ESCITALOPRAM OXALATE 20MG TABLET |
Escitalopram is a medication that is used to treat depression and anxiety. It works by assisting in the restoration of the equilibrium of a natural chemical (serotonin) in the brain. Escitalopram is a medication of a family known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI).
Concurrent use of non-selective, irreversible monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAO-inhibitors) is not recommended owing to the risk of serotonin syndrome, which includes agitation, tremor, hyperthermia, and other symptoms.
The use of escitalopram in conjunction with reversible MAO-A inhibitors (e.g., moclobemide) or the reversible non-selective MAO-inhibitor linezolid is not recommended owing to the risk of developing serotonin syndrome.
In individuals with known QT interval prolongation or congenital long QT syndrome, escitalopram is contraindicated.
Initial dose: 20 mg orally once a day; increase if necessary after at least 1 week of treatment to 20 mg once a day
Maintenance dose: 10 to 20 mg orally once a day
Maximum dose: 20 mg orally once a day
Comment: Treatment should be periodically reassessed to determine the need for ongoing treatment; efficacy beyond 8 weeks has not been systematically studied.
Use: Acute treatment of generalized anxiety disorder
Serious responses have been recorded in individuals receiving an SSRI in conjunction with a non-selective, irreversible monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), as well as in patients who have recently stopped using an SSRI and have begun taking an MAOI (see section 4.3). Serotonin syndrome emerged in certain patients.
Escitalopram should not be used with non-selective, irreversible MAOIs. Escitalopram can be begun 14 days after you stop taking an irreversible MAOI. Before beginning a non-selective, irreversible MAOI, at least 7 days should elapse after quitting escitalopram medication.