About escitalopr am
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressant
Used for
- Depression
- Generalized anxiety disorder
- Panic disorder
- Social anxiety disorder
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
Usual adult dose
Usually 10 mg once daily; may increase to 20 mg daily depending on condition and response.
Usual dose in children
Not routinely used in children; specialist prescribing depends on age and condition.
Common side effects
- Nausea, headache, or dry mouth
- Sleepiness or difficulty sleeping
- Sexual problems
- Increased sweating
Important warnings
- May increase suicidal thoughts, especially in young people early in treatment.
- Do not stop suddenly; withdrawal symptoms can occur.
- Seek urgent care for severe agitation, fever, confusion, or muscle stiffness.
- Use caution with bipolar disorder, seizures, bleeding risk, or heart rhythm problems.
Pregnancy
Use during pregnancy only when clinically needed; late-pregnancy use may affect the newborn.
Breastfeeding
Passes into breast milk; possible infant effects require clinical consideration.
Interactions
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors and other serotonergic medicines can cause serotonin syndrome.
- Medicines that prolong the QT interval may increase abnormal heart rhythm risk.
- Blood thinners and anti-inflammatory painkillers may increase bleeding.
- St John’s wort may increase side effects.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.