Drug Uses

Escitalopram is used to treat depression. This medicine may be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor or healthcare provider.

General Information

This database does not contain every known side effect, adverse effect, or drug interaction. If you have questions about your medicines, talk to your health care provider. This information is for educational purposes only.

How Drug Works

This medicine works by blocking the reuptake of serotonin (a neurotransmitter) back into the nerve cell. This increases the amount of serotonin that is available.

How Taken

This medicine is taken orally and may be taken with food or on an empty stomach. Follow your doctor's directions.

Possible Side Effects

Side effects that this medicine may cause include: diarrhea dizziness and/or drowsiness dry mouth nausea vomiting

Warnings/Precautions

This medicine can cause dizziness or drowsiness. Other sedatives can increase the drowsy effects when taken together with this medicine. Alcoholic beverages can increase the effects of this medicine and should be avoided. This medicine may take several weeks to reach its full effect. Do not stop taking this medicine without talking to your doctor.

Overdose

For emergencies, seek medical attention immediately. For non emergencies, contact your local or regional poison control center at 1-800-222-1222.

Drug Interactions

This medication should not be taken with MAO inhibitors. Your doctor or pharmacist can give you more information on MAO inhibitors. Wait 5 weeks after stopping escitalopram before starting a non-selective MAO inhibitor. Wait 2 weeks after stopping an MAO inhibitor before starting escitalopram. Do not take escitalopram with the herb, St. John's Wort. If you are taking medications for migraines such as Imitrex, talk to your doctor before starting escitalopram.

Missed Dose

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 double doses.

Storage

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 Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed.

Pregnancy/Nursing

If you are pregnant or are planning a pregnancy, talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of using this medicine during your pregnancy. Escitalopram is excreted in the breast milk and should be avoid if you are nursing.

More Information

For additional information on escitalopram, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Disclaimer

This drug information is for your information purposes only, it is not intended that this information covers all uses, directions, drug interactions, precautions, or adverse effects of your medication. This is only general information, and should not be relied on for any purpose, it should not be construed as containing specific instructions for any particular patient. zzlab.com disclaims all responsibility for the accuracy of, and reliability of this information, and or any consequences arising from the use of this information, including damage or adverse consequences to persons or property, however such damages or consequences arise. No warranty, either expressed or implied, is made in regards to the contents of this material.