Perhaps you or someone close to you has been prescribed Escitalopram by your doctor for a condition like depression or anxiety. It's normal to feel a little scared, curious, or have a lot of questions when you hear the name of this medication. So today, let's talk in a simple and friendly way about what this medication is, how it affects our body, and what things to be careful about when using it.
What kind of medicine is Escitalopram?
Simply put, Escitalopram is a medication used to treat mental conditions such as depression and anxiety . In Sri Lanka, it can be found under brand names such as Lexapro.
Imagine that there are little messengers inside our brains that control things like our mood, happiness, and calmness. We call these neurotransmitters. Serotonin is one such very important messenger. When we have conditions like depression or anxiety, sometimes the level of this serotonin in the brain can decrease.
Escitalopram works by increasing the amount of serotonin in the brain, gradually improving your mood. In medical terms, we call this class of drugs SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) .
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication
Before prescribing this medication, it is very important for your doctor to know your complete health history. Be sure to tell your doctor if you or anyone in your family has any of the conditions listed below.
| Situation you need to report | Why is that? (brief explanation) |
|---|---|
| Having or having a family history of Bipolar Disorder | This medicine may sometimes cause abnormal mood swings (manic episodes). |
| Diabetes | Because this can affect blood sugar levels. |
| Glaucoma is an eye disease. | Because there is little chance of increasing eye pressure. |
| Heart disease | Because it can affect heart rate. |
| Kidney or liver disease | Because it affects the process of removing the medicine from the body. |
| Having or having had suicidal thoughts | Pay special attention to these thoughts as they may change during the initial period of starting the medication. |
| Allergies to other medicines, foods or substances | To find out if you are allergic to Escitalopram or any of its ingredients. |
| Being pregnant , trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding | To consider whether the medicine may affect the baby. |
How exactly do you use this medicine?
Since this medicine comes in the form of a solution, you should take it exactly as your doctor tells you.
- Measure the correct dose: Use only the specially marked spoon or cup provided with the medicine. Do not use household teaspoons or tablespoons, as they may not be accurate.
- With or without food: This medicine can be taken before, after, or with food. It doesn't cause any problems.
- Take it on time: Get into the habit of taking your medicine at about the same time every day. That way, you're less likely to forget.
Very important: Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly without your doctor's advice. If you do, you may experience withdrawal symptoms such as dizziness and nausea. Or your mental state may get worse. If you do stop, do so as your doctor tells you to, gradually reducing the dose.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once to make up for a forgotten dose.
What if I take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken too much medicine, don't panic. Immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital , or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Things not to use with this medicine
Escitalopram can interact with some other medications and supplements, so tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (prescribed by other doctors, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal remedies).
Below are a few things to pay particular attention to.
| Never take these with Escitalopram. | |
|---|---|
| |
| If you are taking these, be sure to tell your doctor. | |
|
Things to be careful about when taking medicine
- Be patient: It can take several weeks (maybe 4-6 weeks) for this medication to start working. So don't stop taking it because you don't see results in the first week. Continue using it as directed by your doctor.
- Mood changes: This is very important. Some people, especially young people and when they first start taking the medication, may have increased thoughts of suicide or depression. If you suddenly feel sad, angry, anxious, or have changes in behavior , call your doctor or tell someone you trust right away . This could be a side effect of the medication.
- Drowsiness and dizziness: This medicine may make you feel drowsy or dizzy. Therefore , avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how this medicine affects you. If you are an elderly person, stand up slowly when you get up from a sitting position or when you get out of bed.
- Dry mouth: If you feel like your mouth is dry, chewing sugarless gum and drinking small amounts of water may help.
Possible side effects
Like any medicine, Escitalopram can cause side effects. However, not everyone gets them. Most of the time, these are not serious and go away within a few days.
| Side effects that require immediate medical attention | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, difficulty breathing. |
| Abnormal bleeding | Black stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, and random bruises on the body. |
| Changes in heart rate | Feeling like your heart is beating fast, dizziness, chest pain. |
| Serotonin Syndrome | Anxiety, sweating, muscle tremors, high fever. (This is a very rare but serious condition). |
| Sudden eye pain | Blurred vision, seeing rings around lights. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Nausea, stomach discomfort | It can occur frequently in the first few days. |
| Excessive sweating | |
| Change in sexual desire or activity | Don't be shy about talking to your doctor about this. |
| Tremors | |
Take-Home Message
- Escitalopram is an effective medication that treats depression and anxiety by regulating serotonin levels in the brain.
- It is essential to tell your doctor about all other medications you are taking and any medical conditions you have.
- Do not stop taking the medication suddenly without your doctor's advice. It can be dangerous.
- It takes several weeks for the medicine to take full effect, so be patient and continue using it.
- If you experience unusual mood changes or suicidal thoughts during the initial period of taking the medication, seek medical advice immediately.
- This medicine is for you only. Never share it with others.
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