Cipralex

(Lexapro, Escitalopram, Escitalopram Oxalate, Seroplex, Sipralexa)

What is Cipralex

Cipralex (Lexapro) is used to treat depression. It works by increasing the amount of serotonin, a natural substance in the brain that helps maintain mental balance.

Cipralex is also sometimes used to treat eating disorders, alcoholism, panic disorder, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, and social phobia.

Cipralex - How it works

Cipralex tablets and oral drops both contain the active ingredient escitalopram oxalate, which is a type of antidepressant known as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI).

Antidepressant medicines act on nerve cells in the brain. In the brain there are numerous different chemical compounds called neurotransmitters. These act as chemical messengers between the nerve cells. Serotonin is one such neurotransmitter and has various functions that we know of.

When serotonin is released from nerve cells in the brain it acts to lighten mood. When it is reabsorbed into the nerve cells, it no longer has an effect on mood. It is thought that when depression occurs, there may be a decreased amount of serotonin released from nerve cells in the brain.

SSRIs work by preventing serotonin from being reabsorbed back into the nerve cells in the brain. This helps prolong the mood lightening effect of any released serotonin. In this way, escitalopram (Cipralex) helps relieve depression, panic and fear.

It may take between two to four weeks for the benefits of this medicine to appear, so it is very important that you keep taking it, even if it doesn't seem to make much difference at first. If you feel your depression or anxiety has got worse, or if you have any distressing thoughts or feelings in these first few weeks, then you should talk to your doctor.

Cipralex - How to take

Take each dose of Cipralex with a full glass (8 ounces) of water. Cipralex may be taken with or without food.

To ensure you get the correct dose, measure the liquid form of Cipralex with a dose-measuring spoon, cup, or dropper, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one.

Cipralex is usually taken once a day. Follow your doctor's instructions. Take the dose at the same time each day.

Do not stop taking Cipralex without first talking to your doctor. It may take several weeks for you to start feeling better.

Cipralex Side Effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

• Decreased appetite
• Difficulty in sleeping (insomnia)
• Sleepiness (somnolence)
• Dizziness
• Sexual problems
• Inflammation of the sinuses (sinusitis)
• Increased sweating
• Disturbances of the gut such as diarrhoea, constipation, nausea
• Fatigue
• Fever (pyrexia)
• Alteration in taste
• Confusion
• Shaking, usually of the hands (tremor)
• Visual disturbances
• Seizures
• Nervousness or anxiety
• Agitation
• Pain in the muscles and joints
• Rash or itching

Cipralex - Special warnings

Don't use Cipralex for:

• Children and adolescents under 18 years of age
• People who have taken a monoamine-oxidase inhibitor antidepressant (MAOI) in the last 14 days
• Manic episodes of manic depression (bipolar affective disorder)
• Uncontrolled epilepsy

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Cipralex may cause dizziness. If you experience dizziness, avoid these activities.

Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while taking Cipralex or affect your condition.

Cipralex Storage

Store Cipralex at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

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