Escitalopram Tablet (Escitalopram Oxalate)

Adult dosage

Safety has not been established for doses exceeding 20mg per day. This medication is administered once daily in the morning or evening, with or without food. 1) Adults (1) Major depressive disorder: The usual dose is 10mg once daily. Depending on the patient's response, the dose may be increased to a maximum of 20mg per day. If increasing the dose of this medication to 20mg, the increase should be made at intervals of at least 1 week. In general, 2-4 weeks are required for antidepressant effects to become apparent. Even after symptoms have resolved, drug therapy for at least 6 months is necessary to ensure a therapeutic effect. (2) Panic disorder with or without agoraphobia: It is recommended to administer 5mg per day as the initial dose for 1 week, then increase to 10mg per day. Depending on the patient's response, the dose may be increased to a maximum of 20mg per day. The maximum effect appears after approximately 3 months. The safety and efficacy of administration of this medication for longer than 10 weeks in the treatment of panic disorder have not been systematically studied. The physician should periodically reassess each patient to determine the need for continued treatment. (3) Social anxiety disorder: The usual dose is 10mg once daily. In general, 2-4 weeks are required for symptoms to improve. Thereafter, depending on the patient's response, the dose may be reduced to 5mg per day or increased to a maximum of 20mg per day. Social anxiety disorder is a condition with a chronic course, and continued treatment for 12 weeks is recommended to ensure a therapeutic effect. Long-term treatment of patients who respond has been studied for 6 months and should be considered on an individual patient basis to prevent relapse. The usefulness of long-term treatment should be reassessed regularly. Social anxiety disorder is a well-defined diagnostic term for a specific disorder and should not be confused with excessive shyness. Drug therapy should be given only when social anxiety disorder significantly interferes with occupational and social activities. Drug therapy has not been compared with cognitive behavioral therapy. Drug therapy is one part of an overall treatment strategy. (4) Generalized anxiety disorder: The initial dose is 10mg once daily. Depending on the patient's response, the dose may be increased to a maximum of 20mg per day after at least 1 week of treatment. A long-term study was conducted in patients who responded to 12 weeks of open-label treatment, with 20mg per day administered for at least 6 months. The physician should regularly reassess the usefulness of long-term treatment with this medication for each patient. (5) Obsessive-compulsive disorder: The usual dose is 10mg once daily. Depending on the patient's response, the dose may be increased to a maximum of 20mg per day. A long-term study was conducted in patients who responded to 16 weeks of open-label treatment, with 10mg or 20mg per day administered for at least 24 weeks. Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a chronic disease, so treatment should be continued for a sufficient period to ensure recovery from symptoms. When this medication is administered long term, the usefulness and dosage should be regularly reassessed for each patient. 2) Patients with renal impairment No dosage adjustment is necessary for patients with mild or moderate renal impairment. Caution is required in patients with severe renal impairment (CLCR < 30㎖/min). 3) Patients with hepatic impairment It is recommended to administer an initial dose of 5mg per day for the first 2 weeks. Depending on the patient's response, the dose may be increased to 10mg per day. 4) Discontinuation When discontinuing this medication, the dose should be gradually reduced over at least 1-2 weeks to avoid the possibility of withdrawal symptoms. 5) Switching from MAO inhibitors used to treat psychiatric disorders When discontinuing an MAO inhibitor used to treat a psychiatric disorder and starting treatment with this medication, an interval of at least 14 days should be allowed. Conversely, when starting an MAO inhibitor to treat a psychiatric disorder, at least 14 days must have elapsed after discontinuing this medication. 6) Other MAO inhibitors, such as linezolid or methylene blue Patients receiving linezolid or intravenous methylene blue should not be started on this medication because of the increased risk of serotonin syndrome. For patients who require more urgent treatment of a psychiatric condition, including hospitalization, other interventions should be considered. It may be necessary to urgently administer linezolid or intravenous methylene blue to a patient already receiving this medication. If no alternative to linezolid or intravenous methylene blue is available and, for a particular patient, the benefits of treatment with linezolid or intravenous methylene blue are judged to outweigh the risk of serotonin syndrome, this medication may be discontinued immediately and linezolid or intravenous methylene blue administered. Patients should be monitored for symptoms of serotonin syndrome for 2 weeks after administration of linezolid or intravenous methylene blue, or until 24 hours after the last dose, whichever comes first. Treatment with this medication may be resumed 24 hours after the last dose of linezolid or intravenous methylene blue. The risk associated with administration of methylene blue by non-intravenous routes (oral tablets or local injection) or with intravenous administration of this medication at a dose of 1mg/kg or less is unclear. Nevertheless, clinicians should be aware of the possibility of emergency symptoms of serotonin syndrome with these uses.

This drug is an antidepressant used for the treatment of psychiatric disorders such as major depression. However, there may be an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children and adolescents under 18 years, and in young adults aged 18 to 24, requiring careful consideration by the physician. Additionally, this drug should not be taken with certain medications, especially MAO inhibitors, pimozide, or drugs that prolong the QT interval, as they can cause serious side effects. Patients with closed-angle glaucoma or a history of glaucoma should be cautious, as this medication may dilate pupils and increase intraocular pressure. During the first 1-2 weeks of administration, various side effects such as anxiety, insomnia, dizziness, nausea, and weight changes may appear but often decrease over time. This drug can cause changes in mental symptoms such as suicidal tendencies, aggression, or increased anxiety, making it essential for both patients and caregivers to monitor these changes and inform the doctor. Sudden discontinuation of this medication may lead to withdrawal symptoms like dizziness, anxiety, and sleep disorders, so the dosage should be gradually reduced according to the doctor's instructions. Patients with heart disease or a prolonged QT interval may require an electrocardiogram before taking this medication due to the risk of heart arrhythmias. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult their doctor before taking this medication as it may affect the newborn. Lastly, it is advised not to consume alcohol while taking this drug, and caution is necessary when driving or operating machinery.

Thrombocytopenia, anaphylactic reaction, inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone, hyperprolactinemia, decreased appetite, increased appetite, weight gain, weight loss, hyponatremia, anorexia, anxiety, restlessness, abnormal dreams, decreased libido, sexual dysfunction, bruxism, agitation, irritability, panic attacks, confusion, aggression, depersonalization, hallucinations, mania, suicidal thoughts, suicidal behavior, insomnia, drowsiness, dizziness, altered perception, tremor, taste disorder, sleep disorder, syncope, serotonin syndrome, movement disorders, dyskinesia, seizures, psychomotor agitation, akathisia, mydriasis, visual impairment, tinnitus, tachycardia, bradycardia, prolonged QT interval, polymorphic ventricular tachycardia, ventricular arrhythmias, orthostatic hypotension, sinusitis, yawning, epistaxis, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, thirst, gastrointestinal bleeding, hepatitis, abnormal liver function tests, increased sweating, urticaria, hair loss, rash, itching, petechiae, angioedema, arthralgia, myalgia, rhabdomyolysis, urinary retention, ejaculation disorder, erectile dysfunction, uterine bleeding, menorrhagia, galactorrhea, postpartum hemorrhage, fatigue, fever, edema, headache, xerostomia, abdominal pain, dyspepsia, enteritis, sensory disturbances, cough, asthma, dyspnea, fracture, palpitations, hypertension, paralysis, extrapyramidal disorders, migraine, hallucinations, asthma, dyspnea, fracture, arthralgia, hypertension, polyuria, tremors, dry mouth, heartburn, sedation, anxiety, insomnia, visual hallucinations, retroactive anxiety, epilepsy seizures, mania, changes in blood glucose control, suicidal impulses, suicidal behavior, abnormal behavior changes, anxiety, agitation, panic disorder, insomnia, excitement, hostility, aggression, impulsivity, akathisia, hypomania, mania, withdrawal symptoms, dizziness, sleep disorders, anxiety, tremors, confusion, sweating, headache, diarrhea, palpitations, emotional instability, irritability, visual impairment, prolonged QT interval, persistent sexual dysfunction

This medication can be sensitive to light, so it should be stored in a light-resistant container. Additionally, it is important to keep the medicine at room temperature, between 1 to 30 degrees Celsius, to maintain its efficacy for a longer period.

Appearance

White oblong film-coated tablet with a score line and 'S,C' engraved on one side and '10' engraved on the other side.

Package unit

30 tablets/bottle, 100 tablets/bottle