Escitalopram: Uses, How It Works, Medicines
Escitalopram is a prescription antidepressant used to treat depression and several anxiety conditions. It belongs to the SSRIs. Antidepressants carry a warning about suicidal thoughts in children, teenagers and young adults, especially early in treatment. It should not be stopped suddenly.
Also known as: Escitalopram tablet, Escitalopram 10 mg, Escitalopram oxalate, Lexapro, Cipralex, Nexito
Pharmacist review in progress. This page is based on the sources listed below and is being checked by our registered pharmacist.
How does Escitalopram work?
Escitalopram stops nerve cells from taking serotonin back up too quickly, so more of this chemical messenger stays available between nerve cells. Over some weeks this is linked with better mood and less anxiety.
How to take Escitalopram
Follow the label or your doctor's advice. Escitalopram is usually taken once a day and can take several weeks to work. Your doctor decides the dose, how long you need it and how to reduce it.
Side effects of Escitalopram
Some side effects are common and often ease after the first weeks, but a few need urgent help.
Uncommon or mild
- Headache or nausea
- Sweating
- Diarrhoea or constipation
- Dizziness or sleepiness
- Trouble sleeping
- Weight change
- Sexual problems
- Joint or muscle pain
Rare but serious: get medical help
- New or worsening low mood, or thoughts of harming yourself or ending your life, especially in young people. Contact a doctor or emergency services at once
- Swelling of the face, lips or throat, or trouble breathing (a severe allergic reaction). Get emergency help
- Fast heartbeat, sweating, shaking, muscle twitching, confusion or agitation (possible serotonin syndrome)
- Fainting or a fast or irregular heartbeat
- Unusual bruising, or blood in urine, stool or vomit
- Unusual excitement or very high energy (possible mania)
Who should be careful
Tell your doctor about your health history before taking escitalopram.
- Children, teenagers and young adults: the label warns of more suicidal thoughts and behaviour, especially early in treatment or after a dose change. Family or carers should watch closely
- Do not stop suddenly: it can cause withdrawal symptoms such as dizziness, irritability and poor sleep
- Heart rhythm problems or heart disease
- Bleeding disorders
- Epilepsy, glaucoma, diabetes, kidney or liver problems
- History of mania or bipolar disorder
- Low sodium, especially in older people or those on water tablets
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: talk to your doctor; do not stop on your own
- Alcohol can add to drowsiness; best avoided
Medicines and things that interact with Escitalopram
Tell your doctor or pharmacist about every medicine and herbal remedy you take.
- MAOI antidepressants and linezolid: must not be combined
- Pimozide: must not be combined
- Other medicines that raise serotonin, including St John's wort: risk of serotonin syndrome
- Blood thinners such as warfarin, aspirin and NSAID painkillers: higher bleeding risk
- Medicines that affect heart rhythm: higher risk of rhythm problems
If someone takes too much
Taking much more than prescribed can cause drowsiness, vomiting, a fast or irregular heartbeat and seizures. Call 112 or go to the nearest hospital, and take the medicine pack with you.
Regulatory status in India
Sold in India as a prescription medicine; follow the schedule printed on the pack. Used under a doctor's prescription, and this site gives information only.
Type of medicine
Escitalopram belongs to this type of medicine.
Medicines that contain Escitalopram
These medicines sold in India contain Escitalopram. They are listed A to Z, not ranked.
- Nexito 10 · 10 mg tablet
What is Escitalopram used for?
Medicines that contain Escitalopram are used for these conditions.
Other medicines of the same type
These active ingredients are of the same type as Escitalopram.
Common questions
What is escitalopram used for?
It is a prescription antidepressant used for depression and several anxiety conditions. A doctor decides whether it suits you and for how long.
Why is there a warning for young people?
Labels warn that antidepressants can increase suicidal thoughts and behaviour in children, teenagers and young adults, especially early in treatment or after a dose change. Report new or worse mood changes to the doctor at once.
Can I stop escitalopram suddenly?
No. Stopping suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms, so a doctor reduces the dose gradually over weeks or months. Do not stop on your own, even if you feel better.
How long does escitalopram take to work?
It often takes several weeks. Keep taking it as prescribed and tell your doctor about side effects instead of stopping.
Is escitalopram safe in pregnancy?
It can be used in pregnancy when a doctor judges the benefit outweighs the risk, at the lowest effective dose. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a baby, and do not stop on your own.
Can I take escitalopram with painkillers like ibuprofen?
NSAIDs and aspirin can raise the risk of bleeding with SSRIs. Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using them.
Sources
- Escitalopram: an antidepressant. NHS (UK)
- Lexapro (escitalopram) tablets and solution: prescribing information. DailyMed, US National Library of Medicine
- ATC/DDD Index: N06AB10 Escitalopram. WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology