Common
uses
This medicine is a selective
serotonin reuptake inhibitor used to treat depression. It may also be used to
treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Tablets
Chemical Name: ESCITALOPRAM (ess-sye-TAL-oh-pram)
Before
using
Some medicines or medical
conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of
all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. DO NOT TAKE
THIS MEDICINE if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) (e.g.,
furazolidone, isocarboxazid, linezolid, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine,
selegiline, tranylcypromine) within 2 weeks before or after treatment with this
medicine. DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you are taking citalopram, or weight
loss drugs (e.g., sibutramine, phentermine). ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE
OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking another SSRI antidepressant (e.g.,
fluoxetine, sertraline), nefazodone, trazodone, tramadol, venlafaxine, "triptan"
migraine drugs (e.g., sumatriptan, zolmitriptan), tricyclic antidepressants
(e.g., amitriptyline, desipramine, nortriptyline), carbamazepine, cimetidine,
lithium, metoprolol, any herbal/natural products (e.g., melatonin, St. John's
wort, ayahuasca). Tell your doctor if you are taking any medicines that cause
drowsiness such as medicines for sleep (e.g., sedatives), tranquilizers,
anti-anxiety drugs (e.g., diazepam), narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine),
psychiatric medicines (e.g., phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine),
anti-seizure medicines (e.g., phenytoin), muscle relaxants, antihistamines that
cause drowsiness (e.g., diphenhydramine). Inform your doctor of any other
medical conditions including liver or kidney problems, seizures, heart
problems, other mental/mood disorders (e.g., bipolar disorder), thyroid
problems, mineral (electrolyte) problems (e.g., hyponatremia, SIADH),
allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if
you have any questions or concerns about using this medicine.
Directions
Follow the directions for
using this medicine provided by your doctor. This medicine may be taken on an
empty stomach or with food. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature 77 degrees
F (25 degrees C). Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F ( 15 and 30 degrees
C) is permitted. Store away from light and moisture. CONTINUE TO TAKE THIS
MEDICINE even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF
THIS MEDICINE, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next
dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not
take 2 doses at once.
Cautions
SEVERAL WEEKS MAY PASS before
this medicine reaches its full effect. Do not stop taking this medicine without
checking with your doctor. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE drowsiness or dizziness. DO
NOT DRIVE, OPERATE MACHINERY, OR DO ANYTHING ELSE THAT COULD BE DANGEROUS until
you know how you react to this medicine. Using this medicine alone, with other
medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other
potentially dangerous tasks. THIS MEDICINE WILL ADD TO THE EFFECTS of alcohol
and other depressants. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which
medicines are depressants. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either
prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. This
includes any medicines which contain drowsiness-causing ingredients. Ask your
pharmacist about the safe use of these products. Caution should be used in the
elderly since they may be more sensitive to the effects of this drug. F0R
WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits
and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED IN
BREAST MILK. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking this medicine.
Possible
side effects
SIDE EFFECTS that may occur
while taking this medicine include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation,
upset stomach, loss of appetite, dizziness, drowsiness, trouble sleeping, or
dry mouth. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK
WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience increased sweating,
unusual fatigue, changes in sexual ability/interest. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR
IMMEDIATELY if you experience stomach pain, vision changes, unusually fast or
slow heartbeat, uncontrolled movements (tremors), chest pain, unusual or severe
mental/mood changes, muscle cramps, restlessness, seizures, painful or
prolonged erection, or change in amount of urine. An allergic reaction to this
medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs.
Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, severe
dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above,
contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
Drug
interactions
Drug interactions can result
in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Use our drug
interaction checker to find out if your medicines interact with each other.
If
you take too much
If overdose is suspected,
contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
Symptoms of overdose may include irregular heartbeat, fainting, severe
dizziness or lightheadedness, or seizures.
Additional
information
DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE
with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other
health conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children. IF USING
THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your supply
runs out.
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