Cipralex
Cipralex is an antidepressant (SSRI) used to treat depression and anxiety disorders, including panic disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Form
tabletti, kalvopäällysteinen
Strength
20 mg
Active Ingredient
Escitalopram oxalate
Manufacturer
H. Lundbeck A/S
How to Use
Dosage
The usual starting dose for adults is 10 mg once daily, but your doctor may adjust the dose.
Method
Take the tablet with water, with or without food. Do not chew it. 10 mg, 15 mg and 20 mg tablets can be divided if needed.
Important
The maximum daily dose is usually 20 mg, but your doctor will decide.
Possible Side Effects
COMMON
- •Nausea, headache
- •Stuffy or runny nose, changes in appetite
- •Anxiety, restlessness, abnormal dreams, difficulty sleeping, sleepiness, dizziness, yawning, tremor, tingling in skin
- •Diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, dry mouth
- •Increased sweating, muscle and joint pain
- •Sexual problems (e.g., delayed ejaculation, erection problems, reduced sex drive, difficulty reaching orgasm in women)
- •Fatigue, fever, weight gain
RARE
- •Unusual bleeding (e.g., in stomach, skin, nose)
- •Severe allergic reactions (e.g., swelling of face, tongue, difficulty breathing, rash)
- •Serotonin syndrome (e.g., high fever, confusion, tremors, sudden muscle spasms)
- •Seizures
- •Yellow skin or eyes (sign of liver problems)
- •Fast, irregular heartbeat or fainting (may indicate a serious heart condition)
- •Suicidal thoughts or self-harm (seek urgent help)
- •Difficulty urinating
- •Low sodium in blood (symptoms like nausea, muscle weakness, confusion)
- •Dizziness when standing up (due to low blood pressure)
- •Abnormal liver function tests
- •Involuntary muscle movements
- •Painful erections
- •Increased prolactin (hormone) levels or milk secretion in men and non-breastfeeding women
- •Mania (feeling overly happy or agitated)
- •Increased risk of bone fractures
- •Abnormal heart rhythm shown on EKG (prolonged QT interval)
- •Heavy vaginal bleeding after childbirth
- •Restlessness or inability to sit still
- •Teeth grinding, nervousness, confusion, panic attacks
- •Sleep problems, changes in taste, fainting
- •Dilated pupils, vision problems, ringing in ears
- •Hair loss
- •Irregular or heavy periods
- •Weight loss
- •Slow heartbeat
- •Swelling in arms or legs
- •Aggression, feeling unreal (depersonalization), hallucinations
Important Warnings
- Do not take Cipralex if you are allergic to escitalopram or any other ingredient in this medicine.
- Do not take Cipralex if you are taking other medicines called MAO inhibitors (like selegiline, moclobemide, or linezolid).
- Do not take Cipralex if you have a congenital or abnormal heart rhythm, or if you take medicines that affect your heart rhythm.
- Talk to your doctor if you have epilepsy; treatment should be stopped if seizures start or get worse.
- Tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney problems, diabetes, or low sodium levels.
Show 3 more warnings
- Be aware if you bruise or bleed easily, or if you are pregnant, as Cipralex can affect blood clotting and may cause issues during pregnancy.
- If you experience suicidal thoughts, especially at the start of treatment or if you are under 25, seek immediate medical help.
- Cipralex is generally not recommended for children and adolescents under 18 years of age.
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)