Cipralex
Cipralex is an antidepressant that treats depression and anxiety disorders like panic attacks, social anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Form
tabletti, kalvopäällysteinen
Strength
5 mg
Active Ingredient
Escitalopram oxalate
Manufacturer
H. Lundbeck A/S
How to Use
Dosage
Adults usually take 10 mg once a day, but your doctor might change this dose.
Method
Take the tablet whole with water, with or without food. Do not chew it as it tastes bitter.
Important
The maximum daily dose is 20 mg.
Possible Side Effects
COMMON
- •Nausea
- •Headache
- •Stuffy or runny nose
- •Decreased or increased appetite
- •Anxiety, restlessness, abnormal dreams, difficulty sleeping, drowsiness, dizziness, yawning, shaking, tingling skin
- •Diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, dry mouth
- •Increased sweating
- •Muscle and joint pain
- •Sexual problems (e.g., delayed ejaculation, erection problems, reduced sexual desire, difficulty achieving orgasm for women)
- •Fatigue, fever
- •Weight gain
RARE
- •Hives, rash, itching
- •Teeth grinding
- •Agitation, nervousness, panic attack, confusion
- •Sleep disturbance, altered taste, fainting
- •Dilated pupils, vision problems, ringing in ears
- •Hair loss
- •Heavy menstrual bleeding, irregular bleeding between periods
- •Weight loss
- •Fast heartbeat
- •Swelling in arms or legs
- •Nosebleed
- •Aggression, feeling detached from oneself, hallucinations
- •Slow heartbeat
Important Warnings
- Do not take if you are allergic to escitalopram or any other ingredients in Cipralex.
- Do not take if you are using other medicines called MAO inhibitors (like selegiline, moclobemide, or linezolid).
- Do not take if you have a congenital or abnormal heart rhythm or are taking medicines for heart rhythm problems.
- If you have epilepsy or seizures, tell your doctor. Treatment should stop if seizures occur for the first time or get worse.
- If you have thoughts of harming yourself or suicide, contact a doctor or hospital immediately.
Show 2 more warnings
- Do not drive or use machines until you know how Cipralex affects you, as it may impair your ability to perform these tasks safely.
- If you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before using Cipralex.
Use in Elderly Patients
Category C
Suitable for older adults, with specific precautions. Serotonergic. Risk of QT prolongation. A significant adverse effect is low serum sodium level. Increases risk of falls. Consider potential interactions especially with preparations that increase risk of bleeding. (updated 12.2.2024)