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Cipralex

Generic Name: 

Escitalopram

Brand Names: 

Cipralex

Lexapro is a brand name version of Cipralex available in the U.S.

Cipralex Description: 

Cipralex belongs to a class of drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). The medication is used in the treatment of depression and anxiety disorders.

Cipralex works by acting on the central nervous system and increasing the amount of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter believed to play a key role in the development of depression and other mental illnesses when present in insufficient levels.

Cipralex Side Effects: 

The most common side effect of Cipralex is nausea.

Other common side effects of Cipralex include:

  • Runny nose
  • Change in appetite
  • Anxiety or restlessness
  • Sleep abnormalities
  • Dizziness
  • Shaking
  • Prickling of the skin
  • Diarrhea or constipation
  • Vomiting
  • Dry mouth
  • Sweating
  • Muscle and joint pain
  • Sexual dysfunction or decreased libido
  • Fatigue
  • Fever
  • Weight gain

For more information, see our Cipralex side effects page.

Cipralex Uses: 

Cipralex is used in the treatment of major depressive disorder. Patients with major depressive disorder experience prominent and persistent episodes of depression. Depressive episodes generally include a combination of at least four of the following symptoms:

  • Change in appetite
  • Change in sleeping habits
  • Psychomotor agitation or retardation
  • Reduced interest in regular activities
  • Decreased libido
  • Fatigue
  • Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
  • Sluggish thinking or reduced concentration
  • Suicide attempts or ideation

Cipralex is also used in the treatment of anxiety disorders such as:

  • Panic disorder with or without agoraphobia
  • Social anxiety disorder
  • Generalized anxiety disorder
  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
Cipralex Interactions: 

Cipralex should not be used alongside monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors.

Cipralex may also interact with the following medications and substances:

  • Lithium
  • Imipramine
  • Desipramine
  • Sumatriptan and other migraine medications
  • Tramadol
  • Cimetidine
  • Omeprazole
  • Fluvoxamine
  • Ticlopidine
  • St. John's wort
  • Aspiring and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
  • Warfarin, dipyridamole, phenprocoumon and other anticoagulants
  • Mefloquin
  • Bupropion
  • Neuroleptics
  • Flecainide
  • Propafenone
  • Metoprolol
  • Clomipramine
  • Nortriptyline
  • Risperidone
  • Thioridazine
  • Haloperidol

Cipralex may interact with other medications or substances that are not listed above. In order to avoid potentially hazardous interactions, patients should talk with their doctor about the use of all other medications, vitamins or supplements before beginning treatment with Cipralex.

Cipralex Dosage Information: 

Typical Dosage Recommendations

Cipralex dosages may vary among patients. Your doctor will establish the size and frequency of your dosage according to your individual needs. Patients should follow the dosage guidelines set by their doctor.

Cipralex is administered in the form of an oral tablet and is available in 5, 10, 15 and 20 mg strengths. Cipralex can be taken with or without food.

Patients using Cipralex for the treatment of depression, social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder or obsessive-compulsive disorder generally take a single daily dose of 10 mg. This dosage may be increased if necessary up to 20 mg per day.

Patients using Cipralex for the treatment of panic disorder typically take a single daily dose of 5 mg during the first week of treatment. The dose is then increased to 10 mg per day. This dose may be further increased up to 20 mg per day if necessary.

Elderly patients undergoing treatment with Cipralex generally take an initial single daily dose of 5 mg.

Missing a Dose of Cipralex

If you forget to take a dose of Cipralex but realize it that same day, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if you do not remember that same day, skip the missed dose and resume your normal dosage schedule. Do not consume a double dose of Cipralex to compensate for a missed dose.

Cipralex Overdose

Symptoms of a Cipralex overdose may include:

Patients should seek immediate medical attention if they have taken too much of this medication.

Cipralex FDA Approval: 

Cipralex has not been approved by the FDA for sale in the U.S. The medication is available in a number of other countries such as the United Kingdom, Austria and Spain.

Cipralex Recall/Black Box Warning Information: 

Cipralex, like other antidepressant medications, carries a warning informing consumers and health care professionals that the medication may increase the risk of suicide in children, adolescents and young adults. Cipralex should not be used in patients under the age of 18, and all other patients taking the medication should be closely monitored for abnormal changes in behavior or suicidal tendencies.

Sources: 
  1. http://www.cipralex.com/content/downloadarea/pdf/smpc/Cipralex%20PIL%20UK%20-%20downloaded%20April%2009.pdf
  2. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a603005.html
  3. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/drug-information/DR600627
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