Teva Escitalopram 10mg Tablets: Strong Depression & Anxiety Treatment UK Guide
Teva Escitalopram 10 mg Tablets contain 10 mg of escitalopram, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant. Escitalopram is used to treat major depressive episodes, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, generalised anxiety disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It is a prescription-only medication in the UK.
Escitalopram works primarily by selectively inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin in the brain, increasing serotonin availability within the central nervous system. The appropriate dose depends on the condition being treated, individual response, age, medical history and other medications being taken. Treatment should be taken consistently as prescribed and reviewed by a healthcare professional when necessary.
What Is Escitalopram 10 mg Used For?
Escitalopram is an SSRI antidepressant used for several mental health conditions. UK product information includes the following indications:
- Major Depressive Episodes: Used to treat depressive illness and help manage persistent symptoms associated with major depression.
- Panic Disorder: Used to treat panic disorder, with or without agoraphobia, under appropriate medical supervision.
- Social Anxiety Disorder: Used to treat social anxiety disorder, which can involve significant fear or anxiety in social and performance situations.
- Generalised Anxiety Disorder: Used to treat generalised anxiety disorder, helping manage persistent and excessive anxiety and worry.
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: Used to treat OCD, helping reduce persistent intrusive thoughts and repetitive or compulsive behaviours.
How Does Escitalopram Work?
Escitalopram is an SSRI antidepressant that selectively inhibits the reuptake of serotonin in the brain. This increases the availability of serotonin within the central nervous system and contributes to its antidepressant and anti-anxiety effects. Escitalopram does not usually provide immediate relief from depression or anxiety-related symptoms. It can take several weeks before symptoms begin to improve, so it should be taken regularly according to the prescribed treatment schedule.
How to Take Escitalopram 10 mg Tablets
- Follow Your Prescription: Take escitalopram exactly as directed by your doctor or pharmacist. Do not change the dose without medical advice.
- Once-Daily Treatment: Escitalopram is generally taken once a day. It can be taken in the morning or evening according to your prescribed routine.
- Administration: Swallow the tablet with water. Escitalopram can be taken with or without food.
- Depression: The usual adult dose is 10 mg once daily. Depending on individual response, a healthcare professional may increase the dose up to a maximum of 20 mg daily.
- Panic Disorder: Treatment generally starts at 5 mg once daily for the first week before increasing to 10 mg daily. The dose may subsequently be increased up to a maximum of 20 mg daily according to individual response.
- Social Anxiety Disorder: The usual adult dose is 10 mg once daily. Depending on response, the dose may be reduced to 5 mg or increased up to a maximum of 20 mg daily.
- Generalised Anxiety Disorder: The usual initial dose is 10 mg once daily, with the possibility of increasing to a maximum of 20 mg daily according to individual response.
- OCD: The usual initial dose is 10 mg once daily. Depending on individual response, the dose may be increased to a maximum of 20 mg daily.
- 10 mg Strength: The 10 mg tablet is the usual adult dose for several licensed indications, although some patients may require a lower starting dose or subsequent dose adjustment.
- Treatment Response: For depression, an antidepressant response commonly takes around 2 to 4 weeks to develop. Continue treatment as prescribed unless your healthcare professional advises otherwise.
- Missed Dose: If you forget a dose, take it when you remember unless it is nearly time for the next dose. If the next dose is due soon, skip the missed dose and continue with your normal schedule. Do not take two doses together.
Escitalopram 10 mg Side Effects
Like all medications, escitalopram can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them. Commonly reported effects can include:
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Sexual problems
- Increased sweating
- Difficulty sleeping
- Anxiety or restlessness
- Sleepiness or drowsiness
- Diarrhoea or constipation
- Changes in appetite or weight
Many common side effects become less noticeable as the body adjusts to treatment. However, persistent, severe or troublesome symptoms should be discussed with a healthcare professional. Serious reactions can include severe allergic reactions, serotonin syndrome, abnormal heart rhythms, significant bleeding and suicidal thoughts. Seek urgent medical attention if serious or rapidly worsening symptoms occur.
Important Warnings and Precautions
Escitalopram is not suitable for everyone. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about your medical history and all medications you are taking before starting treatment.
- MAOIs: Escitalopram must not be taken with non-selective irreversible monoamine oxidase inhibitors because of the risk of serious reactions, including serotonin syndrome. Appropriate treatment intervals are required when switching between certain antidepressants.
- Heart Rhythm: Escitalopram can cause dose-dependent QT interval prolongation and may not be suitable for people with certain heart conditions or significant cardiac rhythm abnormalities. Tell your doctor about any history of heart problems.
- Other Medications: Tell your doctor or pharmacist about all prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, herbal remedies, vitamins and supplements you take. Some medications can increase the risk of adverse effects or affect heart rhythm.
- St John’s Wort: Do not take St John’s wort preparations with escitalopram because of the risk of interactions and increased adverse effects.
- Mental Health Symptoms: Significant changes in mood or behaviour, particularly after starting treatment or changing the dose, should be discussed with a healthcare professional. Thoughts of self-harm or suicide require urgent medical attention.
- Liver Problems: People with liver impairment may require a lower starting dose and more cautious dose adjustment.
- Driving and Alertness: Escitalopram may cause dizziness, sleepiness or blurred vision in some people. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how the medication affects you.
- Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding so that the benefits and potential risks of treatment can be assessed.
Stopping Escitalopram Treatment
Do not stop taking escitalopram suddenly without medical advice. Abrupt discontinuation can cause withdrawal symptoms such as dizziness, sensory disturbances, sleep problems, anxiety, nausea and other physical or psychological symptoms.
When treatment needs to be stopped, the dose should generally be reduced gradually. UK product information recommends reducing the dose over at least one to two weeks, although a slower reduction may be appropriate for some people.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Escitalopram 10 mg make you sleepy?
Escitalopram can cause sleepiness or dizziness in some people, although others may experience difficulty sleeping or restlessness. Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how the medication affects you.
How long does Escitalopram 10 mg take to work?
Escitalopram does not usually produce its full antidepressant effect immediately. For depression, an antidepressant response commonly takes around 2 to 4 weeks, although the time required varies between individuals and conditions. Continue taking the medication regularly unless your healthcare professional advises otherwise.
What happens if I miss a dose of Escitalopram?
If you forget a dose, take it when you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose. If the next dose is due soon, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the usual time. Do not take two doses together to make up for a missed dose.
Can I stop taking Escitalopram 10 mg suddenly?
No. Escitalopram should generally be reduced gradually under medical supervision because stopping suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms. Your doctor can advise you on an appropriate dose-reduction schedule.
How much Escitalopram 10 mg should I take?
The appropriate dose depends on the condition being treated and individual factors. The usual adult dose is 10 mg once daily for depression, social anxiety disorder, generalised anxiety disorder and OCD. Panic disorder generally starts at 5 mg daily for the first week before increasing to 10 mg. The dose may be increased when necessary, up to a maximum of 20 mg daily.
Can I drink alcohol while taking Escitalopram 10 mg?
It is generally advisable to avoid alcohol while taking escitalopram because alcohol can worsen side effects such as dizziness or sleepiness and may make it more difficult to assess how the medication is affecting you. If you are unsure whether alcohol is appropriate with your treatment, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
