Escitalopram Actavis
Escitalopram Actavis is an antidepressant medication used to treat depression and various anxiety disorders.
Form
tabletti, kalvopäällysteinen
Strength
20 mg
Active Ingredient
Escitalopram oxalate
Manufacturer
Actavis Group PTC ehf
How to Use
Dosage
The usual starting dose for adults is 10 mg once daily.
Method
Take one tablet once a day with a glass of water, with or without food.
Important
The maximum daily dose for most adults is 20 mg, but for elderly patients (over 65), it is 10 mg.
Possible Side Effects
COMMON
- •Nausea
- •Headache
- •Blocked or runny nose
- •Changes in appetite (decreased or increased)
- •Anxiety, restlessness
- •Sleep problems (abnormal dreams, difficulty falling asleep, drowsiness)
- •Dizziness
- •Yawning
- •Tremor (shaking)
- •Pins and needles sensation on the skin
- •Digestive issues (diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, dry mouth)
- •Increased sweating
- •Muscle and joint pain
- •Sexual problems (e.g., delayed ejaculation, erection problems, reduced sexual desire, difficulty reaching orgasm in women)
- •Fatigue, fever
- •Weight gain
RARE
- •Unusual bleeding (including in the stomach or intestines)
- •Severe allergic reaction (swelling of skin, tongue, lips, throat or face, hives, difficulty breathing or swallowing)
- •Serotonin syndrome (high fever, agitation, confusion, shaking, and muscle spasms)
- •Skin reactions (hives, rash, itching)
- •Teeth grinding
- •Mood and behavior changes (agitation, nervousness, panic attacks, confusion)
- •Sleep disturbances, taste changes, fainting
- •Vision and hearing problems (dilated pupils, vision disturbances, ringing in ears)
- •Hair loss
- •Abnormally heavy menstrual periods
- •Irregular menstrual periods
- •Weight loss
- •Fast heart rate
- •Swelling in arms and legs
- •Nosebleed
- •Aggression, feeling detached from oneself, hallucinations
- •Slow heart rate
Important Warnings
- Do not use if you are allergic to escitalopram or any other ingredient in this medicine.
- Do not use if you are taking MAO inhibitors for depression, Parkinson's disease, or bacterial infections.
- Do not use if you have an abnormal heart rhythm or are taking medicines that affect heart rhythm.
- If you have thoughts of harming yourself or suicide, contact a doctor or go to a hospital immediately.
- Tell your doctor if you have epilepsy or experience seizures. Treatment may need to be stopped.
Show 5 more warnings
- Tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney problems, as your dose may need adjustment.
- If you have diabetes, Escitalopram Actavis may affect your blood sugar. Your medication may need to be adjusted.
- Tell your doctor if you bruise or bleed easily.
- If you experience symptoms of mania, such as unusual cheerfulness or excessive activity, contact your doctor.
- If you experience restlessness or an inability to sit or stand still, tell your doctor immediately.
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)