escitalopram

Brand names: Escitalopram Oral Solution

# Consumer-Friendly Overview of Escitalopram Escitalopram is a prescription medicine used to treat depression and anxiety disorders. It belongs to a group of medications called SSRIs, which work by helping balance certain chemicals in your brain that affect your mood and emotions. Your doctor might prescribe this medicine if you're struggling with feelings of sadness, worry, or other symptoms of depression or anxiety. Most people start with a low dose that may be increased over time, depending on how well it works for them. It's important to know some safety facts before taking escitalopram. Never take this medicine if you're also taking certain medications called MAOIs, because combining them can cause a serious condition called serotonin syndrome. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you're taking, especially other antidepressants, pain relievers, or cold medicines. Common side effects might include nausea, tiredness, or sleep problems, but these usually improve after a few weeks. Never suddenly stop taking this medicine without talking to your doctor first, as this can cause withdrawal symptoms. If you have any concerns or notice unusual changes in your mood or thoughts, contact your doctor right away.

Known Interactions

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Table 6 presents clinically important drug interactions with escitalopram. TABLE 6 Clinically Important Drug Interactions with Escitalopram Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) Clinical Impact: Concomitant use of SSRIs, including escitalopram, and MAOIs increases the risk of serotonin syndrome. Intervention: Escitalopram is contraindicated in patients taking MAOIs, including MAOIs such as linezolid or intravenous methylene blue [ see Dosage and Administration (2.7) , Contraindications (4) , and Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Pimozide Clinical Impact: Concomitant use of racemic citalopram with pimozide increases plasma concentrations of pimozide, a drug with a narrow therapeutic index, and may increase the risk of QT prolongation and/or ventricular arrhythmias compared to use of racemic citalopram alone [ see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. Intervention: Escitalopram is contraindicated in patients taking pimozide [ see Contraindications (4) ]. Other Serotonergic Dr

Source: FDA-approved drug labeling via openFDA

Most Reported Side Effects (FAERS)

  • FATIGUE9,194 reports
  • NAUSEA9,162 reports
  • DRUG INEFFECTIVE8,599 reports
  • HEADACHE7,114 reports
  • DIARRHOEA6,710 reports
  • ANXIETY6,448 reports
  • DIZZINESS6,087 reports
  • DEPRESSION5,977 reports
  • OFF LABEL USE5,854 reports
  • PAIN5,651 reports

Source: FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). Voluntary reports do not establish causation.

Check interactions with escitalopram:

SafeCheck provides drug interaction information from FDA-approved product labeling (openFDA). This is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making medication decisions.