Mini summary
Escitalopram medication used to treat depression is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) widely prescribed in the United Kingdom. It is available as the generic escitalopram and under brand names such as Lexapro and Cipralex. Clinicians use it for several mood and anxiety conditions.
- Common tablet strengths: 5 mg, 10 mg and 20 mg; some manufacturers provide liquid preparations.
- Main licensed signals indicating in UK practice include major depressive disorder, generalised anxiety disorder, panic disorder (with or without agoraphobia), social anxiety disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder.
- The active ingredient is escitalopram, typically supplied as the oxalate salt.
New to this treatment? Read the section Ways to handle it and how much to dose. If you need a quick safety check, see Adverse the interaction between participantss across departments improve alignment. caused by drugs and this therapy is not suitable under these conditions in therapy and Possible drug side effects.
How should one take escitalopram? and standard therapeutic dose
Take your dose once each day, ideally at about the same time. Take the tablets with plenty of water. Taking the tablet with a light snack can reduce nausea, but food is not essential.
- Follow the exact directions on your prescription. Do not increase the dose or take extra tablets without the prescriber's advice.
- Adult doses usually range from 5 mg to 20 mg daily; prescribers will adjust based on response and deleterious health effects.
- Some people notice initial benefit within one to two weeks; full therapeutic effect can take four to six weeks or longer.
- If stopping treatment, plan a slow taper with your clinician to reduce withdrawal symptoms.
- Pupils and adolescents should only use escitalopram when supervised by a specialist with close follow up.
If you suspect an take too much medicine or feel severely unwell, call 999 or travel toward A and E. NHS 111 can provide urgent advice. For warning signs see Surveillance and safety management.
Prior to commencing - information to give your clinician
Provide a complete medical history and a current list of all medicines, including over-the-counter products, vitamins, herbal treatments and supplements. Make sure to mention:
- Pregnancy, planned pregnancy or breastfeeding.
- Any heart conditions, known long QT interval, fainting episodes or family history of sudden cardiac death.
- Epileptic disorders or a history of epilepsy.
- Renal or hepatic impairment.
- The endocrine disorder diabetes mellitus.
- Current or prior thoughts of self-harm, suicide or a family history of these concerns.
- Possible bipolar disorder or any past mania or hypomania episodes.
- Glaucoma resulting from a narrow angle.
- Bleeding disorders or concurrent use of anticoagulants or antiplatelet agents.
- Upcoming or recently completed electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).
- Allergies to escitalopram, citalopram or related medications.
Inspect the status the document section. detailing the give and take of interaction checks Drug two-way communication in action guidance and reasons to avoid this medication in therapy.
Medicines, products and situations that interact with escitalopram
Do not merge the elements. - medical contrabeacons that are universal
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) such as phenelzine or tranylcypromine. Maintain at least 14 days between stopping an MAOI and starting escitalopram, and vice versa.
- Linezolid is an antibiotic or intravenous methylene blue option. because of a high risk of serotonin syndrome.
- Pimozide, the antipsychotic agent or thioridazine due to dangerous effects on heart rhythm.
- Cisapride is associated with prokinetic effects on the digestive tract. (withdrawn in many markets) due to serious QT prolongation risk.
Use with careful attention. - may need status monitoring or dose change
- Other antidepressants including SSRIs, SNRIs and tricyclic antidepressants.
- Migraine triptans (for example sumatriptan or rizatriptan).
- Other serotonergic agents such as tramadol, lithium, tryptophan and Hypericum perforatum, the St Johns wort herb.
- Drugs that increase bleeding risk: NSAIDs, aspirin, warfarin and the newer oral anticoagulants.
- Certain antibiotics, antipsychotics and antiarrhythmics that prolong QT interval.
- Enzyme inhibitors or inducers that alter escitalopram concentrations (for example ketoconazole or rifampicin) and some antiretroviral agents.
- Central nervous system stimulants and some dopamine-active medicines.
This list is illustrative, not complete. Always give a current medication list to your prescriber or pharmacist.
Similar topics Expected ripple effects and Surveillance to protect safety.
Automated monitoring in service of safety protocols
- Attend scheduled reviews so your clinician can check benefit and damaging effects.
- Be alert to mood or behavior changes, particularly early in treatment or after dose adjustments: worsening depression, increased anxiety, agitation, panic, irritability, restlessness, sleeplessness or signs of mania. Seek help promptly.
- Avoid sudden discontinuation; tapering reduces risk of discontinuation symptoms.
- Lightheadedness with drowsiness may occur. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery until you know how escitalopram affects you. If driving is impaired for more than three months discuss DVLA guidance alongside your clinician.
- Alcohol solution can potentiate side effect risks; limit or avoid drinking while stabilising on treatment.
- Manage dry mouth with water or sugar free gum; notify your clinician if it persists.
- Recognise serotonin syndrome: high temperature, profuse sweating, shivering, confusion, muscle stiffness or twitching, very fast heartbeat. Get urgent medical assessment if suspected.
- Older people and those on diuretics should be monitored for low sodium; report confusion, i am having a headache, weakness or unsteadiness.
Missed the dose - practical guidance
If a dose is forgotten, take it as soon as you recall, unless the next dose is due within about four hours. If the next dose is near, skip the missed tablet. Do not take two doses at the same time to replace a missed a dose.
If you frequently miss doses or are uncertain, ask your pharmacist or prescriber for personalised advice.
Potential collateral effects
Considerable effects warrant prompt medical attention.
- Allergic reactions: rash, hives, swelling of face, lips or tongue, or breathing problems.
- Very fast, very slow or irregular heartbeat, fainting or severe dizziness.
- Seizure events.
- Bleeding of unknown origin or bruising that bruises easily, black stools or vomiting blood.
- Severe changes in mood or behaviour including suicidal thoughts.
- Seeing things that are not there or losing reality contact.
Common and generally less severe
- Stomach upset with nausea.
- An ache in my head.
- Disturbances in sleep or daytime drowsiness.
- Sexual acute side effects: reduced libido, delayed orgasm or erectile difficulties.
- Sweating is intensified.
- A parched mouth or blurred vision.
- Changes in appetite or weight.
If secondary consequences continue or are troublesome, talk to your clinician about dose adjustments, timing changes or choosing a different medicine. For tracking and monitoring of performance information see Ensuring safety through performance monitoring.
Storing and disposing of items instructions
- Store medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
- Keep at room temperature, ideally between 15 to 30 C (59 to 86 F), away from damp and heat.
- Keep tablets in original blister packs or bottles to protect from light where possible.
- Do not use after the product has expired.
Other medicines conjoined with their equivalents
If escitalopram is unsuitable, other medications or non-drug options may be appropriate. Choice depends on your symptoms, past experiences, coexisting conditions and medication risk of adverse the interactional flow among participants.
- Other SSRIs: sertraline, fluoxetine, citalopram and paroxetine. Sertraline the mechanism behind this of action is commonly a first-line choice in UK primary care; fluoxetine can have a more activating effect for some people.
- SNRIs such as venlafaxine and duloxetine, sometimes preferred if there are prominent pain symptoms; monitor blood pressure with venlafaxine.
- Different classes: mirtazapine (may improve sleep and appetite), vortioxetine (some patients report fewer sexual unwanted reactions), agomelatine (requires liver tests), older tricyclics like amitriptyline and specialist-only options such as MAOIs.
- Bupropion is not widely licensed for depression in the UK but can be used for smoking cessation in appropriate situations.
Non-medication treatments are often effective alone or with drugs: cognitive behavioural therapy, guided self-help, exercise, sleep hygiene and peer support. NHS Talking Therapies can be accessed via a GP or by many self-referral routes.
For a brief cost a bird's eye view of atopic of choice variations see Prices compared in the United Kingdom.
UK price comparison among vendors index - approximate figures
The estimates below are indicative for a 28 to 30 day supply (mid 2026). Actual prices vary by pharmacy, region and whether consultation or dispensing fees apply.
- NHS prescription charge in England is typically around 10 to 12 GBP per item; prescriptions are usually free for residents of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
- Generic escitalopram 10 mg unit tablets bought privately often cost about 2 to 6 GBP for the drug alone; online clinics that include a consultation and dispensing commonly charge between 15 and 30 GBP plus delivery.
- Named brands such as Cipralex are generally pricier when stocked - private costs for a similar quantity may be in the order of 15 to 25 GBP.
- Comparable SSRIs (private medicine cost): sertraline and fluoxetine tablets commonly cost 1 to 5 GBP for the medicine itself; full service fees mirror those for escitalopram consultations.
When dispensed on the NHS you usually pay only the prescription charge, not the full list price. Always check for errors. with local pharmacies or reputable online services for the latest costs.
UK specific alignment with legal and regulatory standards framework notes
- Escitalopram is classified as a Prescription Only Medicine (POM) under the Human Medicines Regulations 2012 and must be prescribed by a UK-registered prescriber.
- Supplies should come from a UK-registered pharmacy. For online services confirm the pharmacy on the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) register and ensure the prescriber is licensed in the UK.
- Prescriptions for non-controlled medicines are typically valid for up to six months unless the prescription states otherwise.
- Possession is lawful with a valid prescription. It is illegal to sell or supply prescription medicines without proper authority.
- Importing small personal quantities is sometimes possible but using UK-licensed supply routes reduces risks of customs issues or unregulated products.
- If driving, do not drive while your ability is impaired by the medicine or by your condition. Follow DVLA guidance and talk to your clinician about prolonged effects.
- Prenatal to lactation care decisions should be made after a risk-benefit discussion with your prescriber by your side. Medication minor side effects can be reported via the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme.
- Electronic prescribing (EPS) is widely used in the UK and prescriptions can be sent directly to a nominated pharmacy.
- When travelling abroad, carry medicines in original packaging with a copy of your prescription to avoid problems at borders.
Keep and read the patient information leaflet supplied with your medicine and do not share prescription medicines with others. For dosing and real time monitoring see How to take on a task and Ongoing safety and monitoring frameworks.
Common Inquiries and Frequently Asked Questions
- Should I take escitalopram in the morning or evening? Choose a consistent time. If it makes you sleepy, take it at night; if it is activating, take it in the morning. See How to take a poll together with the recommended dose.
- Is drinking alcohol permitted? Alcohol bottle may increase drowsiness and other unwelcome additional effects. Avoid or limit alcohol, especially while starting or changing dose. See Safety via continuous oversight.
- How long will I need treatment? Many people continue treatment for at least six months after recovery to reduce relapse risk, but duration is tailored by your clinician.
- Is switching from citalopram to escitalopram possible? Yes, but switching should be managed by your prescriber to avoid the interactional flow among participantss between people can shape outcomes. and withdrawal issues. See Comparable medicines and different choices.
- I am pregnant or planning pregnancy - what should I do? Do not stop abruptly. Discuss risks and benefits with your prescriber before making any changes. See UK notes on compliance with law and regulation for reporting options.
- What if I miss a dose? Take it when you remember unless the next dose is within about four hours. Please do not double up. See Dose missed advisory and steps.
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