Earlier than taking escitalopram, inform your physician or pharmacist in case you are allergic to it; or to citalopram; or when you’ve got some other allergic reactions. This product might comprise inactive substances, which may trigger allergic reactions or different issues. Discuss to your pharmacist for extra particulars.
Earlier than utilizing this remedy, inform your physician or pharmacist your medical historical past, particularly of: private or household historical past of bipolar/manic-depressive dysfunction, private or household historical past of suicide makes an attempt, liver illness, seizures, intestinal ulcers/bleeding (peptic ulcer illness) or bleeding issues, low sodium within the blood (hyponatremia), private or household historical past of glaucoma (angle-closure kind).
Escitalopram might trigger a situation that impacts the center rhythm (QT prolongation). QT prolongation can not often trigger critical (not often deadly) quick/irregular heartbeat and different signs (similar to extreme dizziness, fainting) that want medical consideration instantly.
The chance of QT prolongation could also be elevated when you’ve got sure medical circumstances or are taking different medicine which will trigger QT prolongation. Earlier than utilizing escitalopram, inform your physician or pharmacist of all of the medicine you’re taking and when you’ve got any of the next circumstances: sure coronary heart issues (coronary heart failure, sluggish heartbeat, latest coronary heart assault, QT prolongation within the EKG), household historical past of sure coronary heart issues (QT prolongation within the EKG, sudden cardiac dying).
Low ranges of potassium or magnesium within the blood may improve your danger of QT prolongation. This danger might improve should you use sure medicine (similar to diuretics/”water tablets”) or when you’ve got circumstances similar to extreme sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting. Discuss to your physician about utilizing escitalopram safely.
This drug might make you dizzy or drowsy. Alcohol or marijuana (hashish) could make you extra dizzy or drowsy. Don’t drive, use equipment, or do something that wants alertness till you are able to do it safely. Keep away from alcoholic drinks. Discuss to your physician in case you are utilizing marijuana (hashish).
The liquid type of this remedy might comprise sugar and/or aspartame. Warning is suggested when you’ve got diabetes, phenylketonuria (PKU), or some other situation that requires you to restrict/keep away from these substances in your weight-reduction plan. Ask your physician or pharmacist about utilizing this remedy safely.
Earlier than having surgical procedure, inform your physician or dentist about all of the merchandise you utilize (together with prescribed drugs, nonprescription medicine, and natural merchandise).
Older adults could also be extra delicate to the unintended effects of this drug, similar to QT prolongation (see above), lack of coordination, or bleeding. They could even be extra more likely to lose an excessive amount of salt (hyponatremia), particularly if they’re additionally taking “water tablets” (diuretics) with this remedy. Lack of coordination can improve the danger of falling.
Kids could also be extra delicate to the unintended effects of this drug, particularly lack of urge for food and weight reduction. Monitor weight and top in kids who’re taking this drug.
Throughout being pregnant, this remedy needs to be used solely when clearly wanted. It might hurt an unborn child. Additionally, infants born to moms who’ve used this drug over the last 3 months of being pregnant might not often develop withdrawal signs similar to feeding/respiration difficulties, seizures, muscle stiffness, or fixed crying. If you happen to discover any of those signs in your new child, inform the physician promptly.
Since untreated psychological/temper issues (similar to melancholy, nervousness, obsessive-compulsive dysfunction, panic dysfunction) generally is a critical situation, don’t cease utilizing this remedy until directed by your physician. In case you are planning being pregnant, turn out to be pregnant, or suppose you could be pregnant, instantly focus on along with your physician the advantages and dangers of utilizing this remedy throughout being pregnant.
This remedy passes into breast milk and should have undesirable results on a nursing toddler. Seek the advice of your physician earlier than breast-feeding.