Escitalopram Flashcards
Brand name
Cipralex, Lexapro
Action
Selectively inhibits reuptake of serotonin in the CNS
Therapeutic effects
Antidepressant action
Class
Antidepressant/ Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
Adverse Reactions/ SE
😓sweating, diarrhea 💩, insomnia, neuroleptic malignant syndrome, suicidal thoughts, Serotonin syndrome
Route/Dosage
PO 10 mg once daily
Contradictions/Precautions
Hypersensitivity, concurrent pimozide, concurrent MAO Inhibitors or MAO-like drugs, concurrent Citalopram, Angle-closure Glaucoma, Hx of bipolar or mania seizures, risk of SI, Hepatic or renal impairment
Nursing implications/Implementations
Screen for medical history or family history of mania or bipolar; Assess for SI tendencies; Assess for Serotonin syndrome, autonomic instability, neuromuscular aberration, GI symptoms
Serotonin syndrome symptoms
Mental changes, agitation, hallucination
Autonomic instability symptoms
Tachycardia, labile BP, hyperthermia
Neuromuscular abberations
muscle weakness, twitching, cramps, and difficulty with movement
GI symptoms
N/V/D
Interactions
Serious or fatal reaction with MAO Inhibitors (allow 14 days between), increased risk of serotonin syndrome with MAO-like meds, prolonged QT interval with pimozide
Evaluation and Desired outcome
Increased sense of well-being
Renewed interest in surroundings
Decrease in anxiety
Patient and Family Teaching
Take as directed, missed dose take ASAP, do not abruptly discontinue; May cause dizziness, ni driving; Look for signs of SI, worsening depression, insomnia, irritability, or changes in mood and notify MD; Educate on symptoms of serotonin syndrome
