Escitalopram (Oral Route)

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Precautions

It is very important that your doctor check you or your child's progress at regular visits to allow for changes in your dose and to help reduce any side effects.

Do not take escitalopram with or within 14 days of taking a drug with monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor activity (e.g., isocarboxazid [Marplan®], phenelzine [Nardil®], procarbazine [Matulane®], selegiline [Eldepryl®], or tranylcypromine [Parnate®]). Do not take an MAO inhibitor within 14 days of taking escitalopram. If you do, you may develop extremely high blood pressure or convulsions (seizures). Do not take escitalopram with pimozide (Orap®).

Make sure your doctor knows about all the other medicines you are using. Escitalopram may cause serious conditions such as serotonin syndrome or neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS)-like reactions when taken with certain medicines. Do not use escitalopram with linezolid (Zyvox®), lithium, tryptophan, St. John's Wort, or some pain or migraine medicines (e.g., tramadol [Ultram®], sumatriptan [Imitrex®], zolmitriptan [Zomig®], or rizatriptan [Maxalt®]).

Escitalopram may cause some people to be agitated, irritable, or display other abnormal behaviors. It may also cause some people to have suicidal thoughts and tendencies or to become more depressed. If you, your child, or your caregiver notice any of these side effects, tell your doctor or your child's doctor right away.

Do not suddenly stop taking this medication without checking first with your doctor. Your doctor may want you to gradually reduce the amount you are taking before stopping it completely. This is to decrease the chance of having symptoms such as increased anxiety; burning or tingling feelings; confusion; dizziness; headache; irritability; nausea; nervousness; trouble with sleeping; or unusual tiredness or weakness.

This medicine may cause some people to become drowsy, to have trouble with thinking, or to have problems with movement. Make sure you know how you react to escitalopram before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert or well-coordinated.

Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages while you are taking escitalopram.

Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements.

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