Escitalopram

1 medicine

Escitalopram is an SSRI antidepressant used for depression and anxiety disorders. At higher doses it can prolong the heart's QT interval, raising the risk of a dangerous irregular heartbeat.

Lexapro

Escitalopram

5/10/20mg

Lexapro is a antidepressants medication containing Escitalopram, available as 5/10/20mg tablets.

from $0.51 / tablet View

Key facts

  • Escitalopram (sold as Lexapro and as generics) is an SSRI used for major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder, and sometimes for panic disorder and social anxiety.
  • You take it once daily, with or without food; it can take 2 to 4 weeks to reach its full effect.
  • Doses above 20 mg a day can prolong the QT interval, an electrical measure of your heartbeat, raising the risk of a dangerous irregular rhythm. Lower dose limits apply in older adults and people with liver problems.
  • In people under 25, escitalopram can increase suicidal thoughts and behaviour, especially in the first weeks of treatment. Seek urgent care for fainting, palpitations or signs of serotonin syndrome (fever, agitation, muscle rigidity).

What escitalopram treats

Escitalopram treats major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder, the persistent low mood and excessive, hard-to-control worry that interfere with daily life. It is also used for panic disorder and social anxiety disorder.

How escitalopram works

Nerve cells release serotonin, a chemical messenger involved in mood, and then reabsorb it. Escitalopram blocks that reabsorption (reuptake), so more serotonin stays available between nerve cells. The effect builds gradually over several weeks.

Before you take it

  • Never take escitalopram within 14 days of a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI); the combination can cause serotonin syndrome, which can be fatal.
  • Tell your prescriber if you have a heart rhythm problem, a family history of long QT syndrome, low potassium or magnesium, or take other medicines that affect heart rhythm; combined with escitalopram these raise the risk of a dangerous arrhythmia.
  • Tell your prescriber about bipolar disorder, seizures, liver disease, or regular use of blood thinners or NSAIDs, which raise bleeding risk.
  • Do not stop escitalopram suddenly. Taper the dose down gradually under medical guidance to avoid dizziness, irritability and flu-like withdrawal symptoms.

Side effects

Common effects, often easing after the first few weeks: nausea, dry mouth, drowsiness or insomnia, sweating and reduced sex drive.

Stop and seek urgent medical care for any of these:

  • New or worsening suicidal thoughts, especially if you are under 25.
  • Fainting, a fast or irregular heartbeat, or palpitations.
  • Agitation, high fever, muscle twitching or confusion (serotonin syndrome).
  • Severe rash, swelling or difficulty breathing.

Safety essentials

  • At doses above 20 mg a day, escitalopram can prolong the QT interval and trigger a dangerous irregular heartbeat. Do not exceed your prescribed dose, and tell your prescriber about any heart condition or interacting medicine before starting.
  • This class carries a warning for increased suicidal thinking in people under 25, particularly in the first weeks of treatment.
  • Never combine escitalopram with an MAOI, and taper off slowly rather than stopping abruptly.

This page is educational and does not replace advice from a doctor or pharmacist who knows your health history.