Recently Searched
Choose Generic substitutes to Save up to 50% off 
₹0
INTRODUCTION
ESITOR 20MG TABLET contains Escitalopram which belongs to the group of medicines called Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It is used to treat 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).
ESITOR 20MG TABLET should be used with caution in patients with liver or kidney disease, epilepsy, diabetes, decreased sodium levels in the blood or if you frequently get injuries or bleed easily (history of bleeding issues), are undergoing electroconvulsive therapy, coronary heart disease, recently had a heart attack, low resting or irregular heart rate and glaucoma.
It is not recommended for use in patients born with or have heart problems (such as irregular heart rhythms). Avoid consumption of alcohol while taking ESITOR 20MG TABLET. ESITOR 20MG TABLET is not recommended for use in pregnant and breast-feeding women, unless it is clearly advised by the doctor.
ESITOR 20MG TABLET is not recommended for use in children and adolescents (under 18 years of age) unless advised by the doctor. ESITOR 20MG TABLET should be used with caution in elderly patients (aged 65 years and above).
Specific serious side effects include thoughts of harming or killing yourself. Consult your physician immediately if you experience any such thoughts.
The most common side effects of taking ESITOR 20MG TABLET are nausea, headache, decrease or increase in appetite, diarrhoea, constipation, vomiting, dry mouth and weight gain. Consult your physician if any of the side effects worsen.
USES OF ESITOR 20MG TABLET
Treats,
- depression (major depressive episodes)
- anxiety disorder (such as panic disorder with or without agoraphobia)
- social anxiety disorder
- generalized anxiety disorder
- obsessive-compulsive disorder
HOW ESITOR 20MG TABLET WORKS
ESITOR 20MG 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.
DIRECTIONS FOR USE
Take ESITOR 20MG TABLET as advised by your physician. Swallow the medicine with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew the medicine. Depending upon your age, body weight and medical condition, your doctor will decide the appropriate dose and duration for you.
SIDE EFFECTS OF ESITOR 20MG TABLET
COMMON
- nausea, headache
- runny or blocked nose (sinusitis)
- decrease or increase in appetite
- anxiety, restlessness, strange dreams, difficulty falling asleep, sleepiness, dizziness, yawning, shaking and prickling of the skin
- diarrhoea, constipation, vomiting and dry mouth
- increased sweating
- muscle and joint pain (myalgia and arthralgia)
- sexual abnormalities such as delay in ejaculation, erection issues, decrease in sexual drive and difficulty achieving orgasm in women.
- fatigue, fever
- weight gain
UNCOMMON
- urticaria (nettle rash), rash, itching (pruritus)
- grinding teeth, agitation, nervousness, panic attacks and confusion
- sleep disturbances, taste disturbances and syncope (fainting)
- mydriasis (enlargement of the pupils), visual disturbances and ringing in the ears (tinnitus),
- hair loss
- irregular periods, heavy menstrual bleeding
- decrease in weight
- rapid heartbeat
- swelling of the arms or legs
- nosebleeds
RARE
- hallucinations, aggression and depersonalisation (a loss of personal identity)
- slow heartbeat
Stop taking ESITOR 20MG 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
Diarrhoea:
Drink lot of fluids, such as water to keep yourself hydrated. Avoid eating high-fat or spicy foods. Try to avoid taking any medicine on your own to treat diarrhea and consult your doctor if the symptom gets worse.
Headache:
Drink ample amount of water and avoid skipping meals. Get adequate rest. Try to be relaxed and stress free. Apply pain relieving balm on your forehead if necessary. Consult your doctor if the symptom does not improve.
Nausea or vomiting:
Stick to simple meals while taking this medicine. Avoid eating oily rich, fried or spicy foods. Do not lie down or sleep immediately after eating. Consult your doctor if the symptom does not improve.
Loss of appetite:
Eat when you feel hungry. Eat smaller meals frequently than usual. Snack only when you're hungry. Eat a nutritious snack which is rich in calories and protein such as dried fruit and nuts. Consult your doctor if the symptom does not improve.
Constipation:
Take fiber rich foods in your diet such as fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grain cereals and drink plenty of fluids. Exercise more regularly (such as daily walk) and stay active. Consult your doctor if the symptom gets worse.
WARNING & PRECAUTIONS
PREGNANCY
ESITOR 20MG TABLET is not recommended for use in pregnant women, unless it is considered clearly necessary. If ESITOR 20MG TABLET is used during pregnancy it should not be stopped abruptly. Consult your doctor before taking ESITOR 20MG TABLET.
BREASTFEEDING
ESITOR 20MG TABLET is generally not recommended for use in breastfeeding women, unless it is considered clearly necessary as it may pass through the breast milk. Consult your doctor before taking ESITOR 20MG TABLET.
DRIVING AND USING MACHINES
Do not drive or operate any machines as it is not known how it affects you while taking ESITOR 20MG TABLET.
ALCOHOL
Avoid consumption of alcohol while taking ESITOR 20MG TABLET.
KIDNEY
ESITOR 20MG TABLET should be used with caution in patients with impaired kidney function. Consult your doctor before taking ESITOR 20MG TABLET.
LIVER
ESITOR 20MG TABLET should be used with caution in patients with impaired kidney function. Consult your doctor before taking ESITOR 20MG TABLET.
ALLERGY
Do not take ESITOR 20MG TABLET if you are allergic (hypersensitive) to Escitalopram or any other ingredients of this medicine.
HEART DISEASE
ESITOR 20MG 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 ESITOR 20MG TABLET.
OTHERS
Before taking ESITOR 20MG 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
Use in paediatrics:
ESITOR 20MG TABLET is not recommended for use in children and adolescents (under 18 years of age) unless it is considered clearly necessary. Consult your child’s doctor for advice.
Use in geriatrics:
ESITOR 20MG TABLET should be used with caution in elderly patients (aged 65 years and above). Your doctor may initiate the treatment with the lowest effective dose and then gradually increase the dose. Consult your doctor before taking ESITOR 20MG TABLET.
INTERACTIONS
A. Drug-Drug interactions:
Before taking ESITOR 20MG TABLET, inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:
- non-selective, reversible-selective or irreversible monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) such as phenelzine, iproniazid, isocarboxazid, nialamide, selegiline, moclobemide, tranylcypromine and fluvoxamine, clomipramine, nortriptyline, imipramine and desipramine or st. john's wort (medicines used to treat depression)
- neuroleptics (medicines used to treat schizophrenia, psychosis) such as pimozide, risperidone, thioridazine and haloperidol (antipsychotics)
- certain antimicrobial agents such as sparfloxacin, moxifloxacin, erythromycin IV, pentamidine and linezolid (medicines used to treat bacterial infection)
- lithium (medicine used in the treatment of manic-depressive disorder) and tryptophan
- sumatriptan and similar medicines (used to treat migraine)
- opioids such as buprenorphine and tramadol (medicines used against severe pain)
- cimetidine, lansoprazole and omeprazole (medicine used to treat stomach ulcers)
- fluconazole (used to treat fungal infections)
- ticlopidine (used to reduce the risk of stroke)
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs Ex. ibuprofen, aspirin (medicine used to treat pain)
- aspirin, dipyridamole, phenprocoumon and warfarin (medicines used to thin the blood).
- anti-malarials such as halofantrine and mefloquine (used to treat 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 (medicines used to treat irregular heart beat)
- antihistamines (medicines used to treat allergies) Ex. astemizole, hydroxyzine, mizolastine
Overdosage:
If you or anyone else accidentally takes too much of ESITOR 20MG TABLET, consult your doctor immediately or visit the nearby hospital. Overdosage symptoms of ESITOR 20MG TABLET are nausea, vomiting, convulsion, coma, tremor, agitation, dizziness, low blood pressure, change in body fluid or salt balance and abnormal heart rhythm.
SYNOPSIS
| Drug | : | Escitalopram |
| Pharmacological Category | : | Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) |
| Therapeutic Indication | : | Depression and anxiety disorders |
| Dosage Forms | : | Tablet |
MORE INFORMATION
- Keep ESITOR 20MG TABLET out of the sight and reach of children.
- Store ESITOR 20MG TABLET below 30°C
FAQs ABOUT ESITOR 20MG TABLET
What is ESITOR 20MG TABLET used for?
ESITOR 20MG TABLET is used to treat 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 ESITOR 20MG TABLET.
What are the side effects of taking ESITOR 20MG TABLET?
The most common side effects of taking ESITOR 20MG 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.
How long does it take for ESITOR 20MG TABLET to work?
ESITOR 20MG TABLET typically takes 4 to 6 weeks to start working fully. To feel better, it may take a few weeks. Keep taking ESITOR 20MG TABLET, even if you didn't notice any improvement in your health immediately.
Is ESITOR 20MG TABLET safe to use during pregnancy?
ESITOR 20MG TABLET is not recommended for use in pregnant women, unless it is clearly advised by the doctor. If ESITOR 20MG TABLET is used during pregnancy it should not be stopped abruptly. Consult your doctor before taking ESITOR 20MG TABLET if you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant.
Can ESITOR 20MG TABLET be used in elderly patients?
ESITOR 20MG TABLET should be used with caution in elderly patients (aged 65 years and above). Your doctor may initiate the treatment with the lowest effective dose and then gradually increase the dose. Consult your doctor before taking ESITOR 20MG TABLET.
How does ESITOR 20MG TABLET work?
ESITOR 20MG 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] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501275/
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] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3068950/
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] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557734/
7. H Lundbeck A/S. Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC). [Revised in February 2022] [Accessed on 10th September 2022] https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.4307.pdf
8. Brown & Burk UK Ltd. Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC). [Revised in January 2022] [Accessed on 10th September 2022] https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.10853.pdf
9. Forest Laboratories, Inc. U.S. Food & Drug Administration. [Revised in January 2009] [Accessed on 10th September 2022] https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2009/021323s032%2C021365s023lbl.pdf
USEFUL DIAGNOSTIC TESTS
- Electrocardiogram
- Serum electrolytes
AUTHOR DETAILS
Written By Dr. R. Dinesh John Rajkumar, Pharm.D
Last updated on 06 Oct 2022 | 05:47 PM(IST)
The contents of this website are for informational purposes only and not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.