Escitalopram how long to work

Escitalopram can cause serious side effects like allergic reactions difficulty breathing, swelling of your face or throat, itching skin lumps. Go to a hospital if you get any of these symptoms, taking your medicine with you.

Young people under 25 have an increased risk of trying to take their own lives, thinking about taking their own lives, and hostility mostly aggression, oppositional behaviour and anger when they take escitalopram. Therefore, it is not licensed for people under 18 years. If you are under 18, you may still be prescribed escitalopram if you and your doctor have decided that the benefits outweigh the risks for you. Make sure that you have planned what to do if you experience any side effects from taking escitalopram and ask family and friends to support you during your treatment.

Stopping escitalopram suddenly can cause unpleasant withdrawal effects. Go to your doctor if you want to stop, or if you are having these effects.

You might feel sleepy in the first few days after taking escitalopram. Do not drive a car, ride a bike or operate machines until you see how this affects you.

Escitalopram sometimes causes symptoms in newborn babies that affect their breathing. Talk to your doctor and midwife so that your baby can be closely monitored after birth. Tell them how much you have taken. Get a friend or family member to go with you if you can, just in case you feel ill on the way. Stop taking escitalopram and go to a doctor or hospital straight away if you get any of the following symptoms:. Go to a doctor or hospital straight away, but do not stop your escitalopram, if you get any of the following symptoms:.

Escitalopram has fewer side effects than many other medicines used for depression , but if they occur, they can be serious. Most side effects that appear should get better after a few days. If they do not, you should go back to your doctor.

If you get any side effects not listed here, please look at the patient leaflet in the medicine pack. Do not stop taking the tablets until you talk to your doctor, or you may get withdrawal symptoms as well.

Very common side effects of taking escitalopram affecting more than one in ten people include:. We use cookies We use cookies on this website to store user preferences, aid in accessibility and analyse our traffic.

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Open site search Open main navigation. View shareable links View Basket : 0 items. Guide Menu for Escitalopram. Hide Show guide menu. Guide contents jump to section About escitalopram Escitalopram and everyday life Uses, warnings, safety and side effects About this information More information and advice.

About escitalopram. Please note. Always talk to your doctor about your situation and whether this medication is for you.

Thinking about trying medication? Read our guide. How escitalopram works. Escitalopram is a type of antidepressant called a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor SSRI. Escitalopram is often prescribed alongside a talking therapy. Escitalopram and everyday life. Frequently asked questions.

How long does it take to start working? It takes two to four weeks for escitalopram to show its full effect. What effects will it have on my body? It is difficult to know how escitalopram will affect each person who takes it.

Talk to your doctor about this if it worries you. Should I tell my family and friends I am taking it? Will it affect my sleep? Can I drink alcohol and take street drugs while taking it? Alcohol You can continue to drink alcohol in moderation while taking escitalopram. Street drugs Cannabis can give you a fast heartbeat if taken alongside escitalopram. Escitalopram could raise the level of cocaine in your body, giving you a bigger reaction.

Can I take it with other medications? Do not take escitalopram with the herbal product St. Can I drive while taking it? Do not worry - most people drive and do other things as normal while taking escitalopram. Can I take it if I am pregnant or breastfeeding? Pregnancy Risks with escitalopram in pregnancy are low but women who are trying to get pregnant should talk about it with their doctor. Do not keep out-of-date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.

Dated June I don't seem to have a noticeable reduction in anxiety. Should it take this long? Disclaimer: This article is for information only and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of medical conditions. Egton Medical Information Systems Limited has used all reasonable care in compiling the information but make no warranty as to its accuracy.

Consult a doctor or other health care professional for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. For details see our conditions. You can take escitalopram with or without food. In this article About escitalopram Before taking escitalopram How to take escitalopram Getting the most from your treatment Can escitalopram cause problems? How to store escitalopram Important information about all medicines. Escitalopram for mood and anxiety disorders Cipralex In this article About escitalopram Before taking escitalopram How to take escitalopram Getting the most from your treatment Can escitalopram cause problems?

Very common escitalopram side-effects these affect more than 1 in 10 people What can I do if I experience this? Headache Drink plenty of water and ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable painkiller.

If the headaches continue, speak with your doctor Feeling sick nausea Stick to simple meals - avoid fatty or spicy food Common escitalopram side-effects these affect less than 1 in 10 people What can I do if I experience this? Being sick vomiting , tummy abdominal pain, diarrhoea, indigestion Stick to simple meals - avoid fatty or spicy food Feeling dizzy, or sleepy Do not drive and do not use tools or machines while affected Constipation Try to eat a well-balanced diet containing plenty of fibre, and drink several glasses of water each day Dry mouth Try chewing sugar-free gum, or sucking sugar-free sweets Unusual dreams, sleeping problems, tingling feelings, yawning, feeling hot, sweating, changes in appetite or weight, feeling restless or shaky, sexual problems If any becomes troublesome, speak with your doctor.

If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist. The recommended dose is usually started at 10 mg daily, preferably at the same time each day. Escitalopram should be taken once daily in the morning or evening, with or without food. The dose can be increased by your doctor as needed to a maximum of 20 mg daily. For seniors, people with liver problems, and people taking the medications omeprazole or cimetidine, the maximum recommended daily dose is 10 mg.

In some cases, the doctor may recommend a 5 mg starting dose. Oral dispersible tablets: The tablet should be placed on the tongue. It will rapidly disintegrate and can be swallowed without water. The tablets break easily, so they should be handled carefully with dry hands.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor. It is important to take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose and continue on with your regular dosing schedule.

Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice. Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.

The oral dispersible tablets should be kept in their original package. Do not dispose of medications in wastewater e. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent. The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects. Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not check with your doctor or seek medical attention. Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:. Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:.

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication. Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health.

These factors may affect how you should use this medication. Abnormal heart rhythm: Escitalopram may cause an abnormal heart rhythm, especially at higher doses. Your doctor may occasionally monitor your heart rate and rhythm with a test called an electrocardiogram.