Do you sometimes feel a lot of stress, anxiety, or depression? At such a time, your doctor may have prescribed you a medicine called Escitalopram. When you hear about this medicine, you may feel a little scared and curious. That's normal. So, today we will talk about this medicine called Escitalopram, as if we were talking to a friend, and we will talk about everything simply.
What exactly is Escitalopram?
Simply put, Escitalopram is a medication that is used to treat mental health conditions like depression and anxiety . Serotonin is a chemical messenger in the brain that helps regulate feelings of happiness and calmness. Sometimes, when serotonin levels drop, we start to feel anxious and depressed.
Escitalopram belongs to a class of drugs called SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors). This medication works by increasing the amount of serotonin in the brain, helping to improve your mood. This means that it can help you feel less stressed and more relaxed.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before giving you Escitalopram, your doctor will want to know your complete health history. Therefore, be sure to tell your doctor if you or anyone in your family has any of the conditions listed below.
| Health condition or fact | Description |
|---|---|
| Mental health problems | You or someone in your family has bipolar disorder, suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempts. |
| Other illnesses | Diabetes, glaucoma, heart disease, kidney or liver disease, seizures. |
| Allergies | Having an allergy to Escitalopram, Citalopram (another medicine in this class) or any other medicine, food, or dye. |
| Other treatments | If you are receiving electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). |
| Pregnancy and breastfeeding | If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding. |
How should I use this medicine?
It's very simple. Take this pill exactly as your doctor has told you, in the correct dosage, with a glass of water. You can take it before or after a meal. However, if you feel an upset stomach, it's best to take it with food. It's very important to take your medicine at the right time every day. Don't take more or less than your doctor has told you.
Very important: Never stop taking this medicine suddenly without talking to your doctor. Doing so may cause serious side effects or make your condition worse.
What if I miss a dose of medication?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose.
What if I take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken more medicine than you think, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital , or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Other things that may interact with this medicine (Interactions)
Escitalopram can interact with some other medications, herbal products, and alcohol. Therefore, it is very important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (prescribed, over-the-counter, herbal, vitamins), and whether you smoke or drink alcohol.
The following medications should never be taken with Escitalopram.
| Drugs that should never be taken with Escitalopram | |
|---|---|
| Citalopram (another drug of this type) | Pimozide, Thioridazine (medicines for mental illness) |
| MAOIs (e.g. Marplan, Nardil) | Linezolid (an antibiotic) |
| Methylene blue (an injection given intravenously) | Dronedarone (a medicine for heart disease) |
Also, aspirin, pain relievers (NSAIDs - e.g., ibuprofen), blood thinners (e.g., warfarin), other antidepressants, migraine medications, and alcohol may interact with this medication. So give your doctor a complete list.
Things to keep in mind when taking medication
- It takes time to see results: It may take several weeks for this medicine to fully work. So, don't stop taking it because you think, "There's no difference yet." Keep taking it as directed by your doctor.
- Watch for thoughts: Be aware of changes in your thoughts, behavior, and mood, especially when you first start treatment or when your medication dose is changed. If you have new or worsening suicidal thoughts, tell your doctor right away.
- Other mental changes: Some people may experience symptoms such as extreme restlessness, agitation, irritability, hyperactivity, or insomnia. These should also be reported to the doctor .
- Drowsiness and dizziness: You may feel drowsy or dizzy when taking this medicine. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine affects you. Be careful when getting up or sitting down suddenly, especially if you are an elderly person.
- Dry mouth: You may feel like your mouth is dry. This can be reduced by chewing sugar-free gum and drinking more water.
Side effects that may occur due to medication
Like any medicine, Escitalopram can cause side effects in some people. Most of the time, these are not serious. However, there are some symptoms that we should be especially aware of.
| Type of side effect | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Side effects that require immediate medical attention | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Abnormal bleeding | Black or bloody stools, dark brown or red urine, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, and small red or purple spots on the skin. |
| Changes in heart rate | Fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, chest pain, difficulty breathing. |
| Serotonin Syndrome | Restlessness, muscle stiffness or twitching, excessive sweating, high fever, vomiting, diarrhea. |
| Other serious symptoms | Sudden eye pain, blurred vision, suicidal thoughts, signs of low sodium levels (muscle weakness, headache, confusion). |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Digestive system | Diarrhea, nausea, stomach upset. |
| Other | Excessive sweating, tremors, changes in sexual desire or function. |
How do you store your medicine?
Keep this medicine out of the reach of children and pets . It is best to store it at room temperature (between 15-30 degrees Celsius). Do not use expired medicine.
Take-Home Message
- Escitalopram is a medication that treats conditions such as depression and anxiety and works by regulating serotonin levels in the brain.
- Tell your doctor about all the medications, vitamins, and medical conditions you are taking.
- Never stop taking medication suddenly or change the dosage without your doctor's advice.
- Be especially aware of your thoughts and feelings during the early stages of treatment. Tell your doctor right away if you notice any dangerous changes, such as thoughts of suicide.
- Avoid driving until you get used to the medication, as it may cause drowsiness. Avoid drinking alcohol completely.
- If you have any further questions about this medication, don't hesitate to talk to your doctor.
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