escitalopram (cont.)
NURSING MOTHERS: Escitalopram is excreted in human milk. Escitalopram
should not be given to nursing mothers unless, in the opinion of the physician,
the expected benefits to the patient outweigh the possible hazards to the child.
SIDE EFFECTS: The most common side effects associated with
escitalopram are agitation or restlessness, blurred vision, diarrhea, difficulty
sleeping, drowsiness, dry mouth, fever, frequent urination, headache,
indigestion, nausea, increased or decreased appetite, increased sweating, sexual
difficulties (decreased sexual ability or desire, ejaculatory delay), taste
alterations, tremor (shaking), weight changes. Although changes in sexual
desire, sexual performance, and sexual satisfaction often occur as a result of
depression itself, they also may be a consequence of the drugs used to treat
depression. In particular, about one in 11 men given escitalopram report
difficulties ejaculating.
Some patients experience withdrawal reactions upon stopping SSRI therapy.
Symptoms may include dizziness, tingling, tiredness, vivid dreams, irritability,
or poor mood. In order to avoid these symptoms, the dose of SSRI can be slowly
reduced instead of abruptly stopped.
Antidepressants increased the risk of
suicidal thinking and behavior
(suicidality) in short-term studies in
children and
adolescents with depression
and other psychiatric disorders. Anyone considering the use of escitalopram or
any other antidepressant in a child or adolescent must balance this risk with
the clinical need. Short-term studies did not show an increase in the risk of
suicidality with antidepressants compared with placebo in adults beyond 24 years
of age. There was a reduction in risk of suicidality with antidepressants
compared with placebo in adults 65 years of age and older. Depression and
certain other psychiatric disorders are themselves associated with increases in
the risk of suicide. Patients who are started on therapy with antidepressants
should be closely observed for clinical worsening, suicidality, or unusual
changes in behavior.
Reference: FDA Prescribing Information
Last Editorial Review: 12/17/2008
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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