Redep 5 mg (Tablet)

Indications

• Treatment of major depressive episodes
• Treatment of panic disorder with or without agoraphobia
• Treatment of social anxiety disorder (social phobia)
• Treatment of generalised anxiety disorder
• Treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder

Pharmacology

• Orally administered
• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)
• Pure S-enantiomer of the racemic bicyclic phthalate derivative citalopram
• At least 100 fold more potent than the R-enantiomer

Dosage

• Usual dosage is 10 mg once daily
• May be taken with or without food
• Maximum dosage of 20 mg daily
• 2-4 weeks necessary to obtain an antidepressant response
• Treatment for at least 6 months required for consolidation of the response

Administration

• Administered once daily
• Morning or evening
• With or without food

Interaction

• SSRI or related antidepressants should not be started until 2 weeks after stopping an MAOI
• An MAOI should not be started until at least a week after an SSRI or related antidepressant has been stopped

Contraindications

• Contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to Escitalopram or Citalopram
• Concomitant use of escitalopram in patients taking monoamine oxidase/pimozide is contraindicated

Side Effects

• Less sedating than tricyclic antidepressants
• Fewer antimuscarinic and cardiotoxic effects
• Include gastrointestinal effects, anorexia with weight loss or gain, hypersensitivity reactions, dry mouth, nervousness, anxiety, headache, insomnia, tremor, dizziness, asthenia, hallucinations, drowsiness, convulsions, sexual dysfunction, urinary retention, sweating, movement disorders and dyskinesias, visual disturbances

Pregnancy & Lactation

• Carefully consider the potential risks and benefits of treatment during the third trimester
• Excreted in human breast milk
• Decision whether to continue or discontinue nursing or Escitalopram therapy should take into account the risk of citalopram exposure for the infant and the benefits of treatment for the mother

Precautions & Warnings

• Use with caution in patients with epilepsy, concurrent electroconvulsive therapy, history of mania, cardiac disease, diabetes mellitus, angle-closure glaucoma, concomitant use of drugs that increase risk of bleeding, history of bleeding disorders, hepatic and renal impairment

Use in Special Populations

• Different initial dosages and cautions for use in elderly patients, children and adolescents, patients with reduced renal function, reduced hepatic function, and poor metabolizers of CYP2C19
• Discontinuation symptoms seen when stopping treatment

Overdose Effects

• Range of symptoms seen in reported overdose of escitalopram
• Central nervous system, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and electrolyte/fluid balance conditions affected
• Management includes establishing and maintaining airway, ensuring adequate oxygenation, respiratory function, gastric lavage, the use of activated charcoal, cardiac and vital signs monitoring, ECG monitoring

Therapeutic Class

• SSRIs & related anti-depressant drugs

Storage Conditions

• Store below 30°C temperature
• Protect from light & moisture
• Keep the medicine out of the reach of children

Related Brands

• Escilex 20 mg (Tablet) - renata-limited
• Ventus 5 mg (Tablet) - maks-drug-limited
• Ventus 10 mg (Tablet) - maks-drug-limited
• Lexapro 5 mg (Tablet) - biopharma-limited
• Lexapro 10 mg (Tablet) - biopharma-limited