Cipralex
Cipralex is an antidepressant (SSRI) used to treat depression, panic disorder, social anxiety, generalized anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder in adults over 18.
How to Use
Dosage
Adults usually start with 10 drops (10 mg) once daily. For panic disorder, start with 5 drops (5 mg) daily for the first week, then 10 drops (10 mg). For elderly patients (over 65), the starting dose is 5 drops (5 mg) daily, and can be increased to 10 drops (10 mg). If you have liver problems, the dose should not exceed 10 drops (10 mg) daily. Always follow your doctor's instructions.
Method
Turn the bottle upside down to get the drops out. If drops don't come, tap gently. Measure the dose into water, orange juice, or apple juice, mix quickly, and drink it all. Do not mix Cipralex drops with other liquids or medicines.
The maximum daily dose for most adults is 20 drops (20 mg). For elderly patients (over 65) or those with liver problems, the maximum daily dose is 10 drops (10 mg).
Possible Side Effects
- •Nausea
- •Headache
- •Stuffy or runny nose (sinusitis)
- •Decreased or increased appetite
- •Anxiety, restlessness, abnormal dreams, difficulty falling asleep, drowsiness, dizziness, yawning, tremor, tingling sensations on the skin
- •Diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, dry mouth
- •Increased sweating
- •Muscle and joint pain
- •Sexual problems (delayed ejaculation, erection problems, decreased sex drive, difficulty reaching orgasm for women)
- •Tiredness, fever
- •Weight gain
- •Unusual bleeding, including from the stomach or intestines
- •Hives (urticaria), rash, itching
- •Teeth grinding, agitation, nervousness, panic attacks, confusion
- •Sleep disturbance, taste disturbance, fainting
- •Enlarged pupils, vision problems, ringing in the ears
- •Hair loss
- •Heavy menstrual bleeding, irregular bleeding between periods
- •Weight loss
- •Fast heartbeat
- •Swelling in arms or legs
- •Nosebleeds
- •Swelling of the skin, tongue, lips, or face, difficulty breathing or swallowing (allergic reaction)
- •High fever, restlessness, confusion, shaking, or sudden muscle twitching, which can be signs of a rare condition called serotonin syndrome
- •Aggression, feeling detached from oneself (depersonalization), hallucinations
- •Slow heartbeat
- •Difficulty urinating
- •Seizures (convulsions)
- •Yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes, which can be a sign of liver problems or hepatitis
- •Fast, irregular heartbeat or fainting, which could be a sign of a life-threatening condition called Torsades de Pointes
- •Thoughts of harming yourself or suicide
- •Low sodium levels in the blood (symptoms include feeling sick, weakness, or confusion)
- •Dizziness when standing up due to low blood pressure (orthostatic hypotension)
- •Abnormal liver function test results (high liver enzymes in blood)
- •Movement disorders (involuntary muscle movements)
- •Painful erections (priapism)
- •Bleeding disorders, including skin and mucous membrane bleeding (bruising), and low platelet count
- •Sudden swelling of the skin or mucous membranes (angioedema)
- •Increased ADH secretion, causing water retention in the body and diluted blood with low sodium levels
- •High levels of prolactin hormone in the blood
- •Milk secretion in non-nursing women and men
- •Mania
- •Increased risk of bone fractures (seen with SSRIs like Cipralex)
- •Change in heart rhythm (prolonged QT interval, visible on ECG)
- •Very heavy vaginal bleeding shortly after childbirth (postpartum hemorrhage)
- •Restlessness (akathisia)
- •Loss of appetite
Important Warnings
- Do not take Cipralex if you are allergic to escitalopram or any other ingredients in this medicine.
- Do not take Cipralex if you are taking other medicines called MAO inhibitors (like selegiline, moclobemide, or linezolid).
- Tell your doctor if you have a heart condition, an abnormal heart rhythm (visible on an EKG), or if you are taking medicines that affect your heart rhythm.
- If you have epilepsy, stop Cipralex and call your doctor if you have a seizure for the first time or if your seizures get worse.
- Tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney problems, as your dose may need to be adjusted.
Show 6 more warnings
- If you have diabetes, Cipralex may affect your blood sugar. Your doctor may need to adjust your diabetes medicine.
- Tell your doctor if you bleed or bruise easily, or if you are pregnant.
- If you have thoughts of harming yourself or suicide, contact your doctor or go to a hospital right away. This is especially important if you are under 25 or have had such thoughts before.
- Cipralex is not usually for children and adolescents under 18 years old due to an increased risk of side effects like suicide attempts and aggression.
- Do not drive or use machines until you know how Cipralex affects you, as it may make you feel dizzy or less alert.
- Do not stop taking Cipralex suddenly, as it can cause withdrawal symptoms. Your doctor will help you reduce the dose slowly over several weeks.
Use in Elderly Patients
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)