Prescription Only Medication (POM)
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Escitalopram Tablets are used to treat depression and generalized anxiety disorder. They work by selectively increasing the levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that plays a key role in regulating mood.
Escitalopram is a antidepressant belonging to a group of medicines known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It is commonly used to treat depression by helping to balance serotonin levels in the brain. By improving serotonin activity, it can help reduce symptoms such as low mood, persistent worry, irritability, and sleep disturbances.
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It may take a couple of weeks before you start to feel better. Continue to take Escitalopram even if it takes some time before you feel any improvement in your condition. You must not change the dose of your medicine without talking to your doctor first.
The main difference between escitalopram and citalopram is their chemical structure. Escitalopram is the active S-enantiomer of citalopram, meaning it is a more refined version that targets serotonin more directly. Because of this, escitalopram may be more potent at lower doses and is sometimes better tolerated, with fewer side effects for some patients compared to citalopram.
When comparing sertraline vs escitalopram, both are SSRIs and are widely used to treat depression and anxiety disorders. Neither is universally “better” than the other. Escitalopram may be better tolerated for some people, while sertraline may be preferred in other cases depending on symptoms and side effect profiles. The most effective option varies from person to person, and treatment choice is usually based on individual response and clinical judgement.
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 and 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.
Do not stop taking Escitalopram film-coated tablets until your doctor tells you to do so. When you have completed your course of treatment, it is generally advised that the dose of Escitalopram filmcoated tablets is gradually reduced over a number of weeks.
You should not consume alcohol while taking Escitalopram. It can worsen depression and anxiety symptoms and may intensify certain side effects of the medication.
Escitalopram may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred vision, particularly when you first start treatment or when your dose is adjusted. These side effects could impair your ability to drive or operate machinery safely.
The best time to take escitalopram depends on how it affects you personally. It is usually taken once daily, either in the morning or evening. If escitalopram makes you feel awake or restless, taking it in the morning may be better. If it causes drowsiness, taking it in the evening may help. Consistency is key, so it should be taken at the same time each day.
You should ask your pharmacist how to throw away medicines you no longer use. Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. These measures will help protect the environment.
If you require additional information about Escitalopram, there are plenty of reputable sources available online, such as the BNF.
Like all medicines, this medication can cause side effects although not everybody gets them. The most common side effects include nausea, headache, blocked or runny nose, decreased or increase appetite, diarrhoea, constipation, vomiting, and increased sweating.
A full list of side effects can be found in the medication patient information leaflet provided.
It works by increasing the availability of serotonin, a chemical messenger in the brain that influences mood and emotions. As an SSRI, Escitalopram blocks the reabsorption of serotonin into nerve cells, allowing more to remain active in the brain. This action helps improve communication between nerve cells and can reduce symptoms of depression over time.
When you buy Escitalopram online from e-Surgery, it will be delivered in discreet, recyclable, and secure packaging at a delivery address of your choice to maintain your privacy.
e-Surgery uses Royal Mail delivery, with choices of Royal Mail 48 Tracked, Royal Mail 24 Tracked, and Royal Mail Special Delivery by 1pm (read more about e-Surgery shipping and delivery).
The active substance is escitalopram. The other ingredients are Cellulose, microcrystalline (E460), Croscarmellose sodium (E468), Magnesium Stearate (E572), Colloidal Anhydrous Silica, Talc, Hypromellose (E464), Titanium dioxide (E171), Macrogol 400.
You must not take Escitalopram if any of the following apply to you:
A full list of warnings and precautions can be found in the patient information leaflet.
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