Escitalopram 5mg Tablets
Overview
What is this medicine?
How to Use This Medicine
To get the most benefit from your medication, it's essential to take it exactly as directed by your doctor. Carefully read all the information provided with your medication and follow the instructions closely. You can take this medication with or without food. Continue taking your medication as prescribed by your doctor or healthcare provider, even if you start to feel better.
Storing and Disposing of Your Medication
To maintain the quality and safety of your medication, store it at room temperature in a dry place, avoiding the bathroom. Keep all medications in a secure location, out of the reach of children and pets. When disposing of unused or expired medications, do not flush them down the toilet or pour them down the drain unless instructed to do so. Instead, consult with your pharmacist for guidance on the best disposal method. You may also want to explore local drug take-back programs for a safe and environmentally friendly way to dispose of your medications.
What to Do If You Miss a Dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it's close to the time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not take two doses at the same time or take extra doses to make up for the missed one.
Lifestyle & Tips
- Take the medication at the same time each day, with or without food.
- Do not stop taking escitalopram suddenly, as this can cause withdrawal symptoms. Your doctor will guide you on how to slowly reduce the dose if needed.
- Avoid alcohol while taking this medication, as it can worsen side effects like drowsiness.
- Be cautious when driving or operating machinery until you know how this medication affects you, as it may cause dizziness or drowsiness.
- Report any new or worsening symptoms, especially changes in mood, behavior, or thoughts of self-harm, to your doctor immediately.
- Maintain regular follow-up appointments with your doctor to monitor your progress and side effects.
Available Forms & Alternatives
Dosing & Administration
Adult Dosing
Condition-Specific Dosing:
Pediatric Dosing
Dose Adjustments
Renal Impairment:
Hepatic Impairment:
Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption:
Distribution:
Elimination:
Pharmacodynamics
Safety & Warnings
BLACK BOX WARNING
Side Effects
Although rare, some people may experience severe and potentially life-threatening side effects while taking this medication. If you notice any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or seek medical attention immediately:
Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
+ Rash or hives
+ Itching or red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin (with or without fever)
+ Wheezing or tightness in the chest or throat
+ Difficulty breathing, swallowing, or talking
+ Unusual hoarseness or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
Signs of low sodium levels, including:
+ Headache
+ Trouble focusing or memory problems
+ Feeling confused or weak
+ Seizures or changes in balance
Signs of bleeding, such as:
+ Vomiting or coughing up blood
+ Vomit that resembles coffee grounds
+ Blood in the urine
+ Black, red, or tarry stools
+ Bleeding from the gums
+ Abnormal vaginal bleeding
+ Unexplained bruises or bruises that get bigger
+ Uncontrollable bleeding
Seizures
Fever or chills
Painful erection (priapism) or an erection that lasts longer than 4 hours
Sex problems, including:
+ Decreased interest in sex
+ Difficulty having an orgasm
+ Ejaculation problems
+ Trouble getting or maintaining an erection
Some people may be at a higher risk of developing eye problems while taking this medication. Your doctor may recommend an eye exam to assess this risk. If you experience any of the following eye-related symptoms, contact your doctor immediately:
Eye pain
Changes in vision
Swelling or redness in or around the eye
A rare but potentially life-threatening condition called serotonin syndrome may occur, especially if you are taking certain other medications. Seek medical help right away if you experience:
Agitation
Changes in balance
Confusion
Hallucinations
Fever
Fast or abnormal heartbeat
Flushing
Muscle twitching or stiffness
Seizures
Shivering or shaking
Excessive sweating
Severe diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting
Severe headache
Other Possible Side Effects
Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects, although many people may not experience any or may only have mild symptoms. If you notice any of the following side effects or if they bother you or do not go away, contact your doctor:
Feeling dizzy, sleepy, tired, or weak
Upset stomach
Diarrhea or constipation
Dry mouth
Difficulty sleeping
Excessive sweating
Flu-like symptoms
Runny nose
Headache
* Yawning
This is not an exhaustive list of possible side effects. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, contact your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention If You Experience:
- Worsening depression or anxiety
- Thoughts of harming yourself or others
- Panic attacks
- Agitation, restlessness, or irritability
- Aggressive or violent behavior
- Unusual excitement or euphoria (mania/hypomania)
- Severe restlessness or inability to sit still (akathisia)
- New or worsening insomnia
- Serotonin Syndrome symptoms: agitation, hallucinations, rapid heart rate, fever, sweating, shivering, muscle stiffness or twitching, loss of coordination, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.
- Symptoms of hyponatremia: headache, confusion, weakness, unsteadiness, seizures.
- Unusual bleeding or bruising.
- Eye pain, vision changes, or swelling or redness in or around the eye (signs of angle-closure glaucoma).
Before Using This Medicine
It is essential to inform your doctor about the following:
Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances, such as foods or drugs. Be sure to describe the allergic reaction you experienced.
If you are currently taking linezolid or methylene blue, as these medications can interact with this drug.
If you are taking citalopram or pimozide, as concomitant use with this medication is not recommended.
If you have taken any medications for depression or Parkinson's disease within the last 14 days, including isocarboxazid, phenelzine, tranylcypromine, selegiline, or rasagiline, as this may increase the risk of very high blood pressure.
Please note that this is not an exhaustive list of all potential interactions. To ensure your safety, it is crucial to:
Inform your doctor and pharmacist about all medications you are taking, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, natural products, and vitamins.
Discuss all your health problems with your doctor to determine if it is safe to take this medication.
* Never start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without first consulting your doctor.
Precautions & Cautions
Before operating a vehicle or engaging in any activity that requires your full attention, wait until you understand how this medication affects you.
Do not abruptly discontinue use of this medication without first consulting your doctor, as this may increase your risk of experiencing side effects. If you need to stop taking this medication, your doctor will provide guidance on how to gradually taper off the dosage.
While taking this medication, it is recommended that you avoid consuming alcohol. Additionally, consult with your doctor before using marijuana, cannabis, or any prescription or over-the-counter medications that may cause drowsiness or impair your reaction time.
In the treatment of depression, you may notice improvements in sleep and appetite shortly after initiating this medication. However, other symptoms of depression may take up to 4 weeks to show significant improvement.
This medication may increase your risk of bleeding, which in some cases can be life-threatening. It is crucial to discuss this risk with your doctor.
Furthermore, this medication can cause low sodium levels in the blood, a condition known as hyponatremia. Severe hyponatremia can be life-threatening and may lead to seizures, loss of consciousness, respiratory distress, or even death.
If you are 65 years or older, exercise caution when taking this medication, as you may be more susceptible to side effects.
In children and adolescents, this medication may affect growth in some cases. Regular growth checks may be necessary, and it is essential to discuss this with your doctor.
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or suspect you may be pregnant, inform your doctor. You and your doctor will need to discuss the potential benefits and risks of taking this medication during pregnancy. Taking this medication during the third trimester may increase your risk of postpartum bleeding and may also lead to health complications in the newborn.
If you are breastfeeding, consult with your doctor to discuss any potential risks to your baby.
Overdose Information
Overdose Symptoms:
- Dizziness
- Sweating
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Tremor
- Somnolence
- Tachycardia
- Hypotension
- Arrhythmias (including QT prolongation, Torsade de Pointes)
- Seizures
- Coma
What to Do:
Seek immediate medical attention. Call 911 or Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222. Treatment is supportive and symptomatic. Ensure adequate airway, breathing, and circulation. Activated charcoal may be considered if ingested recently. ECG monitoring is recommended due to risk of QT prolongation.
Drug Interactions
Contraindicated Interactions
- Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) (risk of serotonin syndrome)
- Pimozide (risk of QT prolongation)
Major Interactions
- Other serotonergic drugs (e.g., triptans, other SSRIs, SNRIs, TCAs, fentanyl, lithium, tramadol, tryptophan, buspirone, St. John's Wort) - increased risk of serotonin syndrome
- Drugs that prolong the QT interval (e.g., Class IA and III antiarrhythmics, antipsychotics, macrolide antibiotics) - increased risk of QT prolongation and Torsade de Pointes
- Anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin) and antiplatelet agents (e.g., aspirin, NSAIDs) - increased risk of bleeding
Moderate Interactions
- CYP2C19 inhibitors (e.g., omeprazole, cimetidine, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, ticlopidine) - may increase escitalopram exposure
- CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole, ritonavir) - may increase escitalopram exposure
- Alcohol - may potentiate CNS depressant effects
Minor Interactions
- Not available
Monitoring
Baseline Monitoring
Rationale: To establish baseline severity and track treatment response.
Timing: Prior to initiation
Rationale: SSRIs carry a Black Box Warning for increased risk in young adults.
Timing: Prior to initiation
Rationale: To assess risk of mood switching.
Timing: Prior to initiation
Rationale: To assess risk of hyponatremia, particularly in elderly or those on diuretics.
Timing: Prior to initiation (if risk factors present)
Rationale: To assess baseline QT interval, especially if cardiac risk factors or concomitant QT-prolonging drugs.
Timing: Prior to initiation (if indicated)
Routine Monitoring
Frequency: Weekly for first 4-6 weeks, then monthly or as clinically indicated
Target: Symptom remission or significant improvement
Action Threshold: Lack of improvement, worsening symptoms, or emergence of new symptoms
Frequency: Weekly for first 4-6 weeks, especially during dose changes, then monthly or as clinically indicated
Target: Absence of suicidal thoughts or plans
Action Threshold: Emergence or worsening of suicidal ideation, agitation, or unusual changes in behavior
Frequency: Regularly, especially during initial weeks and dose changes
Target: Tolerable side effect profile
Action Threshold: Intolerable side effects, requiring dose adjustment or discontinuation
Frequency: Periodically (e.g., every 3-6 months)
Target: Stable weight or within healthy range
Action Threshold: Significant weight gain or loss
Frequency: Periodically
Target: Within normal limits
Action Threshold: Significant changes
Frequency: Periodically (e.g., every 3-6 months) in at-risk patients (elderly, diuretic use)
Target: 135-145 mEq/L
Action Threshold: Hyponatremia (<135 mEq/L)
Symptom Monitoring
- Worsening depression
- Emergence of suicidal thoughts or behavior
- Unusual changes in behavior (e.g., agitation, irritability, hostility, impulsivity, akathisia, hypomania, mania)
- Symptoms of serotonin syndrome (e.g., agitation, hallucinations, rapid heart rate, fever, sweating, muscle rigidity, tremor, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea)
- Symptoms of hyponatremia (e.g., headache, difficulty concentrating, memory impairment, confusion, weakness, unsteadiness, seizures)
- Abnormal bleeding or bruising
Special Patient Groups
Pregnancy
Use during pregnancy should be carefully considered, balancing potential risks to the fetus with the benefits of treating maternal depression/anxiety. Escitalopram is generally considered Category C (older classification).
Trimester-Specific Risks:
Lactation
Escitalopram is excreted into breast milk. The decision to breastfeed should consider the developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding, the motherβs clinical need for escitalopram, and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant.
Pediatric Use
Approved for Major Depressive Disorder in adolescents aged 12-17 years. Close monitoring for suicidal ideation and behavior is crucial, especially at treatment initiation and during dose changes, due to the Black Box Warning. Not approved for Generalized Anxiety Disorder in pediatric patients.
Geriatric Use
Lower starting dose (5 mg/day) is recommended due to potential for increased exposure and increased risk of adverse effects, particularly hyponatremia and falls. Elderly patients may be more sensitive to the effects of SSRIs.
Clinical Information
Clinical Pearls
- Escitalopram is the S-enantiomer of citalopram and is generally considered to have a more favorable side effect profile and fewer drug interactions compared to racemic citalopram.
- Gradual dose titration is recommended to minimize side effects, especially at initiation and when increasing the dose.
- Abrupt discontinuation can lead to withdrawal symptoms (SSRI discontinuation syndrome), including dizziness, nausea, headache, sensory disturbances (e.g., 'electric shock' sensations), anxiety, and insomnia. Tapering over several weeks is advised.
- Sexual dysfunction (e.g., decreased libido, delayed ejaculation, anorgasmia) is a common and often bothersome side effect that can impact adherence. Discuss this with patients proactively.
- Monitor for signs of serotonin syndrome, especially if co-administered with other serotonergic agents. This is a medical emergency.
- Be vigilant for signs of activation or mood switching to mania/hypomania in patients with undiagnosed bipolar disorder.
Alternative Therapies
- Other Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs): Sertraline, Fluoxetine, Paroxetine, Citalopram, Fluvoxamine
- Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs): Venlafaxine, Duloxetine, Desvenlafaxine
- Atypical Antidepressants: Bupropion, Mirtazapine, Trazodone, Vilazodone, Vortioxetine
- Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs): Amitriptyline, Nortriptyline, Imipramine
- Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs): Phenelzine, Tranylcypromine (reserved for refractory cases)
- Psychotherapy (e.g., Cognitive Behavioral Therapy - CBT)