Escitalopram Actavis
Escitalopram Actavis is a medicine used to treat depression and anxiety disorders, including panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Form
tabletti, kalvopäällysteinen
Strength
15 mg
Active Ingredient
Escitalopram oxalate
Manufacturer
Actavis Group PTC ehf
How to Use
Dosage
The usual dose is 10 mg once a day. Your doctor may adjust your dose between 5 mg and 20 mg daily.
Method
Take one tablet once a day with water, with or without food.
Important
Do not take more than 20 mg per day. For elderly patients (over 65) or those with liver problems, the maximum daily dose is usually 10 mg.
Possible Side Effects
COMMON
- •Feeling sick (nausea)
- •Headache
- •Stuffy or runny nose (sinus infection)
- •Changes in appetite (less hungry or more hungry)
- •Feeling anxious or restless
- •Unusual dreams, trouble sleeping, feeling sleepy
- •Dizziness
- •Yawning
- •Shaking (tremor)
- •Tingling or 'pins and needles' feeling on the skin
- •Diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, dry mouth
- •Increased sweating
- •Muscle and joint pain
- •Sexual problems (delayed ejaculation, erection problems, reduced sex drive, women having trouble reaching orgasm)
- •Tiredness, fever
- •Weight gain
RARE
- •Hives, rash, itching
- •Teeth grinding
- •Nervousness, panic attacks
- •Confused thinking
- •Sleep problems
- •Taste changes
- •Fainting
- •Dilated pupils (large pupils), vision problems
- •Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- •Hair loss
- •Heavy or irregular menstrual bleeding
- •Weight loss
- •Fast or slow heartbeat
- •Swelling in arms or legs
- •Nosebleeds
- •Aggression, feeling unreal (depersonalisation), hallucinations
- •Low blood sodium (can cause nausea, weakness, or confusion)
- •Dizziness when standing up due to low blood pressure
- •Involuntary muscle movements
- •Painful erections
- •Bleeding under the skin or mucous membranes (e.g., bruising)
- •Increased levels of a hormone called prolactin, leading to milk production in men or non-breastfeeding women
- •Mania (extreme high mood and energy)
- •Increased risk of bone fractures
- •Restless movements (akathisia)
- •Loss of appetite
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 antidepressants called MAO inhibitors (e.g., selegiline, moclobemide) or the antibiotic linezolid. Talk to your doctor if you are unsure.
- Tell your doctor if you have a heart condition, including an abnormal heart rhythm (shown on ECG), or are taking medicines that affect your heart rhythm.
- If you have thoughts of harming yourself or feel worse, contact your doctor or go to the hospital immediately.
- If you have epilepsy or if seizures start or get worse, stop taking this medicine and contact your doctor.
Show 8 more warnings
- Seek immediate medical attention if you develop high fever, agitation, confusion, shaking, or sudden muscle jerks (these could be signs of serotonin syndrome).
- Seek immediate medical attention if you develop sudden swelling of the skin or mucous membranes (e.g., face, lips, tongue, or throat), hives, or have difficulty breathing or swallowing (these could be signs of a severe allergic reaction).
- If your skin or the whites of your eyes turn yellow, contact your doctor immediately (these could be signs of liver problems).
- This medicine is generally not recommended for children and adolescents under 18 years due to an increased risk of suicide attempts and aggression.
- Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly without talking to your doctor, as it can cause withdrawal symptoms.
- Tell your doctor if you have diabetes, kidney problems, low sodium in your blood, or bruise or bleed easily.
- Discuss with your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant. Do not stop this medicine suddenly during late pregnancy.
- Be careful when driving or using machines until you know how this medicine affects you.
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)