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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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