Escitalopram

DEA Class;  Rx

Common Brand Names; Lexapro

Hypersensitivity to escitalopram or citalopram

Pimozide

• Headache (24%)
• Nausea (15-18%)
• Insomnia (7-14%)
• Diarrhea (6-14%)
• Somnolence (4-13%)
• Ejaculation disorder (9-12%)
• Xerostomia (4-9%)
• Constipation (3-6%)
• Fatigue (2-8%)
• Dizziness (4-7%)
• Libido decrease (3-7%)
• Anorgasmia (2-6%)
• Indigestion (2-6%)
• Sweating increased (4-5%)
• Rhinitis (5%)
• Flu-like syndrome (5%)
• Abnormal dreaming (3%)
• Neck/shoulder pain (3%)
• Decreased appetite (3%)
• Vomiting (3%)
• Sinusitis (3%)
• Lethargy (3%)
• Impotence (3%)
• Menstrual disorder (1-2%)
• Flatulence (2%)
• Toothache (2%)
• Yawning (2%)
• Abdominal pain (2%)
• Weight gain (1%)

Increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in adolescents and young adults; monitor all antidepressant-treated patients for any indication for clinical worsening and emergence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors, especially during initial few months of drug therapy

Conflicting evidence regarding use of SSRIs during pregnancy and increased risk of persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn, or PPHN (see Pregnancy)

In neonates exposed to SNRIs/SSRIs late in third trimester: risk of complications such as feeding difficulties, irritability, and respiratory problems

Activation of mania/hypomania reported in a small proportion of patients with major affective disorders treated with drugs effective in treatment of major depressive disorder; before initiating, screen for any personal or family history of bipolar disorder, mania, or hypomania

Risk of mydriasis; may trigger angle closure attack in patients with angle closure glaucoma with anatomically narrow angles without a patent iridectomy

In a study in normal volunteers, escitalopram10 mg/day did not impair intellectual function or psychomotor performance; because any psychoactive drug may impair judgment, thinking, or motor skills, caution patients about operating hazardous machinery, including automobiles, until they are they know how the drug affects their cognition

SSRIs/SNRIs increase risk of abnormal bleeding owing to platelet inhibition

There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women; therefore, use during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus

Escitalopram is excreted in human breast milk