Escitalopram belongs to group of antidepressant medications called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Which works on the serotonin-system in the brain thereby increases the serotonin level. Serotonin is neurochemical involved in sleep, depression and memory.

Escitalopram is used for the treatment of major depressive episodes and anxiety disorders such as panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, generalised anxiety disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
 

Do not take escitalopram if you:

1. Are allergic to escitalopram
2. Take medicines of the group called Monoamine oxidase inhibitors and selegiline, moclobemide and linezolid

Things to Tell Your Doctor. If you:

1. Have epilepsy
2. Suffer from impaired liver or kidney function, or have decreased levels of salt in the blood
3. Have diabetes
4. Have a tendency to easily develop bleedings or bruises
5. Are receiving electroshock treatment
6. Suffer from heart disease

What to do if you missed a dose ?

Do not take a double dose to make up for forgotten doses. If you do forget to take a dose, and you remember before you go to bed, take it straight away. Carry on as usual the next day. If you only remember during the night, or the next day, leave out the missed dose and carry on as usual.

Most common side effects ?

• Fatigue, fever
• Increased weight
• Increased sweating
• Changes in appetite
• Blocked or runny nose (sinusitis)
• Dizziness, yawning, tremors, prickling of the skin
• Diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, dry mouth
• Pain in muscle and joints (arthralgia and myalgia)
• Sexual dysfunction (both in males & females) 
• Anxiety, restlessness, abnormal dreams, difficulties falling asleep, feeling sleepy.

Thoughts of suicide and worsening of your depression

If you are depressed (and/or anxiety disorders) you can sometimes also have thoughts of harming yourself or committing suicide. These thoughts may be increased when first starting to take this medication. Also antidepressants take about two weeks to start to work (before you can feel any effects) 

You are more likely to have this if you 

• Have previously had thoughts about harming yourself or committing suicide.

• Are a young adult of less than 25 years.

Please Note: If you have thoughts of harming yourself (or committing suicide) at any time, contact your doctor or go to a hospital at the soonest. You may find it helpful to tell a family or close friend that you are depressed or have an anxiety disorder, and ask them for their support. You might ask them to tell you if they think your depression or anxiety is getting worse, or if they are worried about changes in your behavior.