Escitalopram

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD): Initial dose of 10 mg once daily. If needed, the dose can be increased up to 20 mg after at least one week.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): 10 mg once daily. If needed, the dose can be increased up to 20 mg after at least one week.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): 10 mg once daily, may increase to a maximum of 40mg based on response and tolerability.

Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD): 5mg to 10 mg once daily, titrate slowly to a maximum of 20 mg/day.

Panic Disorder: Initial dose of 5 mg once daily, then increase to 10 mg/day after 7 days, and up to 20 mg if needed.

Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): 10 mg once daily, may increase to a maximum of 40mg based on response and tolerability.

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD): 5mg to 10 mg once daily, may increase to 20 mg if needed.

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs): Escitalopram Oxalate should not be taken within 14 days of discontinuing an MAOI medication due to the risk of serotonin syndrome.

Current use of pimozide or linezolid: Combining Escitalopram Oxalate with pimozide or linezolid can lead to serious interactions and should be avoided.

Bipolar disorder: Escitalopram Oxalate alone may trigger a manic episode in individuals with bipolar disorder. Close monitoring and appropriate management are necessary.

Seizure disorder: Escitalopram Oxalate may lower the seizure threshold, and caution should be exercised in individuals with a history of seizures.

Liver or kidney impairment: Individuals with severe liver or kidney impairment may require dosage adjustments or closer monitoring while taking Escitalopram Oxalate.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: The use of Escitalopram Oxalate during pregnancy and breastfeeding should be discussed with a healthcare provider, considering the potential risks and benefits.

Timing: Take your dose simultaneously each day to help you remember to take it consistently. This helps maintain an even level of the medication in your body.

Missed Dose: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is close to the time of your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not take two doses simultaneously to make up for a missed dose.

Alcohol and Drug Interactions: Avoid drinking alcohol while taking escitalopram, as it can increase the risk of side effects and potentially enhance the soothing effects.

Inform your healthcare provider about all other medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements, to avoid potential interactions.

Lifestyle and Diet: Maintain a healthy diet and stay hydrated. Eating balanced meals and staying active can help manage some of the side effects like weight changes or lethargy. Avoid consuming large amounts of caffeine as it may increase feelings of anxiety or nervousness.

Mental Health Monitoring: Be aware of any changes in mood, behavior, or thoughts. Escitalopram can take a few weeks to show its full effects, and it is important to communicate with your healthcare provider about how you are feeling during this period.

Medication Efficacy: It may take several weeks to feel the full benefit of escitalopram. Continue taking the medication as directed, even if you feel well, and attend all follow-up appointments to monitor your progress.

Support Systems: Engage with support systems such as friends, family, or mental health professionals. They can provide additional help and encouragement during your treatment.

Alertness and Coordination: Escitalopram may affect your ability to perform tasks requiring alertness and coordination, such as driving or operating machinery. Ensure you know how the medication affects you before engaging in such activities.

Nausea: Feeling sick to your stomach or having an upset stomach.

Headache: Aching or pain in the head.

Drowsiness: Feeling tired or sleepy.

Dry mouth: Having a lack of moisture in the mouth. Insomnia: Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep.

Severe allergic reaction: Symptoms may include swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, difficulty breathing or swallowing, and rash or hives.

Suicidal thoughts or behavior: If you feel an increase in suicidal thoughts, become agitated, or have unusual changes in behavior, seek medical help immediately.

• In some cases, Escitalopram Oxalate may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts, especially in young adults. It's important to seek immediate medical help if you experience worsening depression, changes in mood, or thoughts of self-harm.
• Taking Escitalopram Oxalate with certain medications or supplements can lead to a rare but serious condition called serotonin syndrome. Symptoms include rapid heart rate, high fever, confusion, and muscle stiffness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.
• Stopping Escitalopram Oxalate suddenly can lead to withdrawal symptoms such as dizziness, headache, irritability, and mood swings. It's important to gradually reduce the dosage under the guidance of your healthcare provider.
• Escitalopram Oxalate can increase the risk of bleeding, especially in individuals taking blood-thinning medications. Inform your healthcare provider if you notice unusual or excessive bleeding.
• Discuss the use of Escitalopram Oxalate with your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, as the medication may pose risks to the developing baby.

• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) Serotonergic medications: Combining Escitalopram Oxalate with other medications that increase serotonin levels, such as certain antidepressants, migraine medications, or street drugs like MDMA (ecstasy), can increase the risk of serotonin syndrome.
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) Antiplatelet and anticoagulant medications CYP2C19 inhibitors CYP3A4 inhibitors

Fluoxetine: Another selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) used for the treatment of depression, anxiety disorders, and other conditions.

Sertraline: An SSRI commonly prescribed for depression, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Citalopram: Another SSRI used for the treatment of depression and various anxiety disorders.

Venlafaxine: A serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) used to treat depression, generalized anxiety disorder, and certain other conditions.

Duloxetine: Another SNRI medication prescribed for depression, anxiety disorders, fibromyalgia, and chronic pain.

Bupropion: An atypical antidepressant used to treat depression and help with smoking cessation.