Tablets
Chemical Name: ESCITALOPRAM (ess-sye-TAL-oh-pram)
Common uses
This medicine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor used
to treat depression. It may also be used to treat other
conditions as determined by your doctor.
Before using
Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this
medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription
and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. DO NOT TAKE
THIS MEDICINE if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor
(MAOI) (e.g., furazolidone, isocarboxazid, linezolid,
moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, selegiline,
tranylcypromine) within 2 weeks before or after treatment with
this medicine. DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you are taking
citalopram, or weight loss drugs (e.g., sibutramine,
phentermine). ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION
may be needed if you are taking another SSRI antidepressant
(e.g., fluoxetine, sertraline), nefazodone, trazodone,
tramadol, venlafaxine, "triptan" migraine drugs (e.g.,
sumatriptan, zolmitriptan), tricyclic antidepressants (e.g.,
amitriptyline, desipramine, nortriptyline), carbamazepine,
cimetidine, lithium, metoprolol, any herbal/natural products
(e.g., melatonin, St. John's wort, ayahuasca). Tell your
doctor if you are taking any medicines that cause drowsiness
such as medicines for sleep (e.g., sedatives), tranquilizers,
anti-anxiety drugs (e.g., diazepam), narcotic pain relievers
(e.g., codeine), psychiatric medicines (e.g., phenothiazines
such as chlorpromazine), anti-seizure medicines (e.g.,
phenytoin), muscle relaxants, antihistamines that cause
drowsiness (e.g., diphenhydramine). Inform your doctor of any
other medical conditions including liver or kidney problems,
seizures, heart problems, other mental/mood disorders (e.g.,
bipolar disorder), thyroid problems, mineral (electrolyte)
problems (e.g., hyponatremia, SIADH), allergies, pregnancy, or
breast-feeding. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have
any questions or concerns about using this medicine.
Directions
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your
doctor. This medicine may be taken on an empty stomach or with
food. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature 77 degrees F (25
degrees C). Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F ( 15 and
30 degrees C) is permitted. Store away from light and
moisture. CONTINUE TO TAKE THIS MEDICINE even if you feel
well. Do not miss any doses. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS
MEDICINE, 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.
Cautions
SEVERAL WEEKS MAY PASS before this medicine reaches its full
effect. Do not stop taking this medicine without checking with
your doctor. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE drowsiness or dizziness.
DO NOT DRIVE, OPERATE MACHINERY, OR DO ANYTHING ELSE THAT
COULD BE DANGEROUS until you know how you react to this
medicine. Using this medicine alone, with other medicines, or
with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform
other potentially dangerous tasks. THIS MEDICINE WILL ADD TO
THE EFFECTS of alcohol and other depressants. Ask your
pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines are
depressants. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either
prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or
pharmacist. This includes any medicines which contain
drowsiness-causing ingredients. Ask your pharmacist about the
safe use of these products. Caution should be used in the
elderly since they may be more sensitive to the effects of
this drug. F0R WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT,
discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this
medicine during pregnancy. THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED IN BREAST
MILK. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking this medicine.
Possible side effects
SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking this medicine include
nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, upset stomach, loss
of appetite, dizziness, drowsiness, trouble sleeping, or dry
mouth. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your
doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you
experience increased sweating, unusual fatigue, changes in
sexual ability/interest. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if
you experience stomach pain, vision changes, unusually fast or
slow heartbeat, uncontrolled movements (tremors), chest pain,
unusual or severe mental/mood changes, muscle cramps,
restlessness, seizures, painful or prolonged erection, or
change in amount of urine. An allergic reaction to this
medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if
it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash,
itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you
notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor,
nurse, or pharmacist.
If you take too much
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control
center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may
include irregular heartbeat, fainting, severe dizziness or
lightheadedness, or seizures.
Additional information
DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not
prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health
conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children.
IF USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain
refills before your supply runs out.
