Highlights for Escitalopram
Escitalopram oral tablet is available as both a generic and brand-name drug. Brand name: Lexapro.
Escitalopram is also available as an oral solution.
Escitalopram is used to treat depression and generalized anxiety disorder.
Important warnings
This drug has a black box warning. This is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). A black box warning alerts doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous.
Suicide warning.Escitalopram, like many antidepressants, can increase the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior when you take it to treat depression or other psychiatric disorders. This risk is higher in children, teenagers, and young adults, especially within the first few months of treatment or when the dose is changed. You, family members, caregivers, and your doctor should pay attention to any unusual changes in mood, behaviors, thoughts, or feelings.
Serotonin syndrome: A serious condition called serotonin syndrome may occur when you take this drug. It occurs when dangerously high levels of a natural brain chemical are present. It occurs when your levels of a natural brain chemical called serotonin are dangerously high. It’s most likely to occur if you take this drug with other drugs that increase your levels of serotonin. Serotonin syndrome causes symptoms like irritability, agitation, confusion, hallucinations, rigid muscles, tremors, and seizures. If you have this, seek emergency medical care right away.
Stopping the drug quickly: If you stop taking this drug too quickly, you may experience withdrawal side effects like irritability, agitation, anxiety, high or low mood, feeling restless, changes in sleep habits, headache, sweating, nausea, dizziness, electric shock-like sensations, shaking, and confusion. Don’t stop taking escitalopram without speaking with your doctor first. He or she will lower your dose slowly to prevent these withdrawal side effects.
Bleeding: Using escitalopram can increase your risk of bleeding if you also take aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), warfarin, or other anticoagulants. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if you notice any bleeding or unusual bruising.
What is escitalopram?
Escitalopram oral tablet is a prescription drug that’s available as the brand-name drug Lexapro. It’s also available as a generic drug. Generic drugs usually cost less. In some cases, they may not be available in every strength or form as the brand-name version. Talk to your doctor to see if the generic version will work for you. Escitalopram is also available as an oral solution.
Why it’s used
This drug is used to treat depression and generalized anxiety disorder. It may be used as part of a combination therapy. This means you may need to take it with other medications.
How it works
This drug belongs to the class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). A class of drugs is a group of medications that work in a similar way. These drugs are often used to treat similar conditions. Escitalopram increases the amount of a natural substance in your brain called serotonin. This substance helps maintain mental balance.
Escitalopram side effects
Escitalopram oral tablet may cause sleepiness and tiredness. It can also cause other side effects.
More common side effects
The more common adult side effects for this drug are slightly different from the more common side effects for children.
More common adult side effects can include:
nausea
sleepiness
weakness
dizziness
anxiousness
trouble sleeping
sexual problems
sweating
shaking
lack of hunger
dry mouth
constipation
infection
yawning
More common children’s side effects can include:
increased thirst
abnormal increase in muscle movement or agitation
unexpected nosebleeds
difficult urination
heavy menstrual periods
possible slowed growth rate and weight change
nausea
sleepiness
weakness
dizziness
anxiousness
trouble sleeping
sexual problems
sweating
shaking
lack of hunger
dry mouth
constipation
infection
yawning
If these effects are mild, they may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If they’re more severe or don’t go away, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Serious side effects
Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 if your symptoms feel life-threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency. Serious side effects and their symptoms can include the following:
Severe allergic reactions. Symptoms can include:
trouble breathing
swelling of your face, tongue, eyes, or mouth
rash, itchy welts (hives), or blisters (alone or with fever or joint pain)
Seizures or convulsions
Suicidal thoughts and behaviors
Serotonin syndrome. Symptoms can include:
agitation, hallucinations, coma, or other changes in mental status
coordination problems or muscle twitching (overactive reflexes)
racing heartbeat
high or low blood pressure
sweating or fever
nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
muscle rigidity
Low sodium levels in your blood. Symptoms can include:
headache
confusion
difficulty concentrating
thinking or memory problems
weakness
unsteadiness (which can lead to falls)
seizures
Manic episodes. Symptoms can include:
greatly increased energy
severe trouble sleeping
racing thoughts
reckless behavior
unusually grand ideas
excessive happiness or irritability
excessive talking or speech that is faster than usual
Changes in appetite or weight
Visual problems. Symptoms can include:
eye pain
changes in vision, such as blurred vision or double vision
swelling or redness in or around your eyes