Estarex 5

• Major Depressive Episodes: Used for the treatment of depression.
• Panic Disorder: Used for panic disorder with or without agoraphobia.
• Social Anxiety Disorder: Used for social phobia.
• Generalised Anxiety Disorder: Used for generalized anxiety disorder.
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: Used for OCD.

Adult Dose:

• Anxiety, Depression, OCD: 10 mg once daily; increase after at least 1 week if needed; Max: 20 mg/day.
• Panic Disorder: Initial: 5 mg once daily; increase to 10 mg/day after 1 week; Max: 20 mg/day.
• Social Anxiety Disorder: 10 mg once daily; may decrease to 5 mg or increase to 20 mg/day.
• Elderly (>65 years): Initial: 5 mg/day; may increase to 10 mg/day if needed.
• Hepatic impairment (mild-moderate): Initial: 5 mg/day for 2 weeks; may increase to 10 mg/day if needed.

Child Dose (≥12 years): 10 mg PO qDay; may increase after 3 weeks; Max: 20 mg/day.

Common Side Effects:

• Anorgasmia (decreased orgasm in women)
• Decreased libido
• Delayed ejaculation
• Fatigue
• Increased sweating
• Insomnia (difficulty in sleeping)
• Nausea
• Sleepiness
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Dry mouth

Others: Anxiety, akathisia, decreased appetite/weight loss, seizures, serotonin syndrome, QT prolongation.

Precautions:

• Escitalopram may affect your ability to drive.
• Take it in the morning (can keep you awake if taken late at night).
• Talk to your doctor if you notice sudden mood changes or develop suicidal thoughts.
• Lower chance of causing sexual dysfunction than other similar medications.
• Addiction or dependence potential is very less.
• Do not stop taking suddenly without talking to your doctor (withdrawal symptoms).
• Inform doctor if you have epilepsy, diabetes, liver/kidney disease, heart problems.
• Inform doctor if taking MAO inhibitors.