What is Escitalopram - Meaning and definition

Published by Roberto Wenk. Last updated date: June 14, 2016.

The oxalate salt of escitalopram, a pure S-enantiomer of the racemic bicyclic phthalane derivative citalopram, with antidepressant activity. As a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), escitalopram blocks the reuptake of serotonin by neurons in the central nervous system (CNS), thereby potentiating CNS serotonergic activity.

National Cancer Institute. NCI Drug Dictionary. Internet. January 20, 2016.

Published by Roberto Wenk. Reviewed by Alison Ramsey. Last updated date: November 20, 2018.

Escitalopram selectively inhibits CNS neuronal re-uptake of serotonin (5-HT) and potentiates serotonergic activity.
It has minimal effects on norepinephrine and dopamine neuronal re-uptake.

Adult
PO
Depression; obsessive compulsive disorder; anxiety: 10 mg once daily, increased if necessary. Max: 20 mg daily.
Panic disorder. Initially, 5 mg daily, increased to 10 mg daily after 7 days. Max: 20 mg daily.

Elderly: half the adult dose. Hepatic impairment: dosage adjustments may be required.

Adverse drug reactions: nausea, diarrhea, increased sweating, insomnia, impotence, ejaculation disorder, fatigue, somnolence; postural hypotension, sinusitis, taste disturbances.

CIMS Drug Information System. Internet. Accessed on January 10, 2016.

Escitalopram

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