Elodep 10 mg

Description

Indications
Elodep is prescribed for the following conditions:

• Treatment of major depressive episodes.
• Management of panic disorder, with or without agoraphobia.
• Treatment of social anxiety disorder (also known as social phobia).
• Management of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).
• Treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

Please consult a registered healthcare professional before using this medication.

Pharmacology
Escitalopram, the active ingredient in Elodep, is an oral selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It is the pure S-enantiomer of citalopram, a racemic bicyclic phthalate derivative. Escitalopram is significantly more potent—over 100 times more—than the R-enantiomer in inhibiting serotonin reuptake. Unlike many other antidepressants, escitalopram exhibits very low or no affinity for a range of receptors, including alpha- and beta-adrenergic, dopamine, histamine, muscarinic, and benzodiazepine receptors.

Dosage
The safety of daily doses higher than 20 mg has not been established. Escitalopram is typically taken as a single daily dose and can be taken with or without food.

• Major Depressive Episodes: The usual starting dose is 10 mg once daily, with the possibility of increasing the dosage to a maximum of 20 mg based on individual response. It may take 2 to 4 weeks to notice the antidepressant effects. A minimum of 6 months of treatment is recommended to consolidate the response after symptom relief.

• Panic Disorder (with or without agoraphobia): Start with 5 mg daily for the first week, then increase to 10 mg daily. Further increases can be made, up to 20 mg daily, based on response. The maximum benefit is typically reached after 3 months, and treatment duration usually extends for several months.

• Social Anxiety Disorder: The starting dose is typically 10 mg once daily. Symptom relief may take 2 to 4 weeks. Depending on the patient’s response, the dosage can be adjusted between 5 mg and 20 mg daily. Long-term treatment for up to 12 weeks is recommended to maintain the therapeutic benefits. Treatment may be extended beyond 6 months in responding patients to prevent relapse, with regular re-evaluation of the treatment benefits.

• Generalized Anxiety Disorder: Start with 10 mg once daily. If necessary, the dosage can be increased to a maximum of 20 mg daily, based on individual patient response. Long-term studies have shown efficacy with doses of 20 mg/day for up to 6 months, with regular monitoring of benefits and dosage adjustments.

• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: Begin with 10 mg once daily. Adjust the dosage to a maximum of 20 mg daily based on individual response. As OCD is chronic, long-term treatment is required, with regular evaluation of treatment benefits and dosage.

Please consult a registered healthcare professional before using this medication.

Administration
Escitalopram is generally taken once daily, either in the morning or evening, with or without food.

Please consult a registered healthcare professional before using this medication.

Interaction
SSRIs, including Escitalopram, should not be combined with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) until at least 2 weeks have passed since discontinuing the MAOI. Similarly, an MAOI should not be started for at least a week after stopping Escitalopram (2 weeks for paroxetine and sertraline, and at least 5 weeks for fluoxetine).

Contraindications
Escitalopram is contraindicated for individuals who have hypersensitivity to Escitalopram, Citalopram, or any of the inactive ingredients in the product. It should not be taken in combination with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or pimozide.

Side Effects
Common side effects of SSRIs, like Escitalopram, include:

• Gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and changes in bowel movements.
• Appetite changes, leading to weight gain or loss.
• Hypersensitivity reactions such as rashes, hives, or swelling.
• Neurological effects including headache, tremor, dizziness, and anxiety.
• Sleep disturbances, including insomnia.
• Sexual dysfunction and abnormal sweating.

Escitalopram can also cause rare but severe reactions, such as serotonin syndrome, convulsions, and hallucinations.

Pregnancy & Lactation
Escitalopram should be used during pregnancy only when clearly needed. It is excreted in breast milk, and the decision to continue either breastfeeding or therapy should carefully weigh the benefits to the mother against the potential risks to the infant.

Precautions & Warnings
Use Escitalopram with caution in patients with epilepsy, a history of mania, heart disease, diabetes, glaucoma, or bleeding disorders. Close monitoring is necessary in those taking medications that may increase bleeding risks or have compromised liver or kidney function.

Use in Special Populations

• Elderly Patients (>65 years): The starting dose should be 5 mg daily, which can be increased to 10 mg daily based on the individual’s response.
• Children and Adolescents (<18 years): Elodep should not be used in patients under 18.
• Renal Impairment: For mild or moderate renal impairment, no dosage adjustment is necessary. However, caution is required for severe renal impairment.
• Hepatic Impairment: An initial dose of 5 mg daily is recommended for patients with mild or moderate liver dysfunction. The dose can be increased depending on the patient’s response. Extra caution is needed for severe hepatic impairment.

Overdose Effects
Overdose symptoms may include dizziness, tremors, agitation, serotonin syndrome, gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea and vomiting), cardiovascular issues (hypotension, tachycardia), and electrolyte imbalances. Immediate medical attention is required for overdose management. Treatment includes gastric lavage, activated charcoal, and continuous monitoring.

Therapeutic Class
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and related antidepressant medications.

Storage Conditions
Store below 30°C, away from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.