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Introduction About ITCALMS 5 TABLET

ITCALMS 5 TABLET is used to management of depression (major depressive episodes) and anxiety disorders (such as panic disorder with or without agoraphobia, social anxiety disorder, generalised anxiety disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder). It can also be used for post-traumatic stress disorder.

It contains a medicine called Escitalopram which is an antidepressant medication that works by altering the levels of certain brain chemicals to elevate your mood and produce calmness.

ITCALMS 5 TABLET can be taken with or without food. The exact dose and frequency of this medication will be determined by your doctor, based on the severity of your symptoms. Initially, a lower dose may be prescribed, which may be gradually increased. Never adjust the dose or stop taking the medication without consulting your doctor, even if you feel better. Stopping abruptly may worsen your condition or cause withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, restlessness, palpitations, dizziness, and sleep disturbances.

If you have difficulty sleeping, your doctor may recommend taking it in the morning. It may take several weeks before you notice improvements, so be patient, and if you don't feel better after four weeks, consult your doctor.

Before taking ITCALMS 5 TABLET inform your doctor if you have a history of epilepsy (seizures), diabetes, liver or kidney disease, heart problems, or if you're currently using MAO inhibitors for depression. These conditions may affect your treatment plan. Always share information about other medications you are taking to ensure your safety.

Common side effects include nausea, fatigue, increased sweating, insomnia (difficulty sleeping), reduced sexual drive, delayed ejaculation, and, for some women, difficulty achieving orgasm. Some people may feel sleepy after taking the medicine. If you experience any sudden changes in mood or have thoughts of harming yourself, contact your doctor immediately.

Uses Of ITCALMS 5 TABLET

depression (major depressive episodes)
anxiety (social anxiety disorder or generalized anxiety disorder)
obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
Panic disorder and phobias (unwanted fears)
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Benefits of ITCALMS 5 TABLET in depression:

ITCALMS 5 TABLET helps alleviate the symptoms of depression by balancing serotonin levels in the brain, which improves mood, energy, and overall emotional well-being. It can reduce feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and lack of interest in daily activities.

Benefits of ITCALMS 5 TABLET in anxiety:

ITCALMS 5 TABLET reduces excessive worry and tension. It helps calm the mind and promotes a sense of relaxation by enhancing serotonin levels, which are often low in individuals with anxiety.

Benefits of ITCALMS 5 TABLET in OCD:

ITCALMS 5 TABLET can reduce the frequency of intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and the need to perform repetitive behaviors (compulsions). By increasing serotonin in the brain, it helps manage the symptoms of OCD and improves overall functioning.

Benefits of ITCALMS 5 TABLET in panic attacks & phobias:

For panic disorder & phobias, ITCALMS 5 TABLET works by regulating serotonin levels, which in turn helps decrease the sudden overwhelming feelings of fear, shortness of breath, and chest discomfort associated with panic attacks.

Benefits of ITCALMS 5 TABLET in post-traumatic stress disorder:

ITCALMS 5 TABLET is often used to manage the symptoms of PTSD, such as flashbacks, nightmares, and severe anxiety. By stabilizing serotonin levels, it can help improve mood, reduce hyperarousal, and promote emotional healing after trauma.

How ITCALMS 5 TABLET Works

ITCALMS 5 TABLET contains Escitalopram which works by increasing the levels of a chemical called serotonin in the brain, which helps improve mood. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that affects emotions, and people with depression or anxiety may have low levels of it. Escitalopram blocks the reuptake (reabsorption) of serotonin into nerve cells, which makes more serotonin available to improve communication between brain cells. This helps reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety over time.

How to use ITCALMS 5 TABLET

Take one ITCALMS 5 TABLET daily, as prescribed by your doctor. The exact dosage may vary depending on your specific condition and response to treatment.

You can take ITCALMS 5 TABLET either with or without food. Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water. Avoid crushing or chewing the tablet for optimal effect.

For best results, take ITCALMS 5 TABLET at the same time every day. Setting a reminder helps maintain a regular schedule and improves effectiveness.

Do not stop taking ITCALMS 5 TABLET without consulting your doctor, even if you feel better. Stopping suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms. Always seek medical advice before making any changes to your medication regimen.

Regularly monitor your symptoms and inform your doctor of any changes in your condition. If you do not experience improvement after a few weeks, consult your doctor for further guidance.

Missed Dosage of ITCALMS 5 TABLET:

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it's almost time for your next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Never take two doses at once.

Overdosage of ITCALMS 5 TABLET:

If you or anyone else accidentally takes too much of ITCALMS 5 TABLET, consult your doctor immediately or visit the nearby hospital. Overdosage symptoms of ITCALMS 5 TABLET are nausea, vomiting, convulsion, coma, tremor, agitation, dizziness, low blood pressure, change in body fluid or salt balance and abnormal heart rhythm.

Side Effects Of ITCALMS 5 TABLET

Like all medicines, ITCALMS 5 TABLET may cause some side effects, although not everybody gets them

Some of the common side effects of ITCALMS 5 TABLET are:

nausea, headache
runny or blocked nose (sinusitis)
decrease or increase in appetite
diarrhoea, constipation, vomiting and dry mouth
increased sweating
muscle and joint pain (myalgia and arthralgia)
decreased orgasm, delay in ejaculation
tiredness, fever
weight gain
restlessness, strange dreams, difficulty falling asleep
sleepiness, dizziness

taste disturbances
hair loss
irregular periods, heavy menstrual bleeding

Stop taking ITCALMS 5 TABLET and contact your physician immediately if you experience any of the following side effects:

serious allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) such as swelling of skin, tongue, lips, pharynx or face, hives or have difficulty breathing or swallowing
unusual bleeding such as gastrointestinal bleeding
serotonin syndrome is a rare condition that can include high fever, agitation, confusion, shivering and sudden muscle contractions
symptoms like restlessness or a difficulty to sit or stand still
if you have any suicidal or self-harming ideas

How To Manage Side Effects

Tiredness

To manage tiredness, try to maintain a regular sleep schedule by going to bed and waking up at the same time each day to improve your energy levels. Ensure that you're getting enough rest, but avoid oversleeping, as it can worsen fatigue. Engage in light physical activity like walking or stretching, which can boost energy and combat tiredness. Eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help maintain your energy throughout the day. If the fatigue persists, avoid caffeine late in the day to ensure better sleep quality and consult your doctor to discuss adjusting your medication if necessary.

Warning & Precautions

Pregnancy

Monitoring required

ITCALMS 5 TABLET is not recommended for use in pregnant women, unless it is considered clearly necessary. While human studies are limited, animal research has shown potential harm to the developing baby. Your doctor will carefully assess the benefits and risks before prescribing it.

Breastfeeding

Monitoring required

Studies have shown that escitalopram may pass through breast milk. Therefore, ITCALMS 5 TABLET should be used in breastfeeding women only if it is considered clearly necessary. Consult your doctor before taking ITCALMS 5 TABLET.

Driving and Using Machines

Use with Caution

Do not drive or operate any machines as it is not known how it affects you while taking ITCALMS 5 TABLET.

Alcohol

Consult your doctor

Avoid consumption of alcohol while taking ITCALMS 5 TABLET.

Kidney

Use with Caution

ITCALMS 5 TABLET should be used with caution in patients with impaired kidney function. Proper dose adjustments and careful monitoring are required in such patients. Consult your doctor before taking ITCALMS 5 TABLET.

Liver

Use with Caution

ITCALMS 5 TABLET should be used with caution in patients with impaired liver function. Dosage adjustments may be required in these patients. Therefore, consult your doctor before taking ITCALMS 5 TABLET.

Allergy

Contraindicated

Do not take ITCALMS 5 TABLET if you are allergic (hypersensitive) to Escitalopram or any other ingredients of this medicine.

Heart Disease

Consult your doctor

ITCALMS 5 TABLET is not recommended for use in patients born with or have heart problems (such as irregular heart rhythm) and it should be used with caution in patients with coronary heart disease, heart problems or have recently had a heart attack, fast or low resting heart rate. Consult your doctor before taking ITCALMS 5 TABLET.

Use In Pediatrics

Consult your doctor

There are no proper human studies available regarding the use of escitalopram in children. Potential side effects have been reported on the available studies. Therefore, your doctor will decide whether ITCALMS 5 TABLET should be taken or not after evaluating the risks and benefits of the therapy.

Use In Geriatrics

Use with Caution

ITCALMS 5 TABLET should be used with caution in elderly patients (aged 65 years and above). Your doctor may initiate the management with the lowest effective dose and then gradually increase the dose. Consult your doctor before taking ITCALMS 5 TABLET.

Others

Before taking ITCALMS 5 TABLET, inform your doctor if you:

have epilepsy
have diabetes
have decreased sodium level in the blood or if you have salt depletion due to prolonged severe diarrhoea, vomiting or usage of diuretics
have tendency to develop bruises or bleeding easily (history of bleeding disorders)
are undergoing electroconvulsive therapy
had or have eye problems such as glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye)
previously had thoughts about killing or harming yourself

Safety Advice

Take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not change the dose or stop taking it abruptly without consulting your doctor, as this could lead to withdrawal symptoms or worsening of your condition.
It may take several weeks for escitalopram to show its full effects. Continue taking the medication as directed, even if you do not feel immediate improvement.
Common side effects include nausea, headache, fatigue, and sleep disturbances. If you experience severe side effects like mood changes, thoughts of harming yourself, or unusual behavior, seek medical help immediately.
Avoid drinking alcohol while taking ITCALMS 5 TABLET, as it can increase side effects like dizziness, drowsiness, and impaired judgment.
Schedule regular check-ups with your doctor to monitor your progress and discuss any concerns or side effects. Your doctor may adjust the dosage as needed based on your response to treatment.
Always inform your doctor about any other medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements, as some may interact with escitalopram.
ITCALMS 5 TABLET can cause dizziness or drowsiness. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how the medication affects you.
Do not stop taking escitalopram suddenly as this can lead to withdrawal symptoms. Consult your doctor if you wish to discontinue the medication.

Interactions

A. Drug-Drug interactions:

Before taking ITCALMS 5 TABLET, inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:

Antidepressants (such as phenelzine, iproniazid, isocarboxazid, nialamide, selegiline, moclobemide, tranylcypromine and fluvoxamine, clomipramine, nortriptyline, imipramine and desipramine or st. john's wort)
Antipsychotics (such as pimozide, risperidone, thioridazine and haloperidol)
certain antimicrobial agents such as sparfloxacin, moxifloxacin, erythromycin IV, pentamidine and linezolid (medicines used to manage bacterial infection)
lithium (medicine used in the management of manic-depressive disorder) and tryptophan
Anti-migraine agents (such as sumatriptan and similar medicines)
opioids such as buprenorphine and tramadol (medicines used against severe pain)
cimetidine, lansoprazole and omeprazole (medicine used to manage stomach ulcers)
fluconazole (used to manage fungal infections)
ticlopidine (used to reduce the risk of stroke)
non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs Ex. ibuprofen, aspirin
aspirin, dipyridamole, phenprocoumon and warfarin (medicines used to thin the blood).
anti-malarial such as halofantrine and mefloquine (used to manage malaria)
flecainide, propafenone and metoprolol (medicines used in cardiovascular diseases)
medications that lower magnesium or potassium levels in the blood
Class I A and III antiarrhythmics such as quinidine, disopyramide, amiodarone
antihistamines (Ex. astemizole, hydroxyzine, mizolastine)

Synopsis

Drug	:	Escitalopram
Pharmacological Category	:	Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
Therapeutic Indication	:	depression, anxiety, Panic attacks, OCD, PTSD
Dosage Forms	:	Tablet

More Information

Storage

Keep ITCALMS 5 TABLET out of the sight and reach of children.
Store ITCALMS 5 TABLET below 30°C

FAQs About ITCALMS 5 TABLET

Q: What is ITCALMS 5 TABLET used for?

A: ITCALMS 5 TABLET is used to manage depression (major depressive episodes) and anxiety disorders (such as panic disorder with or without agoraphobia, social anxiety disorder, generalised anxiety disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder). Consult your doctor before taking ITCALMS 5 TABLET.

Q: What are the side effects of taking ITCALMS 5 TABLET?

A: The most common side effects of taking ITCALMS 5 TABLET are nausea, headache, decrease or increase in appetite, diarrhoea, constipation, vomiting, dry mouth, sleepiness and weight gain. Consult your physician if any of the side effects worsen.

Q: How long does it take for ITCALMS 5 TABLET to work?

A: ITCALMS 5 TABLET typically takes 4 to 6 weeks to start working fully. To feel better, it may take a few weeks. Keep taking ITCALMS 5 TABLET, even if you didn't notice any improvement in your health immediately.

Q: Is ITCALMS 5 TABLET safe to use during pregnancy?

A: ITCALMS 5 TABLET should not be used during pregnancy unless deemed absolutely necessary. Although there are limited human studies, animal research has indicated potential harm to the developing baby. Your doctor will evaluate the risks and benefits before prescribing it.

Q: Can ITCALMS 5 TABLET be used in elderly patients?

A: ITCALMS 5 TABLET should be used with caution in elderly patients (aged 65 years and above). Your doctor may initiate the management with the lowest effective dose and then gradually increase the dose. Consult your doctor before taking ITCALMS 5 TABLET.

Q: How does ITCALMS 5 TABLET work?

A: ITCALMS 5 TABLET is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) acts on the brain's serotonin-system and works by increasing the level of serotonin. Serotonin system's dysfunction is an important factor and is thought to be the rise of disorders like depression and other related diseases.

References

1. KD. Tripathi. Antidepressant and Antianxiety Drugs. Essentials of medical pharmacology. Eighth edition. 2013. Page-489.

2. Laurence L. Brunton, John S. Lazo, Keith L. Parker. Drug Therapy of Depression and Anxiety Disorders. Goodman & Gilman’s: The Pharmacological basics of Therapeutics. 12th Edition. 2011. Page-1571.

3. DeBattista. Antidepressant Agents Charles. Basic & Clinical Pharmacology. Fourteenth Edition. 2017. Page-532-551

4. Bethesda. Escitalopram. National Institute of Health. NLM. National centre for biotechnology information. Drugs and Lactation Database. April 2022. [Accessed on 10th September 2022] click here

5. Wade AG, Crawford GM, Yellowlees A. Efficacy, safety, and tolerability of escitalopram in doses up to 50 mg in Major Depressive Disorder (MDD): an open-label, pilot study. BMC Psychiatry. March 2011. [Accessed on 10th September 2022] click here

6. Landy K, Rosani A, Estevez R. Escitalopram. National Institute of Health. NLM. National centre for biotechnology information. Statpearls. January 2022. [Accessed on 10th September 2022] click here

7. H Lundbeck A/S. Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC). [Revised in February 2022] [Accessed on 10th September 2022] click here

8. Brown & Burk UK Ltd. Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC). [Revised in January 2022] [Accessed on 10th September 2022] click here

9. Forest Laboratories, Inc. U.S. Food & Drug Administration. [Revised in January 2009] [Accessed on 10th September 2022] click here

Author Details

Written By Srilekha. R - B.Pharm

Reviewed For Accuracy By Dr. Aravindan Balachandran - MBBS, MD (Psychiatry)

Last updated on 06 Dec 2024 | 06:05 PM(IST)