Escitalopram Sandoz
Escitalopram Sandoz is a medicine used to treat depression and anxiety disorders by increasing the amount of serotonin in the brain.
How to Use
Dosage
Usually, adults take 10 mg once a day. For panic disorder, start with 5 mg for the first week, then 10 mg. For elderly patients, the starting dose is 5 mg once a day. Always follow your doctor's instructions.
Method
Take the tablet whole with water, with or without food. Some strengths (10mg, 15mg, 20mg) can be divided if needed.
The maximum daily dose is usually 20 mg, but for patients with liver problems or certain genetic profiles, it is 10 mg.
Possible Side Effects
- •Nausea
- •Headache
- •Stuffy or runny nose (sinusitis)
- •Changes in appetite (increased or decreased)
- •Anxiety
- •Restlessness
- •Abnormal dreams
- •Difficulty sleeping or drowsiness
- •Dizziness
- •Yawning
- •Shaking (tremor)
- •Tingling or prickling skin sensation
- •Diarrhea
- •Constipation
- •Vomiting
- •Dry mouth
- •Increased sweating
- •Muscle and joint pain
- •Sexual problems (e.g., delayed ejaculation, erection difficulties, decreased sex drive, difficulty reaching orgasm in women)
- •Tiredness
- •Fever
- •Weight gain
- •Fast heartbeat
- •Unusual bleeding (including in the stomach or gut) or easy bruising
- •Severe allergic reactions (swelling of face, tongue, lips, throat; hives; difficulty breathing or swallowing)
- •Serotonin syndrome (high fever, agitation, confusion, shaking, and sudden muscle jerks)
- •Aggression, feeling unreal (depersonalization), hallucinations
- •Slow heartbeat
- •Difficulty urinating
- •Seizures
- •Yellow skin or eyes (sign of liver problems)
- •Fast, irregular heartbeat or fainting (Torsade de Pointes)
- •Self-harm or suicidal thoughts
- •Sudden swelling of skin or mucous membranes (angioedema)
- •Low sodium levels in the blood (symptoms include feeling sick, nausea, muscle weakness, and confusion)
- •Dizziness when standing up due to low blood pressure
- •Abnormal liver function tests
- •Movement disorders (involuntary muscle movements)
- •Painful erection (priapism)
- •Increased ADH hormone (leading to fluid buildup and low sodium)
- •Milk production in non-breastfeeding women or men
- •Mania (periods of extreme high mood or energy)
- •Changes in heart rhythm (prolonged QT interval visible on ECG)
- •Very heavy vaginal bleeding shortly after childbirth
- •Restlessness (akathisia)
- •Increased risk of bone fractures
- •Teeth grinding
- •Nervousness
- •Panic attacks
- •Confusion
- •Altered taste
- •Sleep problems (insomnia)
- •Fainting
- •Enlarged pupils, vision problems, ringing in ears (tinnitus)
- •Hair loss
- •Heavy or irregular menstrual bleeding
- •Weight loss
- •Swollen arms or legs
- •Nosebleeds
Important Warnings
- Do not take if you are allergic to escitalopram or any other ingredients.
- Do not take if you are using other specific medicines for depression called MAO inhibitors or certain heart rhythm medications.
- Tell your doctor if you have epilepsy, diabetes, liver or kidney problems, or heart issues, as your dose might need to be adjusted or the medicine might not be suitable.
- Be aware of potential changes in mood or suicidal thoughts, especially when starting treatment. If you experience these, contact your doctor immediately or go to a hospital.
- This medicine is generally not for children or teenagers under 18 due to increased risks of side effects like aggression and suicidal thoughts.
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)