About escitalopram
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)
Used for
- Depression
- Generalized anxiety disorder
- Panic disorder
- Social anxiety disorder
Usual adult dose
Usually 10 mg once daily; may increase to 20 mg daily depending on response.
Usual dose in children
For ages 12–17 with depression: usually 10 mg once daily; maximum 20 mg daily. Not generally used for younger children.
Common side effects
- Nausea
- Headache
- Sleep changes or tiredness
- Sexual difficulties
Important warnings
- May increase suicidal thoughts in young people, especially 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 only after discussing benefits and risks; late-pregnancy use may affect the newborn.
Breastfeeding
Passes into breast milk in small amounts; monitor the infant for sleepiness, poor feeding, or irritability.
Interactions
- MAO inhibitors and linezolid can cause dangerous reactions.
- Other serotonin-raising medicines increase serotonin syndrome risk.
- Blood thinners and NSAIDs may increase bleeding.
- Some medicines that affect heart rhythm may increase arrhythmia risk.
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 It may be incomplete or out of date.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.