Back to Serotinine Reuptake Inhibitors
Name: Escitalopram oxalate
Pregnancy Category C
Drug classes of Escitalopram
Mechanism of action of Escitalopram
Acts by inhibiting CNS neuronal uptake of serotonin leading to increased levels of serotonin in the brain. It has little effect on norepinephrine and dopamine.
Indications of Escitalopram
Treatment of depression; most effective in patients with major depressive disorder
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Contraindications of Escitalopram
Concomitant use in patients taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) is contraindicated.
Escitalopram is contraindicated in patients with a hypersensitivity to escitalopram or citalopram or any of the inactive ingredients in escitalopram.
Caution in the presence of impaired hepatic or renal function, diabetes mellitus, lactation.
Adverse effectsof Escitalopram
- CNS: Headache, nervousness, insomnia, anxiety, tremor, dizziness, lightheadedness, agitation, sedation, convulsions
- GI: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dry mouth, anorexia, dyspepsia, constipation, taste changes, flatulence, gastroenteritis, gingivitis
- CV: Hot flushes, palpitations
- Respiratory: Upper respiratory infections, pharyngitis, cough, dyspnea, bronchitis, rhinitis
- GU: Painful menstruation, sexual dysfunction, frequency, cystitis, impotence, urgency
- Dermatologic: Sweating, rash, pruritus, acne, alopecia, contact dermatitis
- Other: Weight gain, asthenia, fever
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