Key facts about Escitalopram
What dosages is Escitalopram available in?
Escitalopram is available as a 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg oral tablet.
What is Escitalopram used for?
Escitalopram is an SSRI that is used to treat depression and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).
How does Escitalopram work?
Escitalopram is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It works by raising the levels of serotonin, an important chemical in your brain that’s involved with regulating your mood and anxiety.
How do I take Escitalopram?
Escitalopram is typically started at 10 mg by mouth once daily. If needed, your provider might raise your dose to 20 mg daily after a week. For children, their dose may be increased after 3 weeks.
Is it safe for me to take Escitalopram?
Escitalopram is a safe and effective treatment when used for FDA licensed indications. However, like all medications, they may give you unwanted side effects. You should always discuss potential side effects with your physician to ensure the medication is suitable and right for you. You should not use this medication if you have a known hypersensitivity to Escitalopram or citalopram or any of the inactive ingredients, are currently taking pimozide, or have taken an MAOI within the past 14 days.
Escitalopram Common Side Effects
Common side effects of Escitalopram:
- Headache
- Nausea
- Ejaculation problems
- Sleepiness
- Trouble sleeping
- Dry mouth
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
Escitalopram Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects are rare with Escitalopram. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Suicidal thoughts or behaviors
- Serotonin syndrome: fast heart rate, dizziness, sweating, flushing, tremor (shakiness), muscle stiffness, muscle twitching or spasms, uncoordinated movement, distress, seizures, hallucinations, coma
- Abnormal heart rhythm (QT prolongation): chest pounding, short of breath, chest pain, feeling faint or lightheaded
- Severe bleeding: bruising that doesn’t improve, black-colored stools, pink or red-colored urine, coughing up or vomiting blood, or unusual bleeding from the nose or gums
- Low blood sodium levels: nausea, fatigue, headache, confusion, disoriented, hallucinations (seeing things that aren’t real), seizures, unconsciousness
- Seizures
Effects of other drugs, drug classes and over-the-counter products on Escitalopram
The following medications may interact with Escitalopram:
- Concomitant use with SSRIs, SNRIs or Tryptophan is not recommended
- Use caution when concomitant use with drugs that affect hemostasis (NSAIDs, Aspirin, Warfarin)
Who makes Escitalopram?
Various FDA-approved generic manufacturers
Is Escitalopram safe in pregnancy?
Escitalopram should only be used during pregnancy if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.













