medical problems.
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Drug Abuse, history of-potential for increased
dependence on medicine
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Heart disease or any heart attack history.
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Kidney disease, severe- until enough patients
have been evaluated, caution is recommended for patients with
severe kidney disease.
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Liver related like blood levels of escitalopram
may occur, increasing the chance of having unwanted effects.
You may need to take a lower dose than a person without liver
disease.
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Mania or hypomania (history of)-Use of
escitalopram may activate these conditions.
What about Interactions with Other Drugs?
Escitalopram should not be taken together with any drugs of
the [mono-amine oxidase] inhibitor-class of antidepressants,
e.g., isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil). Such combinations
lead to high blood pressure, high fevers, tremor or muscle rigidity,
and increased activity. Same type of interaction also may occur
with selegiline (Eldepryl), fenfluramine (Pondimin), and dexfenfluramine
(Redux). Tryptophan can cause headaches, nausea, sweating, and
dizziness when taken with any SSRI.
What If I Miss A Dose?
If your medical doctor /dentist have directed you to take this
medicine according to a regular schedule and you miss a dose
of this medicine, take it ASAP. However, if it is almost time
for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your
regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.
How Should It Be Stored?
Escitalopram tablets should be stored at controlled room temperature,
59-86°F (15-30°C.)
NOTE: The above information
is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and
judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional.
It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product
is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare
professional before taking the product.
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