Escitalopram Actavis
Escitalopram Actavis is a medicine used to treat depression and various anxiety disorders.
Form
tabletti, kalvopäällysteinen
Strength
5 mg
Active Ingredient
Escitalopram oxalate
Manufacturer
Actavis Group PTC ehf
How to Use
Dosage
The usual dose is 10 mg once a day.
Method
Take the tablet once a day with water, with or without food.
Important
Your doctor may increase the dose to a maximum of 20 mg per day.
Possible Side Effects
COMMON
- •Nausea
- •Headache
- •Blocked or runny nose
- •Decreased or increased appetite
- •Trouble sleeping or feeling sleepy, unusual dreams
- •Dizziness, shaking, tingling skin
- •Diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, dry mouth
- •Increased sweating
- •Muscle and joint pain
- •Sexual problems (e.g., delayed ejaculation, erection problems, decreased sex drive)
- •Fatigue, fever, weight gain
- •Anxiety, restlessness
RARE
- •Severe allergic reaction (swelling of face, tongue, lips, throat, or skin rash with breathing difficulties)
- •Serotonin syndrome (high fever, confusion, sudden muscle twitching)
- •Unusual bleeding (e.g., from stomach or intestines)
- •Seizures
- •Yellow skin or eyes (signs of liver problems)
- •Fast or irregular heartbeat, fainting (could be signs of a serious heart condition)
- •Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
- •Low sodium levels in the blood (symptoms include nausea, feeling unwell, muscle weakness, or confusion)
- •Movement disorders (involuntary muscle movements)
- •Rash, itching, hives
- •Panic attacks, agitation, nervousness, confusion
- •Teeth grinding
- •Vision problems, dilated pupils, ringing in ears
- •Weight loss
- •Nosebleed
Important Warnings
- Do not use this medicine if you are allergic to escitalopram or any other ingredients in the medicine.
- Do not use this medicine if you are taking certain other antidepressants (MAOIs) or if you have heart rhythm problems or take medicines for them.
- If you have thoughts of harming yourself or suicide, contact your doctor immediately or go to a hospital.
- Seek immediate medical help if you experience a severe allergic reaction (like swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing) or symptoms of serotonin syndrome (high fever, confusion, sudden muscle twitching).
- Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly without your doctor's advice, as it can cause withdrawal symptoms.
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)