Escitalopram is an antidepressant that is prescribed for the treatment of depression or the prevention of recurrence. It is also ordered for the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder.

This medication works by increasing levels of serotonin, which is a neurotransmitter responsible for the feeling of well-being.

Escitalopram can be purchased in pharmacies or drugstores, in the form of drops or tablets with a prescription signed by a doctor or nurse practitioner.

What it's used for

Escitalopram is prescribed for:

Treatment of depression and prevention of recurrence
Panic syndrome, with or without agoraphobia
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
Social anxiety disorder
Obsessive compulsive disorder.

This medication is indicated for use only by adults over 18 years of age. It should only be taken with a prescription signed by your doctor.

Which doctor to see

The treatment of depression, anxiety disorders or OCD should be guided out by a psychiatrist, who is a doctor who specializeds in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of mental, emotional and behavioral disorders.

How to take and dose

Escitalopram is taken orally, once a day, with or without food. Preferably, it should be taken at the same time everyday. Escirtalopram drops should be diluted in water, orange or apple juice before taking.

Doses of escitalopram should be advised by the doctor. Dosing depends on the condition being treated and the person's age, and include:

1. Depression

The normally recommended dose is one 10mg tablet or 10 drops of escitalopram per day.

The doctor may opt to increase it, if necessary, to 20 mg per day, which corresponds to one 20 tablet or 20 drops per day.

2. Panic syndrome

The initial dose is 5 mg (5 drops or 1/2 of a 10 mg tablet) per day during the first week of treatment, which can be increased to 10 mg per day thereafter (10 drops or one 10ng tablet). When necessary, the doctor can further increase the dose to a maximum of 20 mg per day (20 drops or one 20 mg tablet).

3. Social anxiety disorder (social phobia)

The recommended dose is 10 mg (10 drops or one 10 mg tablet) of escitalopram, taken once a day.

The attending physician may decrease the dose to 5 mg per day (5 drops or 1/2 of a 10mg tablet) or increase the dose to a maximum of 20 mg per day (20 drops or one 20mg tablet), depending on how the patient's response to treatment.

4. Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

The recommended dose of escitalopram is 10 mg (10 drops or one 10mg tablet) taken once per day. This dose can be increased by the doctor to a maximum of 20 mg per day (20 drops or 1 tablet of 20 mg), if deemed necessary.

5. Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)

The normally recommended starting dose is one 10mg tablet or 10 drops of escitalopram per day.

This dose can be increased by the doctor to a maximum of 20 mg per day, depending on the patient's response to treatment.

Possible side effects

Some of the most common side effects that may occur during treatment with escitalopram are:

Nausea
Headache
Runny nose
Increase or decrease in appetite
Anxiety
Difficulty sleeping
Drowsiness during the day
Dizziness
Tremors
Needle sensation in the skin
Diarrhea or constipation
Vomiting
Dry mouth
Increased sweat production

Additionally, some people may experience muscle pain, joint pain, sexual disorders, fever, tiredness and weight gain.

Contraindications for use

Escitalopram is contraindicated for children under the age of 18, people with allergies to the formula's components, or for patients with a history of cardiac arrhythmia. It should not prescribed for patients who are taking monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) medications, including selegiline, moclobemide and linezolid or medications for arrhythmia that can affect the heart rhythm.

Escitalopram should be taken as approved by patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding, or with a history of epilepsy, kidney or liver problems, diabetes, decreased sodium levels in the blood, tendency to bleed or bruise, electroconvulsive therapy, coronary heart disease, heart problems, heart attack, or issues with pupil dilation.