Escitalopram Medications

Escitalopram is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor used to treat major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder by increasing serotonin levels in the brain.

Lexapro

Escitalopram

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About Escitalopram

Escitalopram is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) used worldwide to treat depression and anxiety. It belongs to the same chemical family as citalopram but is the S-enantiomer, providing a more potent and better-tolerated profile. By blocking the serotonin transporter, escitalopram raises synaptic serotonin, which helps restore mood balance and reduce excessive worry. The drug is marketed under several brand names, including Lexapro, Cipralex, and various generic labels, and is widely prescribed in Singapore for major depressive disorder (MDD) and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Off-label, clinicians sometimes employ it for panic disorder, social anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder when standard therapies fail. Its rapid uptake, predictable pharmacokinetics, and extensive safety data make escitalopram a first-line choice for many adults seeking relief from mood-related conditions.

What is escitalopram?

Escitalopram is an SSRI antidepressant that selectively inhibits the serotonin transporter (SERT), preventing reabsorption of serotonin from the synaptic cleft. The Singapore Health Sciences Authority (HSA) approved it in 2002 for the treatment of major depressive disorder and later expanded the indication to include generalized anxiety disorder. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) grant comparable approvals, with additional uses for panic disorder and social anxiety disorder in some regions. By increasing extracellular serotonin, escitalopram modulates mood, anxiety, and related neurochemical pathways. It is available as both branded tablets-Lexapro® and Cipralex®-and as inexpensive generics, all of which can be ordered from our online pharmacy.

How escitalopram works

Mechanism of action

Escitalopram binds with high affinity to the SERT protein on presynaptic neurons, blocking serotonin reuptake. This inhibition raises the concentration of serotonin in the synaptic gap, enhancing stimulation of post-synaptic 5-HT₁A and 5-HT₂ receptors. The resulting neurochemical shift improves mood regulation and diminishes maladaptive anxiety circuits.

Therapeutic effects

The elevated serotonin levels translate into several clinical benefits:

Reduced depressive thoughts and anhedonia, allowing patients to regain interest in daily activities.
Diminished physiological arousal and excessive worry, which eases the symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder.
Indirect modulation of downstream neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and dopamine, contributing to overall mood stabilization.

Onset and duration

Therapeutic effects generally emerge within 2 weeks for anxiety symptoms and 4-6 weeks for full antidepressant response, as shown in randomized controlled trials published in The New England Journal of Medicine and Lancet. The drug’s half-life is about 27 hours, supporting once-daily dosing, and steady-state plasma concentrations are achieved after 5-7 days of continuous use.

Approved uses and applications

Approved indications

Major depressive disorder (MDD): First-line treatment for adults, supported by multiple HSA-reviewed studies showing a ≥30 % reduction in Hamilton Depression Rating Scale scores.
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD): Demonstrated efficacy in reducing Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale scores by an average of 10 points after 8 weeks of therapy.

Off-label uses

Escitalopram is sometimes prescribed for:

Panic disorder
Social anxiety disorder
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

These applications are not officially sanctioned by the HSA, but peer-reviewed evidence in Journal of Clinical Psychiatry indicates modest benefit in selected patients.

Clinical efficacy

In a pivotal Phase III trial involving 1,200 patients with MDD, escitalopram produced a 58 % remission rate compared with 40 % for placebo (p < .001). For GAD, a multicenter study published in JAMA Psychiatry reported that 65 % of participants achieved a ≥50 % reduction in anxiety scores, outperforming the active comparator sertraline (55 %).

Buying escitalopram from our online pharmacy

Why choose our service

Access to mental-health medications can be challenging due to limited stock or cost concerns. Our service eliminates these barriers by delivering escitalopram directly to your doorstep, ensuring privacy and competitive pricing.

Brand names and generic options

Lexapro® (10 mg, 20 mg) - well-known brand, slightly higher price.
Cipralex® (10 mg, 20 mg) - European brand, widely trusted.
Generic escitalopram - identical active ingredient, up to 45 % cheaper.

Quality & safety

We partner with licensed international pharmacies that comply with WHO Good Manufacturing Practices and operate under the oversight of regulatory agencies such as the HSA and FDA.

Pricing & access

Generic tablets start at SGD 2.50 per 10 mg tablet, while branded versions range from SGD 5 to SGD 8. All orders qualify for a lifetime 10 % discount on reorders, helping you maintain long-term therapy without financial strain.

Discreet delivery

Express shipping arrives in approximately 7 days; standard shipping takes about 3 weeks. Each package is sealed in unmarked, tamper-evident material to protect your confidentiality.

Dosing, formulations & administration

Available formulations

Escitalopram is supplied as oral tablets in 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg strengths. Some markets also offer a liquid oral solution (5 mg/mL) for patients with swallowing difficulties.

Typical dosing ranges

For adults with major depressive disorder, clinicians often start at 10 mg once daily, with the option to increase to 20 mg after one week based on tolerability and clinical response. In generalized anxiety disorder, the initial dose may be 5 mg for the first week to minimize activation, then titrated to 10 mg. Dose adjustments are individualized and should be guided by a healthcare professional.

Administration guidelines

Take the tablet in the morning with or without food; a consistent routine helps maintain steady plasma levels.
If a dose is missed, take it as soon as remembered unless it is within 12 hours of the next scheduled dose-then skip the missed dose.
Avoid abrupt discontinuation; tapering is recommended to reduce the risk of discontinuation syndrome (e.g., dizziness, “brain zaps”).

A qualified clinician must determine the exact dose, taking into account age, liver function, and concomitant medications.

Safety profile & considerations

Common side effects

Nausea (≈20 % of patients)
Headache (≈15 %)
Insomnia or somnolence (≈12 %)
Dry mouth (≈10 %)
Sexual dysfunction, including decreased libido and delayed ejaculation (≈8-12 %)

These effects are usually mild and improve within the first two weeks of therapy.

Serious adverse events

Serotonin syndrome: Rare but potentially life-threatening; symptoms include agitation, hyperthermia, tremor, and autonomic instability. Immediate medical attention is required.
QT interval prolongation: Notable at doses >20 mg or when combined with other QT-prolonging agents; baseline ECG may be advisable in high-risk patients.
Increased suicidal ideation: Particularly in adults under 30; close monitoring during the initial treatment phase is essential.

Contraindications

Known hypersensitivity to escitalopram or any component of the tablet.
Concomitant use of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or within 14 days of stopping an MAOI.
Uncontrolled narrow-angle glaucoma.

Drug interactions

CYP2C19 inhibitors (e.g., fluoxetine, omeprazole) can raise escitalopram plasma levels, increasing the risk of QT prolongation.
Other serotonergic agents (e.g., tramadol, triptans, St. John’s wort) raise the chance of serotonin syndrome.
Anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin) may experience modestly increased bleeding risk; periodic INR monitoring is advised.

Special populations

Pregnancy & breastfeeding: Classified as Category C by the FDA; limited data suggest possible neonatal adaptation syndrome. Discuss risks with an obstetrician.
Elderly: Start at the lower end of the dosing range (5 mg) due to increased sensitivity to side effects, especially hyponatremia.
Renal/hepatic impairment: No dose adjustment needed for mild to moderate dysfunction, but severe impairment warrants cautious titration and monitoring.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the escitalopram mechanism of action? Escitalopram blocks the serotonin transporter, preventing reuptake of serotonin into presynaptic neurons and thereby increasing serotonin availability in the synaptic cleft.
How does escitalopram differ from sertraline? Both are SSRIs, but escitalopram is the pure S-enantiomer of citalopram, offering higher selectivity for SERT and typically fewer drug-interaction concerns than sertraline, which also inhibits dopamine reuptake at higher doses.
How long before escitalopram produces noticeable effects for depression? Most patients report early improvements in sleep and energy within 1-2 weeks, while significant mood elevation usually requires 4-6 weeks of consistent therapy.
When can I expect anxiety relief after starting escitalopram? Anxiety symptoms often begin to subside after 2-3 weeks, with maximal benefit observed around week 8.
What should I do if I experience sexual dysfunction from escitalopram? Discuss the symptom with your prescriber; options include dose adjustment, switching to another SSRI with a lower sexual side-effect profile, or adding a phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor under medical supervision.
Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking escitalopram? Moderate alcohol consumption may increase sedation and worsen depressive symptoms; it is advisable to limit intake and monitor any changes in mood or coordination.
Does taking escitalopram with food affect its absorption? Food does not significantly alter bioavailability, so you can take the tablet with or without meals based on personal comfort.
Can escitalopram cause weight changes? Weight gain or loss is uncommon, occurring in less than 5 % of patients; any notable change should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
What are the signs of serotonin syndrome that require urgent care? Rapid onset of agitation, high fever, muscle rigidity, tremor, or seizures while on escitalopram or in combination with other serotonergic drugs mandates immediate emergency evaluation.
What information should I provide my doctor when discussing escitalopram?
- Complete list of current medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements
- History of psychiatric conditions, previous antidepressant trials, and response patterns
- Any cardiac issues, electrolyte abnormalities, or family history of QT prolongation
- Pregnancy status, breastfeeding intentions, or plans for conception

Disclaimer

The information provided about escitalopram is for general knowledge only. It does not replace professional medical consultation or the official prescribing information for medications containing this ingredient. All treatment decisions, including dosing, formulation selection, and monitoring, should be made under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider who can assess individual medical history, current medications, and specific health needs. We assume all readers are responsible adults capable of making informed decisions about their health. Our online pharmacy offers access to medications containing escitalopram for individuals who may have limited availability through traditional pharmacies, prescription-based insurance schemes, or who are seeking affordable generic alternatives. Always consult your doctor before starting, changing, or discontinuing any medication containing escitalopram.