mental health tablets

Escitalopram

Generic for Cipralex®

Clear

Cipralex/ Escitalopram

 

What Are the Ingredients in Cipralex?

 

Medicinal ingredient: Escitalopram oxalate.

 

Cipralex Uses

 

Cipralex is used to relieve the symptoms of depression, anxiety, or obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) in adults. Your doctor will keep evaluating if Cipralex is still safe and effective for you if you take it for a long time.

 

How Does Cipralex Work?

 

Cipralex  is known as an antidepressant and belongs to a group of medicines called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).

Cipralex  works by increasing the levels of a chemical in the brain called serotonin. Changes in the amount of serotonin in your brain can contribute to the development of depression and related diseases.

 

Cipralex  comes in the following dosage forms:

 

As tablets containing 5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg or 20 mg escitalopram (as escitalopram oxalate)

 

Do not use Cipralex if:

 

  • you are allergic to escitalopram oxalate

  • you are allergic to any of the other ingredients in CIPRALEX or to a component of the container

  • you are also taking the medicine pimozide, used to treat schizophrenia

  • you are currently taking or have recently taken medicines called monoamine oxidase antidepressants such as phenelzine sulphate, tranilcypromine or moclobemide, or other monoamine oxidase inhibitors such as linezolid, methylene blue, selegiline.

  • you have been told that you have QT interval prolongation or have been diagnosed with a congenital long QT syndrome

 

BEFORE you use Cipralex tell your doctor or pharmacist if you:

 

  • have heart problems

  • have diabetes. CIPRALEX may make it more difficult to control your blood sugar

  • have liver or kidney problems

  • have or have had a seizure disorder

  • have or have had manic episodes or have been diagnosed with bipolar disorders

  • are receiving Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)

  • have a bleeding disorder or have been told that you have low platelets

  • have a family history of QT/QTc prolongation (abnormal electrical activity of the heart).

  • have electrolyte disturbances like low blood potassium, magnesium, or calcium levels) or conditions that could lead to this such as vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration

  • had a recent bone fracture or were told you have osteoporosis or risk factors for osteoporosis

  • are taking any medications (prescription or non-prescription) or have taken within the last 14 days, especially monoamine oxidase inhibitors, pimozide, any other antidepressants, triptans used to treat migraines, lithium, opioids (including to treat pain, or drug dependence) or drugs containing tryptophan.

  • ever had an allergic reaction to any medication or any of the ingredients mentioned in this leaflet.

  • have habits of alcohol and/or street drug consumption.

  • are taking St. John’s Wort, an herbal product used to treat depression

Serious Drug Interactions

 

Do not use Cipralex if you are taking or have recently taken:

 

  • Monoamine oxidase inhibitor such as phenelzine, tranylcypromine, moclobemide or selegiline, linezolid (as antibiotic) or Methylene blue (intravenous)

  • Pimozide

The Following May Interact with Cipralex :

 

  • drugs to treat heart rhythm disturbances (antiarrhythmics)

  • antipsychotics, used to treat schizophrenia

  • opioids (including for pain, drug dependence or anesthesia) such as methadone, buprenorphine, tramadol, fentanyl, tapentadol, meperidine or pentazocine.

  • drugs to treat infections

  • diuretics (water pills)

  • laxatives (including enemas)

  • other SSRIs (citalopram) or any other antidepressant (e.g., imipramine, desipramine) used to treat depressions

  • lithium, used to treat mood disorder

  • tryptophan, for sleep aid or treating anxiety

  • cimetidine, for acidity problems

  • triptans (e.g., sumatriptan, zolmitriptan, naratriptan), for Migraine

  • fluconazole, for treating fungal infection

  • ketoconazole, for treating fungal infection

  • itraconazole, for treating fungal infection

  • warfarin, used to prevent clot of blood

  • omeprazole, used to treat stomach problems

  • any herbal product such as St. John’s Wort

  • certain medicines which may affect blood clotting and increase bleeding, such as oral anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin, dabigatran), acetylsalicylic acid (e.g., Aspirin) and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g., ibuprofen)

  • certain medicines used to treat cough, such as dextromethorphan.

Note: Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Cipralex.

 

How to Take CIPRALEX:

 

  • Swallow tablets whole with water. Do not chew them.

  • You can take CIPRALEX with or without food

  • Take CIPRALEX once a day at the same time every day

  • Continue taking CIPRALEX even if you do not feel better. It may take several weeks for it to work and improvement may be gradual

  • Keep taking CIPRALEX for as long as your doctor recommends. Do not stop taking CIPRALEX abruptly even if you feel better unless your doctor has told you to.

  • Follow all instructions given to you by your doctor.

Usual Dose:

 

The usual dose is one 10 mg tablet once a day. Your doctor might prescribe a lower dose to you if you are elderly, have liver problems or in other situations.

 

What Are Possible Side Effects From Using Cipralex?

 

These are not all the possible side effects you may have when taking CIPRALEX. If you experience any side effects not listed here, tell your healthcare professional.

Side effects may include:

  • nausea

  • increased sweating

  • diarrhea

  • fatigue

  • fever

  • constipation

  • clogged or runny nose

  • sleep disturbance

  • loss of appetite

  • increased appetite

  • increased weight

  • decreased interest in sex

  • decreased ability to reach orgasm

  • erectile dysfunction

  • anxiety

  • restlessness

  • abnormal dreams

  • difficulties falling asleep

  • drowsiness

  • yawning

  • tremor (shakiness)

  • prickling of the skin

  • dizziness

  • dry mouth

  • heartburn

  • pain in muscles and joints

  • stomach pain and changes in heart rate

  • bone fracture