escitalopram Health Article

How should I take escitalopram?

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from the medication.

Take each dose with a full glass of water.

Try to take the medicine at the same time each day. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

To be sure you get the correct dose of liquid escitalopram, measure the liquid with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

It may take 4 weeks or longer before you start feeling better. Do not stop using escitalopram without first talking to your doctor. You may have unpleasant side effects if you stop taking this medication suddenly. Store escitalopram at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have taken too much of this medication. Symptoms of an escitalopram overdose may include nausea, vomiting, tremor, sweating, rapid heartbeat, confusion, dizziness, seizures, and coma.

What should I avoid while taking escitalopram?

Do not take escitalopram together with citalopram (Celexa), isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam), or tranylcypromine (Parnate). Avoid drinking alcohol, which can increase some of the side effects of escitalopram.

Avoid using other medicines that make you sleepy (such as cold medicine, pain medication, muscle relaxers, medicine for seizures, other medication for depression or anxiety). They can add to sleepiness caused by escitalopram.

Escitalopram can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.

What are the possible side effects of escitalopram?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: skin rash or hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any new or worsening symptoms such as: mood or behavior changes, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, or if you feel impulsive, irritable, agitated, hostile, aggressive, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), more depressed, or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• seizure (convulsions);

• tremors, shivering, muscle stiffness or twitching;

• problems with balance or coordination; or

• agitation, confusion, sweating, fast heartbeat.

Other less serious side effects are more likely to occur, such as:

• feeling nervous, restless, or unable to sit still;

• headache, trouble concentrating;

• drowsiness, dizziness;

• sleep problems (insomnia);

• nausea, diarrhea, heartburn;

• weight changes;

• decreased sex drive, impotence, or difficulty having an orgasm; or

• dry mouth, ringing in your ears.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.