escitalopram at a glance
Medicine class
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant
Licensed roles
Major depressive episodes, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, generalised anxiety disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder
Taking tablets
Swallow with water; they may be taken with or without food
When effects begin
Improvement may take several weeks
What is escitalopram used for?
The selected UK tablet product is licensed for:
Major depressive episodes
Panic disorder, with or without agoraphobia
Social anxiety disorder, also called social phobia
Generalised anxiety disorder
Obsessive-compulsive disorder
How does escitalopram work?
Escitalopram selectively inhibits the serotonin transporter, reducing serotonin reuptake into nerve cells. This increases serotonin signalling in the brain, although improvement is usually gradual.
escitalopram preparations and strengths
How to take escitalopram
Follow the pharmacy label and the leaflet supplied with your formulation.
Swallow film-coated tablets whole with water.
Tablets may be taken with or without food.
Orodispersible tablets and liquid drops have different administration instructions; follow their specific leaflet.
Avoid alcohol because it may worsen effects such as sleepiness.
escitalopram side effects
Common or expected effects
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhoea, constipation or dry mouth
- Dizziness, sleepiness, anxiety or restlessness
- Sleep disturbance
- Increased sweating
- Appetite or weight changes
- Muscle or joint pain
- Sexual difficulties, including reduced libido
Get urgent medical advice
- Swelling of the tongue or throat, breathing difficulty or other signs of anaphylaxis
- Agitation or confusion with sweating, shaking, fever or muscle twitching, suggesting serotonin syndrome
- Fast or irregular heartbeat, severe light-headedness or fainting
- Unusual bruising or blood in urine, stools or vomit
- New or worsening suicidal thoughts
- Seizures or symptoms of a manic episode
escitalopram in pregnancy
Escitalopram may be used in pregnancy when its expected benefit outweighs potential risks. Discuss pregnancy or pregnancy planning with the prescriber. Use later in pregnancy may require observation of the newborn, and exposure near birth is associated with small risks including newborn adaptation symptoms, persistent pulmonary hypertension and postpartum bleeding. Routine antenatal anomaly scanning is generally sufficient after exposure.
escitalopram while breastfeeding
The selected product information does not recommend breastfeeding during treatment. UK specialist guidance states that escitalopram may be used cautiously when breastfeeding a full-term, healthy infant, although sertraline or paroxetine are preferred. Monitor the infant for irritability, restlessness, drowsiness, vomiting, poor feeding and adequate weight gain; obtain specialist advice for premature or unwell infants.
escitalopram interactions
Check prescribed, non-prescription and herbal products before combining them with escitalopram.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors, including moclobemide and linezolid
The combination is contraindicated because it can cause serotonin syndrome.
Medicines that prolong the QT interval
Combined effects may cause dangerous heart-rhythm abnormalities, so concurrent use is contraindicated.
Tramadol, other serotonergic opioids and triptans
These can increase the risk of serotonin syndrome.
Common questions about escitalopram
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is escitalopram only used for depression?
No. The selected UK product is also licensed for panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, generalised anxiety disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
How quickly does escitalopram start working?
Some people notice changes earlier, but meaningful improvement commonly takes several weeks. Contact the prescriber if symptoms worsen while waiting for benefit.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.