Escitalopram
Escitalopram is a antidepressant (SSRI) found in 13 medicines sold in India, such as Nexito 10, Stalopam 10, Nexito 5. Below: what it is for, how it works, how to take it, side effects, interactions and pregnancy advice.
What it is used for
Treats depression and anxiety disorders.
How it works
A selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that raises serotonin in the brain, treating depression, anxiety and panic disorder.
How to take it
Usually 5 to 20 mg once a day. It takes 2 to 4 weeks to start helping and longer for full effect. Continue for months after feeling better.
Common side effects
- Nausea
- Headache
- Trouble sleeping or drowsiness
- Sweating
- Lower sex drive
- Dizziness
Get medical help straight away if
- Thoughts of self-harm or suicide, especially in the first weeks or in people under 25 (contact a doctor or helpline at once)
- Agitation, fever, shaking and fast heartbeat (serotonin syndrome)
- Unusual bleeding
- Fast or irregular heartbeat
Be careful
Takes 2 to 4 weeks to work; do not stop suddenly.
Other medicines and interactions
Do not combine with MAOIs. Serotonin syndrome risk with tramadol, triptans, linezolid and other antidepressants. Bleeding risk higher with NSAIDs, aspirin and blood thinners. Do not stop suddenly; taper with your doctor. Avoid with medicines that prolong the QT interval.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Some SSRIs are continued in pregnancy because untreated depression has risks too; decide with your doctor. Sertraline is often preferred while breastfeeding.
Brands of Escitalopram (13)
Common questions
What is Escitalopram used for?
Treats depression and anxiety disorders.
How does Escitalopram work?
A selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that raises serotonin in the brain, treating depression, anxiety and panic disorder.
How should I take Escitalopram?
Usually 5 to 20 mg once a day. It takes 2 to 4 weeks to start helping and longer for full effect. Continue for months after feeling better.
What are the side effects of Escitalopram?
Common: Nausea, headache, trouble sleeping or drowsiness, sweating, lower sex drive, dizziness. Get help straight away for: Thoughts of self-harm or suicide, especially in the first weeks or in people under 25 (contact a doctor or helpline at once), agitation, fever, shaking and fast heartbeat (serotonin syndrome), unusual bleeding, fast or irregular heartbeat.
Does Escitalopram interact with other medicines?
Do not combine with MAOIs. Serotonin syndrome risk with tramadol, triptans, linezolid and other antidepressants. Bleeding risk higher with NSAIDs, aspirin and blood thinners. Do not stop suddenly; taper with your doctor. Avoid with medicines that prolong the QT interval.
Is Escitalopram safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding?
Some SSRIs are continued in pregnancy because untreated depression has risks too; decide with your doctor. Sertraline is often preferred while breastfeeding.
Does Escitalopram need a prescription in India?
Yes. In India it is a prescription (Schedule H) medicine, so a pharmacist should sell it only with a doctor's prescription.
Which brands contain Escitalopram?
Cilentra 10, Depranex 10, Ecitelo 10, Escigress-10, Feliz-S-10, Nexito 10, Nexito 20, Nexito 5, Recita 10, Rexipra 10, S-Celepra 10, Stalopam 10, Szetalo 10.
Sources and further reading
- Escitalopram: NHS · MedlinePlus
NHS (UK National Health Service) and MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine) are free, reviewed medicine guides. Brand names and doses there may differ from India.
Last reviewed 31 October 2026. Written by Satya Babu from standard prescribing information.
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