Escitalopram is an oral drug that is used to treat anxiety and major depressive
disorder. It is an antidepressant in a group of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Escitalopram affects chemicals in the brain that may become
unbalanced and cause depression or anxiety.

Escitalopram may take several weeks to reach its full effects. Continue to use
Escitalopram even if you feel well. Benefit may not be seen until treatment has been given for up to 4 weeks. Escitalopram can be taken with or without food. If stomach
upset occurs, take with food to reduce stomach irritation. The usual starting dose of escitalopram is 10 mg once daily. Older and younger persons require similar doses.
Escitalopram tablets should be stored at controlled room temperature, 59-86°F (15-30°C.)

Most common side-effects are agitation or restlessness, blurred vision, diarrhea,
difficulty sleeping, drowsiness, dry mouth, fever, frequent urination, headache, indigestion, nausea, increased or decreased appetite, increased sweating, sexual difficulties
(decreased sexual ability or desire, ejaculatory delay), taste alterations, tremor (shaking), weight changes.
Although there may be changes in sexual desire, sexual
performance and sexual satisfaction often occur as a result of depression itself, they also may be a consequence of the drugs used to treat depression. In particular, about
one in 11 men had given escitalopram report difficulties experiencing ejaculation.
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. Contact your doctor promptly if you have any of the following side effects, especially if they
are new symptoms or if they get worse: mood changes, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, irritability, agitation, aggressiveness, severe restlessness, mania (mental
and/or physical hyperactivity), and thoughts of suicide or hurting yourself.

Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine for pain, arthritis, fever, or swelling. Taking
any of these drugs with escitalopram may cause you to bruise or bleed easily. Escitalopram should not be taken together with any drugs of the MAO (mono-amine oxidase)
inhibitor-class of antidepressants, for example, isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), tranylcypromine (Parnate), and procarbazine (Matulane). Such combinations
may lead to confusion, high blood pressure, high fevers, tremor or muscle rigidity, and increased activity. This same type of interaction also may occur with selegiline
(Eldepryl), fenfluramine (Pondimin), and dexfenfluramine (Redux). Tryptophan can cause headaches, nausea, sweating, and dizziness when taken with any SSRI. At least 14
days should elapse after discontinuing escitalopram before starting a MAO inhibitor.
Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you
use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

If you
exceed the recommended dose of this medicine, seek emergency medical attention. Symptoms due to overdose of Escitalopram includes nausea, vomiting, tremor, sweating,
rapid heartbeat, confusion, dizziness, seizures, and coma.

If you miss a dose of this medicine and you are using it regularly, take it as soon as possible. If it is
almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Escitalopram is used for the treatment of depression and generalized anxiety disorder. Drugs in the SSRI class also have
been studied in persons with obsessive-compulsive disorders and panic disorders.