Lexamo Tablet 10 mg (Escitalopram Oxalate)

Adult administration

The safety of doses exceeding 20mg per day has not been established. This drug 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 needed for antidepressant effects to become apparent. Even after symptoms resolve, drug treatment for at least 6 months is needed 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 the dose 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 occurs after approximately 3 months. The safety and efficacy of long-term administration of this drug for more than 10 weeks in the treatment of panic disorder have not been systematically studied. The physician should periodically reevaluate each patient to determine the need for continued treatment. (3) Social anxiety disorder: The usual dose is 10mg once daily. Generally, 2-4 weeks are needed 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 continued treatment for 12 weeks is recommended to ensure a therapeutic effect. Long-term treatment in responding patients 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 reevaluated periodically. (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, in which 20mg per day was administered for at least 6 months. The physician should periodically reevaluate the usefulness of long-term treatment with this drug 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, in which 10mg or 20mg per day was administered for at least 24 weeks. Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a chronic condition, so this drug should be administered for a sufficient period to ensure that symptoms have resolved. If this drug is administered long term, its usefulness and dose should be reevaluated periodically for each patient. 2) Patients with renal impairment No dose 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 drug, 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 drug, an interval of at least 14 days should be allowed. Conversely, at least 14 days must elapse after discontinuing this drug before starting an MAO inhibitor for the treatment of a psychiatric disorder. 6) Other MAO inhibitors, such as linezolid or methylene blue Patients receiving linezolid or intravenous methylene blue preparations should not start this drug because of the increased risk of serotonin syndrome. In patients requiring treatment for a more urgent psychiatric condition, including hospitalization or other interventional procedures, administration should be considered. It may be necessary to urgently administer linezolid or intravenous methylene blue preparations to a patient who is already receiving this drug. If there is no alternative to linezolid or intravenous methylene blue preparations and, for a particular patient, the benefits of treatment with linezolid or intravenous methylene blue preparations are judged to outweigh the risk of serotonin syndrome, this drug may be discontinued immediately and linezolid or intravenous methylene blue preparations may be administered. Patients should be monitored for symptoms of serotonin syndrome for 2 weeks after administration of linezolid or intravenous methylene blue preparations, or until 24 hours after the last dose, whichever occurs first. Treatment with this drug may be restarted 24 hours after the last dose of linezolid or intravenous methylene blue preparations. The risks associated with administration of methylene blue preparations by non-intravenous routes (oral tablets or local injection), or intravenous administration of this drug at a dose of 1mg/kg or less, are unclear.

This medication is an antidepressant used to treat psychiatric disorders such as major depression. This medication may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviors in children, adolescents, and young adults (ages 18-24), so it should be administered with caution to patients in this age group as judged by a physician. This medication should not be used in patients taking specific drugs such as MAO inhibitors or pimozide, which can be dangerous. Patients with a history of glaucoma or closed-angle glaucoma should use this medication cautiously, as it can dilate pupils and increase intraocular pressure. While taking this medication, changes in mental state such as anxiety, restlessness, insomnia, aggression, or suicidal thoughts may occur, requiring careful observation by the patient and caregiver. Abrupt discontinuation can cause withdrawal symptoms such as dizziness, anxiety, and sleep disturbances, so the dosage should be gradually reduced as directed by a physician. This medication can cause cardiac irregularities or prolonged QT interval, so caution is needed in patients with heart diseases or those taking related medications. Pregnant or breastfeeding women must consult a physician, as the use of this medication may affect the newborn. Dose adjustments are necessary for patients with impaired liver function or elderly individuals, and diabetic patients controlling blood sugar should exercise caution. It is advisable to avoid alcohol consumption while taking this medication, and caution is required when driving or operating machinery. In case of overdose, symptoms such as central nervous system symptoms, gastrointestinal disturbances, and cardiac arrhythmias may occur, and immediate medical attention should be sought. This medication is not recommended for 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, loss of appetite, 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, sensory disturbances, tremors, taste disorders, sleep disorders, syncope, serotonin syndrome, dyskinesia, movement disorders, seizures, psychomotor agitation, akathisia, mydriasis, vision impairment, tinnitus, tachycardia, bradycardia, QT interval prolongation, polymorphic ventricular tachycardia, ventricular arrhythmia, 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 hemorrhage, menorrhagia, galactorrhea, postpartum hemorrhage, priapism, fatigue, fever, edema, headache, dry mouth, abdominal pain, dyspepsia, enteritis, sensory disturbances, cough, asthma, dyspnea, fracture, palpitations, hypertension, paralysis, extrapyramidal disorder, migraine, chest pain, frequent urination, sedation, tremor, dry mouth, abdominal discomfort, anxiety, insomnia, visual hallucinations, retrograde anxiety, epileptic seizures, mania, changes in blood sugar control, suicidal impulses, suicidal behavior, abnormal behavioral 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, vision impairment, QT interval prolongation, polymorphic ventricular tachycardia, ventricular arrhythmia, sexual dysfunction, persistent sexual dysfunction

This medication should be stored in a tightly closed container to protect it from air and moisture, preferably at room temperature between 1 and 30 degrees Celsius. Storing it this way helps maintain the medication's effectiveness and prevents deterioration.

Appearance

White rectangular film-coated tablet

Package unit

30 tablets/bottle, 100 tablets/bottle