Escitalopram

Escitalopram is often prescribed for the treatment of depression and generalized anxiety disorder, among other conditions of the brain. Part of a class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, the medicine works by acting on a specific chemical within the brain known as serotonin. Escitalopram comes in tablet and liquid form, and is taken by mouth, usually once a day.

 

What Is Escitalopram?

Escitalopram oxalate (Lexapro®) is a prescription antidepressant medication used to treat a few conditions of the brain.
 

Who Makes It?

Escitalopram is manufactured by Forest Pharmaceuticals.
 

What Is Escitalopram Used for?

This medication is licensed to treat the following conditions:
 
 
(Click Escitalopram Uses for more information, including possible off-label uses.)
 

How Does It Work?

Escitalopram is part of a class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or
 SSRIs for short. SSRIs act on a specific chemical within the brain known as serotonin. Serotonin is one of several chemicals used to send messages from one nerve cell to another.
 
As a message travels down a nerve, it causes the end of the cell to release serotonin. The serotonin enters the gap between the first nerve cell and the one next to it. When enough serotonin reaches the second nerve cell, it activates receptors on the cell and the message continues on its way. The first cell then quickly absorbs any serotonin that remains in the gap between cells. This is called "reuptake."
 
Normally, this process works without any problems. But when the levels of serotonin become unbalanced, it can cause a variety of conditions, including depression. Escitalopram helps to block the reuptake of serotonin so that more remains in the space between the brain's nerve cells. This gives the serotonin a better chance of activating the receptors on the next nerve cell.
 

Effects of Escitalopram

Several clinical studies have shown escitalopram to be effective at treating depression and generalized anxiety disorder. Also, a long-term study has shown that the medication can help to prevent a depression relapse.
 

When and How to Take It

Some suggestion on how and when to take escitalopram include the following:
 
  • The medication comes in both tablet and liquid form. It is taken by mouth, usually once a day.
     
  • If escitalopram makes you drowsy, try taking it before bedtime. If it causes insomnia, try taking it in the morning.
     
  • You can take escitalopram with or without food. If the medication bothers your stomach, try taking it with food.
   
  • Escitalopram should be taken at the same time each day to maintain an even level in your blood.
  
  • For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. Escitalopram will not work if you stop taking it.
   

Dosing Information

The dosage of escitalopram your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • Your age
  • The medical condition being treated
  • Other medical conditions you may have
  • Other medications you may be taking.
 
As always, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 
(Click Escitalopram Dose for more information.)
 

Escitalopram Side Effects

As with any medicine, side effects are possible with escitalopram. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
 
The most common side effects include:
 
(Click Side Effects of Escitalopram to learn more, including serious side effects you should report to your healthcare provider.)
 
You can also read about possible side effects in the following eMedTV articles:
 
 

Drug Interactions

Escitalopram can potentially interact with a number of other medicines (see Drug Interactions With Escitalopram for more information).
 

What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?

You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking escitalopram if you have:
 
 
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you:
 
 
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 
(Click Precautions and Warnings for Escitalopram for more information, including information on who should not take the drug.)
 

Alternatives to Escitalopram

Depression, even in its most severe form, is highly treatable. As with many illnesses, getting depression treatment early is more effective and reduces the chance of recurrence.
 
The most common forms of treatment for depression are medication (antidepressants) and psychotherapy ("talk therapy"). In cases of severe depression, some healthcare providers may recommend electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Some people may also try complementary or alternative treatments for depression (see Natural Remedies for Depression).
 
For most people, escitalopram is quite effective at treating depression. It is also generally well tolerated. However, side effects may occur or the medicine may not work as well as needed. In these cases, your healthcare provider may recommend an alternative. Some examples of substitute depression medications include:
 
  • Other selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
  • Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
  • Norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NDRIs)
  • Tricyclic antidepressants
  • Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).
 
(Click Lexapro Alternatives to learn more about alternatives to escitalopram. Click Dealing With Depression to learn other ways of managing depression.)
 

What If I Take an Overdose?

People who take too much escitalopram may have overdose symptoms that could include:
 
  • Dizziness
  • Low blood pressure (hypotension)
  • Drowsiness
  • Insomnia
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Rapid heart rate (tachycardia)
  • Irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia)
  • Kidney failure (renal failure)
  • Seizures
  • Coma
  • Loss of life.
 
If you happen to take too much, seek immediate medical attention.
 
(Click Lexapro Overdose for more information.)
 

How Should Escitalopram Be Stored?

Escitalopram should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture or heat. Both tablet and liquid forms should be kept in airtight containers.
 
Keep this and all other medications out of the reach of children.
 

What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?

If you do not take your escitalopram as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.
 

Available Strengths

Escitalopram tablets are available in three strengths:
 
  • Escitalopram 5 mg
  • Escitalopram 10 mg
  • Escitalopram 20 mg.
 
The liquid form is available in one strength: Lexapro® Oral Solution 5 mg per 5 mL (equal to 5 mg per teaspoonful).
 

Generic Escitalopram

There is currently no generic escitalopram available (see Generic Lexapro for more information).
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;