Cipralex is an antidepressant used for the treatment of depression, panic disorders, generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) and social anxiety disorder (SAD). Cipralex increases levels of serotonin in the brain, which can lead to an improved mood.
How to use this product
Cipralex should be taken once daily, with or without food. The normal starting dose is 10 mg daily and increased if advised by your doctor. Your doctor may recommend a starting dose of 5 mg. The tablets should be swallowed whole with a glass of water.
If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible and then continue taking your next dose on your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose.
Side effects
Common side effects are: headache and nausea.
Less common side effect are: abdominal pain,
constipation, diarrhea, sleeping disorder,
dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, decreased sex drive and increased sweating. These side effects may go away as your body becomes used to Cipralex.
Check with your doctor if you notice other side effects than the ones listed above, or if you notice symptoms that worries you while you are taking this medication.
Precautions
Cipralex should not be taken if you are allergic to escitalopram, citalopram, or any of the ingredients of the medication. Patients taking the medication pimozide or has taken an MAO inhibitor medication (e.g., phenelzine, tranylcypromine, moclobemide) in the past 2 weeks should not take Cipralex.
People using antidepressants should be closely monitored for emotional and behavioural changes.
Breastfeeding or pregnant women should not take Cipralex without carefully consider the benefits and the risks with your physician.
Drug Interactions
If you are taking any of the following medications, please consult your doctor:
cimetidine, erythromycin, fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, lithium,
MAO inhibitors, medications that affect platelets, omeprazole, other SSRI medications,
St. John's Wort, sumatriptan.
Also the following medications may be affected by taking Cipralex: desipramine, imipramine,
ketoconazole, metoprolol, pimozide.
