Cipralex
Cipralex is an antidepressant (SSRI) used to treat depression and various anxiety disorders.
Form
tabletti, kalvopäällysteinen
Strength
15 mg
Active Ingredient
Escitalopram oxalate
Manufacturer
H. Lundbeck A/S
How to Use
Dosage
The usual starting dose is 10 mg once a day for adults, but your doctor may adjust it.
Method
Take the tablet with water, with or without food. Do not chew the tablet as it tastes bitter.
Important
Your doctor may increase the dose up to a maximum of 20 mg per day.
Possible Side Effects
COMMON
- •Nausea
- •Headache
- •Stuffy or runny nose (sinusitis)
- •Changes in appetite (decreased or increased)
- •Anxiety, restlessness, unusual dreams, trouble sleeping, drowsiness, dizziness, yawning, tremor, tingling of the skin
- •Diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, dry mouth
- •Increased sweating
- •Muscle and joint pain
- •Sexual problems (e.g., delayed ejaculation, erection problems, decreased sex drive, difficulty reaching orgasm in women)
- •Fatigue, fever
- •Weight gain
RARE
- •Unusual bleeding, including gastrointestinal bleeding
- •Swelling of the skin, tongue, lips, throat or face, hives or difficulty breathing/swallowing (severe allergic reaction)
- •High fever, restlessness, confusion, tremor and sudden muscle contractions (serotonin syndrome)
- •Difficulty urinating
- •Epileptic seizures
- •Yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes (liver failure or hepatitis)
- •Fast, irregular heartbeat or fainting (Torsades de Pointes)
- •Self-harm or suicidal thoughts
- •Sudden swelling of the skin or mucous membranes (angioedema)
- •Teeth grinding, restlessness, nervousness, panic attack, confusion
- •Sleep disturbance, taste disturbance, fainting
- •Dilated pupils, vision problems, ringing in the ears
- •Hair loss
- •Excessive or irregular menstrual bleeding
- •Weight loss
- •Fast heartbeat
- •Swelling in arms and legs
- •Nosebleeds
- •Aggression, depersonalization (feeling detached from oneself), hallucinations
- •Slow heartbeat
- •Low blood sodium levels (symptoms: nausea, feeling unwell, muscle weakness or confusion)
- •Dizziness when standing up (low blood pressure)
- •Abnormal liver function tests (increased liver enzymes)
- •Movement disorders (involuntary muscle movements)
- •Painful erections (priapism)
- •Bleeding disorders (e.g., skin and mucous membrane bleeding, low platelet count)
- •Increased ADH secretion (fluid retention, reduced blood salt)
- •Increased prolactin in blood
- •Milk secretion (in men and non-breastfeeding women)
- •Mania
- •Increased risk of bone fractures
- •Change in heart rhythm (QT interval prolongation)
- •Very heavy vaginal bleeding after childbirth
- •Motor restlessness (akathisia)
Important Warnings
- Do not use if you are allergic to escitalopram or any other ingredients in this medicine.
- Do not use if you are taking certain other medicines, such as MAO inhibitors or medicines that affect heart rhythm.
- If you have thoughts of self-harm or feel restless and unable to sit or stand still, contact your doctor or hospital immediately.
- Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how Cipralex affects you.
- Do not stop taking Cipralex suddenly without talking to your doctor first.
Show 1 more warnings
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, discuss with your doctor before use.
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)