Escitalopram oral tablet is a prescription drug that’s available as the brand-name drug Lexapro. It’s also available as a generic drug. Generic drugs usually cost less. In some cases, they may not be available in every strength or form as the brand-name version. Talk to your doctor to see if the generic version will work for you. Escitalopram is also available as an oral solution.

Why it’s used

This drug is used to treat depression and generalized anxiety disorder. It may be used as part of a combination therapy. This means you may need to take it with other medications.

How it works

This drug belongs to the class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). A class of drugs is a group of medications that work in a similar way. These drugs are often used to treat similar conditions. Escitalopram increases the amount of a natural substance in your brain called serotonin. This substance helps maintain mental balance.

Escitalopram side effects

Escitalopram oral tablet may cause sleepiness and tiredness. It can also cause other side effects.

More common side effects

The more common adult side effects for this drug are slightly different from the more common side effects for children.

• more common adult side effects can include:
  • nausea
  • sleepiness
  • weakness
  • dizziness
  • anxiousness
  • trouble sleeping
  • sexual problems
  • sweating
  • shaking
  • lack of hunger
  • infection
  • yawning
• more common children’s side effects can include:
  • increased thirst
  • abnormal increase in muscle movement or agitation
  • unexpected nosebleeds
  • difficult urination
  • heavy menstrual periods
  • possible slowed growth rate and weight change
  • nausea
  • sleepiness
  • sweating
  • shaking
  • lack of hunger
  • dry mouth
  • constipation
  • infection
  • yawning

If these effects are mild, they may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If they’re more severe or don’t go away, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

What is escitalopram?

Escitalopram oral tablet is a prescription drug that’s available as the brand-name drug Lexapro. It’s also available as a generic drug. Generic drugs usually cost less. In some cases, they may not be available in every strength or form as the brand-name version. Talk to your doctor to see if the generic version will work for you. Escitalopram is also available as an oral solution.

Why it’s used

This drug is used to treat depression and generalized anxiety disorder. It may be used as part of a combination therapy. This means you may need to take it with other medications.

How it works

This drug belongs to the class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). A class of drugs is a group of medications that work in a similar way. These drugs are often used to treat similar conditions. Escitalopram increases the amount of a natural substance in your brain called serotonin. This substance helps maintain mental balance.

Escitalopram oral tablet may cause sleepiness and tiredness. It can also cause other side effects.

More common side effects

The more common adult side effects for this drug are slightly different from the more common side effects for children.

• more common adult side effects can include:
  • nausea
  • sleepiness
  • weakness
  • dizziness
  • anxiousness
  • trouble sleeping
  • sexual problems
  • sweating
  • shaking
  • lack of hunger
  • infection
  • yawning
• more common children’s side effects can include:
  • increased thirst
  • abnormal increase in muscle movement or agitation
  • unexpected nosebleeds
  • difficult urination
  • heavy menstrual periods
  • possible slowed growth rate and weight change
  • nausea
  • sleepiness
  • sweating
  • shaking
  • lack of hunger
  • dry mouth
  • constipation
  • infection
  • yawning

If these effects are mild, they may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If they’re more severe or don’t go away, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Seizure Disorders- Adults: The initial dose should not exceed 1.5 mgday divided into three doses. It may be increased if needed. Pediatric Patients: The initial dose should be between 0.01 and 0.03 mgkgday but not to exceed 0.05 mgkgday given in two or three divided doses. Panic Disorder- Adults: The initial is 0.25 mg two times per day. It may be increased if needed. It comes as a tablet to take by mouth as directed by your physician.

Feeling lightheaded, sleepy, having blurred eyesight, or a change in thinking clearly. Avoid driving and doing other tasks or actions that call for you to be alert or have clear eyesight until you see how this drug affects you. Dry mouth. Good mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help. See a dentist often. Feeling tired or weak.