Lexapro 20 mg (Escitalopram Oxalate)

Adult dosage

The safety of doses exceeding 20mg per day has not been established. This medication is administered once daily, in the morning or evening, with or without food. (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 the dose is to be increased to 20mg, it should be increased 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, at least 6 months of drug treatment is required to ensure a therapeutic effect. (2) Panic disorder with or without agoraphobia: It is recommended to administer an initial dose of 5mg per day 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 is seen after approximately 3 months. The safety and efficacy of long-term administration of this medication for more 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 chronic condition, and continuing treatment for 12 weeks is recommended to ensure a therapeutic effect. Long-term treatment in patients who responded was studied for 6 months, and should be considered for each patient to prevent relapse. The usefulness of long-term treatment should be reassessed regularly. (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 treatment 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 treatment 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 condition; treatment should be continued for a sufficient period to ensure recovery from symptoms. If this medication is administered long term, its usefulness and dose should be regularly reassessed for each patient. 2) Patients with renal impairment No dosage adjustment is necessary in patients with mild or moderate renal impairment. Caution should be exercised in patients with severe renal impairment (CLCR < 30㎖/min). 3) Patients with hepatic impairment An initial dose of 5mg per day for the first 2 weeks is recommended. Depending on the patient's response, the dose may be increased to 10mg per day. 4) Discontinuation of treatment 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 psychiatric disorders and starting treatment with this medication, an interval of at least 14 days must be allowed. Conversely, when starting an MAO inhibitor to treat psychiatric disorders, at least 14 days must have elapsed after discontinuation of this medication. 6) Other MAO inhibitors, such as linezolid or methylene blue Patients receiving linezolid or intravenous methylene blue should not start treatment with this medication because of the increased risk of serotonin syndrome. For patients requiring treatment for a more urgent psychiatric condition, including hospitalization or other interventional procedures, consider administering treatment. 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 the benefits of treatment with linezolid or intravenous methylene blue are judged to outweigh the risk of serotonin syndrome in a particular patient, this medication may be discontinued immediately and linezolid or intravenous methylene blue administered. The patient 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 non-intravenous administration of methylene blue (oral tablets or local injection) or intravenous administration of this medication at 1mg/kg or less is unclear. Nevertheless, clinicians should be aware of the possibility of emergency symptoms of serotonin syndrome with these uses.

This medication is used as an antidepressant to treat psychiatric conditions such as major depression. During treatment with this medication, there may be an increased risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior, so especially patients aged 18 to 24 should consult their physician thoroughly before use. This medication should not be used by patients who are allergic to certain components or are taking MAO inhibitors, pimozide, or drugs that prolong the QT interval. Patients with glaucoma or a history of closed-angle glaucoma should use this medication with caution. During the first week or two of treatment, side effects such as anxiety, insomnia, dizziness, and changes in appetite may commonly occur, and if these symptoms are severe, patients should inform their physician. This medication can affect blood coagulation, so patients at risk of bleeding should be cautious. Taking this medication with other serotonin-active drugs may cause serious side effects, including serotonin syndrome, so concomitant use must be confirmed. Abrupt discontinuation can lead to withdrawal symptoms such as dizziness, anxiety, and sleep disturbances, so doses should be tapered off gradually as directed by a physician. Patients with heart disease or a prolonged QT interval should have an ECG performed before taking this medication, and cardiac status should be monitored periodically during treatment. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should consult their physician before taking this medication, and breastfeeding may need to be discontinued. Elderly patients are recommended to start at a lower initial dose and to limit the maximum dose for safety. This medication does not significantly affect driving or machinery operation, but caution may be needed depending on the individual. Overdosing on this medication may cause symptoms such as dizziness, vomiting, and heart arrhythmias, and immediate medical attention should be sought. This medication is not recommended for use in children and adolescents as its safety and efficacy have not been established.

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, teeth grinding, agitation, nervousness, panic attacks, confusion, aggression, depersonalization, hallucinations, mania, suicidal ideation, suicidal behavior, insomnia, drowsiness, dizziness, perceptual disturbances, tremors, taste disorders, sleep disorders, syncope, serotonin syndrome, dyskinesia, movement disorders, seizures, psychomotor agitation, mydriasis, visual impairment, tinnitus, tachycardia, bradycardia, prolonged QT interval, polymorphic ventricular tachycardia, orthostatic hypotension, sinusitis, yawning, nosebleeds, 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 disorders, erectile dysfunction, uterine bleeding, menorrhagia, galactorrhea, postpartum hemorrhage, fatigue, fever, edema, headache, dry mouth, abdominal pain, dyspepsia, enteritis, sensory disturbances, cough, asthma, shortness of breath, fractures, palpitations, hypertension, paralysis, extrapyramidal disorders, migraine, chest pain, aggressive reactions, sexual dysfunction, drowsiness, insomnia, aggressive reactions, decreased libido, anorexia, hallucinations, cough, asthma, shortness of breath, weight gain, chest pain, fever, fractures, arthralgia, sexual dysfunction, palpitations, hypertension, dizziness, sensory disturbances, paralysis, extrapyramidal disorders, migraine, dry mouth, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, frequent urination, sedation, tremors, abdominal discomfort, anxiety, visual hallucinations, retrograde anxiety, epileptic seizures, mania, suicidal impulses, suicidal behavior, hostility, aggression, anger, anxiety, restlessness, panic disorder, insomnia, excitement, antagonism, aggression, impulsivity, akathisia, hypomania, mania, akathisia, hyponatremia, petechiae, purpura, postpartum hemorrhage, serotonin syndrome, dizziness, sleep disorders, anxiety, nausea, vomiting, tremors, confusion, sweating, headache, diarrhea, palpitations, QT interval prolongation, polymorphic ventricular tachycardia, ventricular arrhythmia, persistent sexual dysfunction, dizziness, sleep disorders, anxiety, nausea, vomiting, tremors, confusion, sweating, headache, diarrhea, palpitations

This medication should be stored in a tightly closed container to protect it from air and moisture. It is best to store at room temperature, between 1°C and 30°C.

Appearance

White oval film-coated tablets engraved with a score line and E, N on one side

Package unit

100 tablets/bottle, 28 tablets (14 tablets/PTP × 2)