Description

What is Escitalopram 20mg ?

Escitalopram 20mg contains escitalopram, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It works by changing the activity of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin helps regulate mood and several other functions. Therefore, escitalopram can be beneficial in addressing symptoms of depression and anxiety as considered suitable by a healthcare provider.

But 20mg isn’t necessarily the right dose for everybody. Before changing the dose, the doctor considers the patient’s age, medical history, response to treatment and other medicines.

Uses of Escitalopram

Escitalopram is mainly used for:

• Major depressive disorder.
• Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD)

Depending on individual circumstances, healthcare professionals may sometimes prescribe medicines in the SSRI class for other conditions. However, patients should take escitalopram only for a condition for which it is prescribed or evaluated by a qualified healthcare professional.

How does Escitalopram work ?

Escitalopram belongs to the SSRI class. SSRI’s work by increasing the availability of serotonin in the brain by inhibiting its reuptake. As such, it can accommodate changes in mood and anxiety symptoms over the time.

Take into account that escitalopram does not usually have an immediate effect. It can take weeks before somebody gets the full benefit.

Dosage Information for Escitalopram 20mg

The prescribed dose is individual-specific. The official prescribing information recommends that the maximum dose for several approved indications is 20mg once daily, and that 10mg is often the recommended starting dose. A healthcare professional may increase the dose as appropriate.

Therefore, patients should not increase, decrease, or discontinue escitalopram without medical advice. Stopping suddenly can cause withdrawal type symptoms, so doctors usually gradually reduce the dose when stopping treatment.

Potential Side Effects

Like all medicines, escitalopram can cause side effects. Possible effects include:

• Nausea
• Sleepiness
• Sleeping problems
• More sweating
• Sexual issues

Some of the side effects will become less noticeable as the body adjusts, which is fortunate. However, if symptoms persist or are troublesome, patients should contact their healthcare professional.

Important Safety Information

Escitalopram carries a black box warning for suicidal thoughts and behaviour, especially in children, adolescents and young adults up to age 24. Patients and carers should monitor for the emergence or worsening of depression, unusual agitation, marked anxiety, or thoughts of self-harm and seek medical attention promptly if they occur.

Escitalopram can also interact with some medicines. For example, MAO inhibitors should not be taken with escitalopram, and some medicines or supplements may require extra medical advice. Always tell your doctor or chemist everything you take, including over-the-counter medicines and supplements.

FAQs

What is Escitalopram 20mg used for? Is Escitalopram 20mg for anxiety?

Yes. Escitalopram is approved for generalised anxiety disorder. Healthcare providers may prescribe an appropriate dose according to needs of patient.

Is the max dose 20 milligrammes?

For the indications listed in current U.S. prescribing information, the maximum recommended dose is 20mg once daily. Individual dosing should be determined by a healthcare professional.

Can I suddenly stop escitalopram 20mg?

Generally, it is not recommended to stop escitalopram abruptly. A doctor can help you to slowly reduce the dose to minimise the risk of discontinuation symptoms.

Overall

Escitalopram 20mg is an SSRI medicine used for depression and genralised anxiety disorder. It works on serotonin and may take several weeks for you to feel the full effect. But the 20mg is not for everybody. Only take escitalopram as professionally directed. Talk to your doctor or chemist about side effects, interactions or any concerns.