HeadMeds gives young people in the United Kingdom general information about medication. HeadMeds does not give you medical advice. Please talk to your Doctor or anyone else who is supporting you about your own situation because everyone is different. Please read more important details about our site.

Escitalopram

"Essit-AL-o-pram"
Medication type:

Selective Serotonin Re-uptake Inhibitor

Other names:
  • Cipralex™ "SIP-ra-lex"
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What can it be used for?

  • 18 & Over
    If you are 18 or over, the doctor can prescribe escitalopram for you as a licensed medicine for depression (low mood) or anxiety.
  • Under 18
    If you are under 18, there is less research about its use and effectiveness in young people. Even so, specialists might prescribe it ‘off label’ if it is the best medicine for you.

Ways to take and what's in it?

  • Tablets

    5mg, 10mg and 20mg strengths

  • Oral drops

    20mg per ml – 5 drops are like one 5mg tablet

Use and Action

Escitalopram can be used for a number of conditions,

It can help to adjust the chemicals your brain needs

Warnings and side effects

If you have any thoughts of suicide, or of other ways of hurting yourself, go straight to a hospital with your medicine. This may be a side-effect, and you need urgent help.

Sex, drink, weight and everything else

Issues like alcohol, driving, concentration, sports, weight, sex life and fertility

Last updated: 25 April 2017
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