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Escitalopram

  • It may take two to four weeks before you start to feel better.
  • You must keep your regular appointments with your doctor to monitor your progress.
  • Escitalopram can cause drowsiness. Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert.
  • Do not stop taking escitalopram without speaking to your doctor first. Your doctor will want to reduce your dose gradually, as stopping suddenly can cause problems.

About escitalopram

Type of medicine Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)
Used for Depression
Panic attacks
Also called Cipralex
Available as Tablets
Oral drops

Serotonin is a chemical in the brain which, when released, acts to improve mood. When reabsorbed back into nerve cells in the brain it loses this effect on mood. Depression is thought to involve a decrease in the amount of serotonin released. Escitalopram works in the brain to reduce the amount of serotonin reabsorbed back into the nerve cells in order to lift mood and help relieve depression.

Before taking escitalopram

Before taking escitalopram make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you suffer from heart, liver or kidney problems.
  • If you suffer from epilepsy, diabetes or glaucoma.
  • If you suffer from psychiatric illness (mental health problems).
  • If you suffer from a blood clotting disorder.
  • If you are receiving electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).
  • If you have recently been taking a type of antidepressant called Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs).
  • If you are under 18 years of age.
  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.

How to take escitalopram

  • Try to take escitalopram at the same time each day to avoid missing any doses.
  • Do not stop taking escitalopram without speaking to your doctor first. Your doctor will want to reduce your dose gradually, as stopping suddenly can cause problems.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • It may take two to four weeks before you start to feel better.
  • You must keep your regular appointments with your doctor to monitor your progress.
  • Escitalopram can cause drowsiness. Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert.
  • Before having any kind of surgery, including dental and emergency treatment, it is important that you tell your doctor, dentist or surgeon you are taking escitalopram.

Can escitalopram cause problems

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine What can I do if I experience this
Drowsiness, dizziness and problems with eyesight Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert. Avoid alcohol; it will increase any feelings of drowsiness.
Light headedness or faintness especially when getting up from a lying or sitting position Getting up slowly should help, but if the problem continues speak to your doctor.
Sweating Take care not to become overheated during exercise or hot weather. Drink plenty of water to replace lost fluids.
Nausea Eat little and often. Stick to simple foods such as dry toast.
Diarrhoea Drink plenty of water to replace lost fluids. If diarrhoea continues to be a problem speak to your pharmacist or doctor.
Constipation Try to eat a well balanced diet containing plenty of fibre and drink 6 - 8 glasses of water each day. If constipation continues to be a problem speak to your pharmacist or doctor.
Dry mouth Try chewing sugar-free gum, sucking pieces of ice or sugar-free sweets. If this becomes troublesome speak to your pharmacist or doctor.

Important: If you experience severe drowsiness, confusion, convulsions (fits) or any unusual bleeding, bruising or blackened stools, contact your doctor or go to the emergency department of your local hospital at once.
Other side-effects include vomiting, indigestion, tummy ache, loss of appetite and weight loss or increase in appetite and weight gain, increase in saliva production, nervousness, anxiety (worry), headache, insomnia (difficulty sleeping), shakiness, weakness, hallucinations (seeing things that are not real), discharge from the nipples, sexual problems, uncontrollable movements of the body, a fast or fluttering heartbeat, coughing, yawning, raised temperature, confusion, difficulty concentrating, difficulty remembering things, skin rashes, muscle pain, pins and needles, problems with eyesight, problems with taste, a sore or runny nose, ringing in the ears, sinus pain or problems urinating (passing water). If you experience these or any other worrying symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store escitalopram

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
  • Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
  • If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
  • Before taking this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking any medicine.
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.
© EMIS 2006 DocID:
1414		 DocRef:
dils3834		 Last Updated:
25 Oct 2006		 Date of Next Review:
24 Oct 2008		 Version:
22
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PS - Health and Poverty

Perhaps the biggest cause of ill health in the world is poverty. Help to Make Poverty History. For example, why not lend some of your money to disadvantaged communities to enable them to trade their way out of poverty through schemes such as Shared Interest.

See also MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY North East for details and links to campaigns against poverty.

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