Escitalopram för humör- och ångeststörningar

About escitalopram

What is escitalopram used for?

Escitalopram is a type of antidepressant called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI). It is used for the treatment of depression and some anxiety disorders, such as panic attacks och obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). Escitalopram works by regulating the level of serotonin in your brain.

Both depression och anxiety disorders can develop for no apparent reason, but they can also be triggered by a life event such as a relationship problem, a work-related problem, bereavement, or illness. Whatever the cause of the problem, when the symptoms are severe enough, they can interfere with normal day-to-day activities. When this happens, taking a medicine such as escitalopram can help to ease the symptoms and restore normal daily routines.

Escitalopram side effects

The most common side effects of escitalopram are:

• Huvudvärk.

• Illamående.

• Kräkningar.

• Tummy ache.

• Diarré.

• Indigestion.

• Feeling dizzy or sleepy.

• Förstoppning.

• Torr mun.

The best place to find a full list of the side effects which can be associated with your medicine, is from the manufacturer's printed information leaflet supplied with the medicine. Alternatively, you can find an example of a manufacturer's information leaflet in the reference section below. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following continue or become troublesome.

How to manage escitalopram side effects

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to escitalopram, please speak with your doctor or pharmacist for further advice.

Who should not take escitalopram?

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine can only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start taking escitalopram it is important that your doctor knows:

• Om du är gravid, försöker bli gravid eller ammar.

• If you have any problems with the way your liver works, or any problems with the way your kidneys work.

• If you have a heart condition or heart rhythm disorder.

• If you have epilepsy.

• If you have diabetes(diabetes mellitus).

• If you have increased eye pressure (called glaucoma).

• If you have ever had a bleeding disorder, or a stomach or duodenal ulcer.

• If you have ever had abnormally 'high' moods, called mania.

• If you are being treated with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).

• Om du någonsin har haft en allergisk reaktion mot en medicin.

• Om du tar några andra läkemedel. Detta inkluderar alla läkemedel du tar som finns att köpa utan recept, samt växtbaserade och komplementära läkemedel.

How to take escitalopram

• Before you start the treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack. It will give you more information about escitalopram and will provide you with a full list of the side effects which you may experience from taking it.

• Take escitalopram exactly as your doctor tells you to. It is prescribed as a once-daily dose. You can generally take it at a time to suit you, but try to take your doses at the same time of day, each day. You can take escitalopram either with or without food.

• There are several doses of tablet available; 5 mg, 10 mg and 20 mg. Your doctor will tell you which dose is right for you. This information will also be on the label of the pack you have been supplied with.

• If you have been given escitalopram oral drops, your doctor will tell you how many drops to take each day:

  • Turn the bottle completely upside down. If no drops come out, tap the bottle lightly to start the flow.

  • Count the correct number of drops into a drink of water, orange juice or apple juice. Stir the liquid briefly, and then drink it straightaway.

• If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If you do not remember until the following day, leave out the forgotten dose from the previous day and take the dose that is due as normal. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up for a missed dose.

Få ut det mesta av din behandling

• Försök att hålla dina regelbundna möten med din läkare. Detta är så att din läkare kan följa upp din utveckling.

• You may feel that escitalopram is not helping you straightaway. This is because it can take a week or two before the effect begins to build up, and a few weeks more before you feel the full benefit. It is important that you continue to take escitalopram, even if it takes a little while for your condition to improve.

• If you develop any depressing or suicidal thoughts or ideas, you should let your doctor know about it as soon as possible. These thoughts can be associated with your condition and also with your treatment (particularly when the treatment is first started). It is very important that you tell your doctor about any distressing thoughts or ideas.

• There are several types of antidepressants and they differ in their possible side effects. If you find that escitalopram does not suit you then let your doctor know, as another may be found that will.

• If you drink alcohol, ask your doctor for advice about drinking while you are on escitalopram. Drinking alcohol could increase the risk of unwanted effects such as feeling sleepy.

• If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are suitable to take with escitalopram. This is because several medicines which are available from general retail outlets can increase the risk of unwanted effects. In particular, do not take the herbal remedy called St John's wort, and please ask for advice before buying any anti-inflammatory painkillers such as ibuprofen or aspirin.

• Keep taking escitalopram until your doctor tells you otherwise. Your treatment is likely to last for several months - this is normal and helps to prevent your symptoms from recurring. Stopping suddenly can cause symptoms such as headache, sickness, anxiety, dizziness, shakiness and sleeping problems, so when it is time for your treatment to finish, your doctor will reduce your dose gradually over a week or two.

How to store escitalopram

• Förvara alla läkemedel utom räckhåll och synhåll för barn.

• Förvara på en sval, torr plats, borta från direkt värme och ljus.

• You can use escitalopram drops for eight weeks after first opening the bottle. After this time, make sure you have a fresh supply to use.

Viktig information om alla läkemedel

Vanliga frågor

How long does escitalopram take to work?

Escitalopram usually takes 4-6 weeks to work, however, some people may start to feel a bit better after 1-2 weeks.

Does escitalopram raise blood pressure?

Escitalopram doesn't usually raise blood pressure and is generally considered safe. However, some people may notice a slight increase or decrease, especially when starting treatment or if taking other medicines.

Can you have alcohol with escitalopram?

You should avoid or limit alcohol with escitalopram, as it can worsen side effects and affect your mood. Check with your doctor for personalised advice.

What's the difference between citalopram and escitalopram?

Citalopram and escitalopram are both SSRIs used to treat depression. The main difference is that escitalopram is a newer, more refined version that often works at lower doses and may cause fewer side effects.