Escitalopram: what it's for and side effects

Escitalopram, marketed under the name Lexapro, is an oral medication used for the treatment or prevention of depression, treatment of panic disorder, anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

This active substance acts through the reuptake of serotonin, a neurotransmitter responsible for the feeling of well-being, increasing its activity in the central nervous system. Lexapro can be purchased in pharmacies, in the form of drops or tablets and with the presentation of a prescription.

Escitalopram: what it's for and side effects

What it is used for

Escitalopram is indicated for the treatment and prevention of depression, panic disorder, anxiety disorder, social phobia and obsessive compulsive disorder

How to take

Lexapro should be taken orally, once a day, with or without food, preferably at the same time of day. The drops should be diluted in water, orange or apple juice, for example.

The dosage of Lexapro should be guided by the physician, according to the disease diagnosed and the patient’s age.

Possible side effects

Some of the most common side effects that may occur during treatment with Escitalopram are nausea, headache, stuffy nose, coryza, increased or decreased appetite, anxiety, restlessness, abnormal dreams, difficulty sleeping, daytime sleepiness, dizziness, yawning, tremors, sensation of needles in the skin, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, dry mouth, increased sweating, muscle and joint pain, sexual disturbances, tiredness, fever, and weight gain.

In whom it is contraindicated

Lexapro is contraindicated in children under the age of 18 years, patients with hypersensitivity to the components of the formula, in patient with cardiac arrhythmia and in patient who are using monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) drugs, including selegiline, Isocarboxazid and Phenelzine or drugs for arrhythmia or that may affect cardiac rhythm.

In case of pregnancy, lactation, epilepsy, existence of kidney or liver problems, diabetes, decreased blood sodium levels, bleeding or bruising tendency, electroconvulsive therapy, coronary heart disease, heart problems, history of heart attack, pupil dilation problems or heartbeat irregularities. The use of Escitalopram should always be under the guidance of a doctor.

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