Esipram 5mg Tablet

Uses of Esipram 5mg 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 does Esipram 5mg Tablet work?

Esipram 5mg Tablet works by increasing the amount of a chemical substance in your brain which helps in maintaining mental balance.

Side Effects of Esipram 5mg Tablet

• Confusion
• Convulsions
• Decreased urine output
• Fast heartbeat
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Dry mouth
• Excessive air or gas in the stomach
• Decreased appetite
• Joint pain

Quick Suggestions:

• Exercise can release endorphins, improve sleep, and help lower anxiety levels.
• Watching light-hearted shows or finding humor in daily life can be a great stress reliever.
• Practices such as yoga, meditation, cognitive therapy, and mindfulness-based stress reduction can improve mental well-being and reduce anxiety.
• Drinking enough water is important for overall health, and limiting alcohol and caffeine intake can help relieve anxiety.
• Follow a healthy diet: Including whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and herbs with anti-inflammatory properties (such as turmeric, ginger, and chamomile) can reduce inflammation and support mental health.
• Reducing alcohol, caffeine added sugar, high salt, and high-fat intake may also help reduce anxiety.
• Spending time with friends and family can provide support and lower the risk of anxiety.
• It's important to avoid self-medication and consult with a healthcare professional.
• Taking Esipram 5mg Tablet in the morning is recommended to prevent potential sleep disturbances.
• If you experience sudden mood changes or develop suicidal thoughts, it's crucial to talk to your doctor.
• Esipram 5mg Tablet has a lower chance of causing sexual dysfunction compared to some other medications.
• The addiction or dependence potential of Esipram 5mg Tablet is low, but it's important to follow your doctor's instructions and not stop taking the medication suddenly without consulting them.
• Dizziness or drowsiness may occur, so caution should be taken when engaging in activities that require mental focus.

Indication of Esipram 5mg Tablet

Escitalopram is prescribed to alleviate symptoms of depression (Melancholy, Sadness, Despondency, Sorrow, Despair, Gloom, Dejection, Blue, Low spirits, and Downheartedness) in individuals who are adults, as well as children and teenagers aged 12 years or older. Furthermore, it is employed in the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder (Excessive worry, Nervousness, Unease, Apprehension, Tension, Restlessness, Fretfulness, Jitters, Agitation, and Anxiousness) which encompasses persistent and excessive worry and tension that significantly impairs daily functioning and endures for a duration of 6 months or more.

Depression

• Depression is a mood disorder that involves persisting symptoms like feeling sad/low, loss of interest or pleasure in normal activities, etc beyond 2 weeks. Esipram 5mg Tablet is used in the treatment of depression.

Anxiety: 

• It is defined as an emotion that is characterized by feelings of tension, worried thoughts, and symptoms like increased blood pressure. Anxiety disorder also includes panic disorder which is characterized by sudden feelings of terror.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD): 

• In this disorder, a person feels the need to think or perform things repeatedly.

Pharmacology

The primary mechanism of action of escitalopram is the selective inhibition of serotonin reuptake in the central nervous system (CNS), leading to an increase in serotonergic activity. Its effects on the reuptake of norepinephrine and dopamine are minimal. Escitalopram is an SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) that is administered orally. It is the pure S-enantiomer of citalopram, a racemic bicyclic phthalate derivative. Compared to the R-enantiomer, escitalopram is at least 100 times more potent in inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin (5-HT). Escitalopram demonstrates a minimal affinity for various receptors, including serotonergic, alpha- and beta-adrenergic, dopamine, histamine, muscarinic, and benzodiazepine receptors.

Dosage & Administration of Esipram 5mg Tablet

The recommended daily dosage of Escitalopram varies depending on the condition being treated:

Major Depressive Episodes: The usual starting dose is 10 mg once daily, which may be increased to a maximum of 20 mg daily based on the individual's response. It typically takes 2-4 weeks to observe an improvement in symptoms. Treatment should continue for at least 6 months to maintain the response.

Panic Disorder with or without Agoraphobia: The initial dose is 5 mg once daily for the first week, followed by an increase to 10 mg once daily. The dosage may be further increased, up to a maximum of 20 mg daily, based on the patient's response. Maximum effectiveness is usually achieved after about 3 months, and treatment duration may extend for several months.

Social Anxiety Disorder: The usual dosage is 10 mg once daily, and it may take 2-4 weeks to experience symptom relief.

For elderly patients, the recommended dose is typically half of the adult dose. In patients with mild to moderate hepatic impairment, the initial dose is 5 mg daily, which may be increased to 10 mg daily after 2 weeks if necessary. Severe hepatic impairment requires more cautious dose titration.

For children, the safety and efficacy of Escitalopram in the treatment of Major Depressive Disorder have not been established for those below 12 years of age. For children aged 12 and above, the recommended dose is 10 mg once daily, with the possibility of increasing the dose after at least 3 weeks, but not exceeding 20 mg per day.

It's important to follow your physician's instructions regarding the dose and duration of Esipram 5mg Tablet. Swallow the tablet with a glass of water, without crushing or chewing it. The appropriate dose and treatment duration will be determined by your doctor based on factors such as your age, body weight, and medical condition.

Interaction

Interactions with Medications:

• Cholera Vaccine: Avoid the cholera vaccine if you have taken Escitalopram within 14 days before vaccination. Inform your doctor about other antibiotics and vaccines you are using.
• Ethinyl Estradiol: The effectiveness of contraceptive pills may be reduced when taken with Escitalopram. Dose adjustments or replacement of the medicine should be done under the supervision of a doctor.
• Amikacin: Using Amikacin with Escitalopram may cause nausea, vomiting, changes in urination, weight gain, and fluid retention. Regular kidney function tests are necessary, especially if you have kidney disease.
• Furosemide: Concurrent use of Furosemide and Escitalopram may lead to nausea, vomiting, changes in urination, weight gain, and fluid retention. Regular kidney function tests are important, especially in elderly individuals with preexisting kidney disease.
• Chloramphenicol: The desired effect of Chloramphenicol may not be achieved if taken together with Escitalopram. Dose adjustments or replacement of the medicine should be done under the supervision of a doctor.

Drug-Food Interaction: 

• Escitalopram may interact with multi-mineral or other herbal/ayurvedic supplements. Inform your doctor if you are using any over-the-counter items.

Drug-Disease Interaction: 

• Individuals with bipolar disorder (manic depression), bleeding or blood clotting disorders, drug addiction or suicidal thoughts, liver or kidney disease, seizures, low levels of sodium in the blood, and cardiovascular disorders such as high blood pressure, chest pain (angina), and coronary artery disease should avoid taking Nexito Tablet 10's.

Contraindications

Patients who have a known hypersensitivity or allergy to Escitalopram, Citalopram, or any of the inactive ingredients present in the medication should not use it.

Escitalopram should not be taken concurrently with MAOIs (e.g., phenelzine, isocarboxazid) or pimozide due to the risk of serious drug interactions that can lead to serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition characterized by high levels of serotonin in the brain.

Pregnancy & Lactation

The use of escitalopram during pregnancy should only be considered if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. There have been limited studies in pregnant women, and no adequate and well-controlled studies have been conducted.

Some complications have been observed in neonates exposed to escitalopram and other SSRIs/SNRIs late in the third trimester. These complications can include respiratory distress, cyanosis, apnea, seizures, feeding difficulty, hypoglycemia, and other symptoms. These effects may require prolonged hospitalization, respiratory support, and tube feeding.

Escitalopram is excreted in human breast milk, and breastfeeding infants may be exposed to the medication. Limited data suggest that breastfed infants receive a small percentage of the maternal dose. However, caution should still be exercised, and breastfeeding infants should be monitored for any adverse reactions.

It is important to discuss the potential risks and benefits of using escitalopram during pregnancy or while breastfeeding with a healthcare professional. They can provide personalized guidance and consider individual factors to make an informed decision.

Precautions & Warnings

• Epilepsy: Esipram 5mg Tablet should be used with caution in patients with epilepsy, and if seizures worsen or develop, discontinuation of the medication may be necessary.
• Impaired liver or kidney function: Patients with impaired liver or kidney function should use Esipram 5mg Tablet with caution, as the dosage may need adjustment based on the severity of the impairment.
• Diabetes: Esipram 5mg Tablet should be used with caution in patients with diabetes, as it may affect blood sugar levels and require monitoring and possible adjustment of diabetes medications.
• Decreased sodium levels in the blood: Esipram 5mg Tablet should be used with caution in patients with decreased sodium levels, as it may further lower sodium levels and require monitoring.
• Bleeding tendencies: Patients who have a tendency to easily develop bleeding or bruises should use Esipram 5mg Tablet with caution, as SSRIs may increase the risk of bleeding.
• Electroconvulsive treatment: Patients receiving electroconvulsive treatment should use Esipram 5mg Tablet with caution, as prolonged seizures have been reported with fluoxetine, which is an SSRI.
• Coronary heart disease and recent heart attack: Esipram 5mg Tablet should be avoided in patients with coronary heart disease or those who have recently had a heart attack, as SSRIs may increase the risk of adverse cardiovascular events.
• Eye problems, such as certain types of glaucoma: Esipram 5mg Tablet should be used with caution in patients with certain types of glaucoma, as it may increase intraocular pressure.

Storage Conditions

Store in a cool (below 30°C) and dry place. Keep away from light and out of reach of children.