ESCITALOPRAM (Escitalopram oxalate)

Why is this medicine prescribed to you?
Escitalopram is prescribed to treat depression and anxiety
disorder.
How do you use it?
Use escitalopram exactly as instructed by your doctor for it
to be effective.
• Take escitalopram with or without food; with food if it
causes stomach upset.
• Swallow the tablet whole; do not break, crush or chew.
• If you forget to use this medicine on schedule, use it
immediately as you remember. However, if it is already
time for the next dose, just proceed with your next
regular dose schedule.
• Unless advised by your doctor, do not double or adjust
dosage, or stop use even if you feel well. Sudden stopping
may cause withdrawal reactions.
What do you need to know before you use it?
• Inform your doctor or pharmacist:
- if you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breastfeeding;
- if you have any of the following conditions: allergy,
liver problem, kidney problem, heart problem, recent
heart attack, seizures, blood or bleeding problem,
glaucoma, diabetes, metabolism disorder, low blood
sodium level, personal or family history of bipolar
disorder, suicidal thoughts or drug abuse;
- if you are using any other prescription medicines,
especially MAO inhibitors, or over-the-counter (OTC)
medicines and dietary or herbal supplements.
• You may have thoughts of suicide while taking this
medicine. See your doctor immediately if you experience
changes in mood or behavior or worsening depression
with suicidal thoughts.
• Avoid alcohol while taking this medicine.
• Keep a regular check-up schedule. Your doctor may
prescribe tests to check and monitor your progress while
under treatment with this medicine.
• If you need to undergo surgery or dental procedure,
inform your doctor or dentist that you are using this
medicine before going through it.
• Side effects may possibly occur as with most medicines.
You may not experience any side effect; however, if you
experience any of these side effects with escilatopram,
inform your doctor immediately, especially if they
become severe or persistent: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea,
constipation, stomach upset, gas, loss of appetite, dry
mouth, yawning, weight changes, headache, dizziness,
drowsiness, fainting, weakness, unsteadiness, difficulty
concentrating, memory problems, loss of coordination,
confusion, impulsiveness, anxiety, panic attacks,
agitation, irritability, hostility, aggressiveness,
restlessness, hyperactivity, feeling more depressed,
hallucinations, thoughts of suicide or hurting yourself,
sleeping problem, ringing in the ears, blurred vision, joint
or muscle pain, very stiff muscles, fast or irregular
heartbeat, sexual problems, shallow breathing or
breathing that stops, seizures, shaking, overactive
reflexes, high fever, sweating; black, bloody or tarry
stools; vomit that looks like coffee grounds and allergic
reactions such as hives, difficulty breathing and swelling
of the face, lips, tongue or throat.
• If you experience dizziness, drowsiness or vision
problems, do not drive, operate machinery or perform
any activity which will need you to be alert and to see
clearly.
• If your mouth gets dry while on escitalopram, drink
water, chew sugar-free gum or suck on a hard candy.
• The side effects mentioned here are not complete and
others may occur. If you observe other side effects or
reactions, call your doctor for advice.
• Do not share your medicine with others even if you have
the same disease symptoms.
How do you handle it before and after use?
Store in a cool, dry place, protected from light and
moisture. Keep the medicine out of children’s reach.
Discard it properly when it is expired or no longer needed.

This pharmacy information service of Mercury Drug Corporation contains only basic drug
information and must not be relied upon as substitute for professional medical care. It is intended
to be used as supplementary information to consultation with your doctor. Mercury Drug
www.mercurydrug.com Corporation shall not be responsible or liable for any claims or damages arising from the use or
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