Escitalopram Oxalate (Antidepressant)

Question 1

What is the brand name of escitalopram oxalate?

Answer 1

Lexapro

Question 2

What are the available tablets strengths of Lexapro?

Answer 2

5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg

Question 3

What are the available strengths for oral solution Lexapro?

Answer 3

5mg/5mL

Question 4

What is the FDA approved indication and dosage for Lexapro?

Answer 4

For the treatment of depression: begin with a dose of 10 mg given once a day and gradually increased my dose of 20 mg once a day.

Question 5

What is the mechanism of action of escitalopram oxalate?

Answer 5

Citalopram is a highly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor which blocks the auto reuptake of serotonin but not of norepinephrine or dopamine into human platelets in the CNS

Question 6

What are the drug interactions of escitalopram oxalate?

Answer 6

• Coadministration with monoamine oxidase inhibitor’s may produce serious reactions resembling neuroleptic malignant syndrome.
• Potent inhibitors of CYP3A4 have shown to have no effect on the plasma clearance of escitalopram.
• Cimetidine may increase plasma levels.
• Coadministration with aspirin or an inside may lead to the increase risk of upper G.I. bleeding

Question 7

What are the contraindications of escitalopram oxalate?

Answer 7

• Contraindicated within 14 days of taking monoamine oxidase inhibitor’s.
• Antidepressants increase suicidal thoughts and actions and children, adolescents, and young adults.
• Several reversible cases of hyponatremia have occurred during treatment with citalopram.
• Due to the possibility of suicide attempts, caution should be taken in dispensing large quantities of this medication.
• Use with caution in patients with liver disease and during nursing.
• Abrupt discontinuation of therapy may cause adverse effects including dysphoric mood, your ability, agitation, dizziness, anxiety, confusion, insomnia, and headache.
• Pregnancy Category C

Question 8

What should the RPh tell the patient when counseling them on the use of escitalopram oxalate?

Answer 8

• May impair cognitive and motor performance. Use caution while operating machinery or mental alertness is required.
• Avoid alcohol while taking this medication.
• Consult with your physician or pharmacist before taking nonprescription medication’s.
• Do not abruptly discontinue medication.
• If a dose is missed, skip it and return to normal dosing schedule.
• Pay close attention to any changes, especially sudden changes, and mood behaviors, thoughts, or feelings.
• Antidepressants may increase suicidal thoughts or actions.
• Continued therapy of up to two weeks may be needed to show noticeable improvement