Escitalopram

Uses	Treatment of anxiety disorder and depression
Therapy	Anti-Depressant
Side Effects	Alteration of libido, fatigue, insomnia, nausea, drowsiness, delayed ejaculation

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Molecule Description

Escitalopram is a prescription medication that belongs to the class of antidepressants. Escitalopram is used in the treatment of depression, anxiety, panic disorders, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Uses

Escitalopram is used in,
Treatment of generalised anxiety disorder
Treatment of depression
Treatment of panic disorder
Treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder

Contraindications

When should one not use Escitalopram

If you are hypersensitive or have an allergy to the active or inactive components of Escitalopram.
If you are currently taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI) like Selegiline or have taken them in the last 14 days. Patients can experience increased side effects and life-threatening situations if they take MAOIs and Escitalopram together.

Side effects

Common side effects of this drug are:

Confusion
Decreased urine output
Fast Heartbeat
Constipation
Convulsions
Diarrhoea
Dry mouth
Decreased appetite
Joint pain
Excessive gas in the stomach

Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy

Taking Escitalopram during the course of pregnancy is not advised. The limited studies available on using Escitalopram during pregnancy have shown the possibility of harmful effects on the developing baby. Please seek medical advice. Inform the doctor about your pregnancy or intention to conceive at the time of consultation.

Breast Feeding

Escitalopram is not recommended for mothers who are breastfeeding. The limited data available has indicated that it may pass in breast milk in small amounts. Talk to your physician before taking Escitalopram if you are breastfeeding.

Driving

Escitalopram can cause side effects like dizziness and confusion that can hamper your capacity to drive. It can also cause blurred vision. That is why it is advised to wait for a few hours or avoid operating heavy machinery after taking Escitalopram. In case you are experiencing side effects after taking Escitalopram, do not drive until it passes.

Alcohol

Consuming alcohol with Escitalopram is not advised. This may lead to an increase in the side effects of the medicine and result in severe dizziness, fatigue, stomach pain, nausea, fever, etc.

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if

You have suicidal thoughts after taking Escitalopram. It is essential to report any changes in your feeling to your doctor, so they can alter the dose as needed.
You want to discontinue the medicine. Suddenly discontinuing Escitalopram may increase the risk of experiencing withdrawal symptoms, more so if the medicine has been used for a long time.
You have narrow-angle glaucoma, a condition in which the iris of the eye bulges forward and narrows the drainage angle. Escitalopram can worsen the condition.
Escitalopram is not recommended for children below the age of 12 years.

Mode of Action

How Does It Work?

Escitalopram belongs to the class of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It works by increasing the levels of a particular chemical messenger in the brain called serotonin. This messenger is also known as the 'feel-good hormone' and influences a person's mood, behaviour and personality. The increase in the level of serotonin improves mood and relieves tension, anxiety and other symptoms seen with anxiety disorders and depression.

Interactions

Interactions with other medicines

To avoid side effects associated with medicine interaction, it is important to inform the doctor about all medicines or health supplements you are currently taking.
Escitalopram is known to interact with the following medicines:
Clarithromycin (macrolide antibiotic used in the treatment of bacterial infections) - changes in heart rhythm.
Ketoconazole (antifungal medication used in the treatment of infections such as athlete's foot, ringworm and dandruff) - increased chances of Escitalopram overdose due to its increased concentrations in blood.
Sulfonylureas (medications used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes) like glimepiride - changes in blood glucose levels.
Diuretics (water pills used to remove sodium and water from the body) - blood sodium levels are decreased (hyponatraemia)

Interactions with food items

Food does not influence the effect of Escitalopram. So, a regular diet can be continued unless advised otherwise by the doctor.
Additionally, inform the doctor about any supplements or herbal drinks you take before beginning this medicine.

Dosage

Overdose

In case of an overdose of Escitalopram, you may experience symptoms such as serotonin toxicity, QT prolongation, dizziness, fast heart rate, sleep problems, nausea, vomiting, seizures, bradycardia, low blood pressure and coma. Contact your nearest hospital or call your health provider for emergency treatment if there are any severe side effects.

Missed a Dose

If you forget to take a dose of Escitalopram, take it as soon as you recall. However, if the gap is too long or it is almost time for the next dose, skip the dose you have missed and continue with the regular dosing schedule. Do not take extra doses of Escitalopram to compensate for the missed dosage.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Escitalopram is probably safe to use in patients with kidney disease when prescribed by a doctor who knows the patient's medical history. Dose adjustments can be made for patients with kidney disorders to suit a patient's clinical condition.

Escitalopram should be used with caution in patients with liver diseases. Your doctor can adjust the dosage depending on your clinical condition.

No. Escitalopram is not habit-forming in nature. However, you should not stop taking the medicine without consulting your doctor.

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References:

Escitalopram: MedlinePlus Drug Information [Internet]. Medlineplus.gov. 2017 [cited 9 June 2026]. Available from:

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