This active ingredient is in Cipralex
The active ingredient in Cipralex is escitalopram. It belongs to the group of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSIRs), i.e. active ingredients that prevent the uptake of the tissue hormone serotonin into the cell. The Cipralex effect is based on this very blockade of the serotonin transporter. It increases the concentration of serotonin in the tissue fluid of the brain, which has depression-relieving and mood-lifting effects on mood.
When is Cipralex used?
Typical uses of Cipralex are:
- severe depression
- anxiety disorders
- social anxiety disorders
- generalized anxiety disorders
- panic attacks
- obsessive-compulsive disorder
What are the side effects of Cipralex?
Psychotropic drugs affect neurotransmitter balance. This can affect motor function and hormone levels, among other things. Cipralex side effects occur more often in the first two weeks and then usually subside.
It is very common to experience discomfort and headaches while using Cipralex.
Common Cipralex side effects include rhinitis, decreased or increased appetite, disturbances in sexual function, restlessness, abnormal dreams, and sleep disturbances. Side effects such as tremor, sweating, fever, dry mouth, diarrhea or constipation, pain in muscles or joints, or weight gain are also typical symptoms.
Rarely, the drug triggers aggression, depersonalization or hallucinations.
Allergic reactions (severe skin rash, swelling of tongue and lips, difficulty breathing and swallowing) or signs of serotonin syndrome (high fever, confusion, muscle twitching) are serious side effects. In this case, a doctor must be consulted immediately.
You should keep this in mind while using Cipralex.
The medication must not be taken in case of:
- allergies to the active ingredient and other components of the drug
- cardiac arrhythmia
- @ taking medicines for heart rhythm disorders (antiarrhythmics) and depression (MAO inhibitors)
Caution should be exercised when taking Cipralex in:
- epilepsy
- decreased liver and kidney function
- patients with increased bleeding tendency
- diabetes
- coronary heart disease and recent heart attack
- glaucoma
- low resting heart rate and low blood sodium concentration
- Suicidal ideation
- young adults up to 25 years of age
Children under 18 years of age should take the drug only after a careful risk-benefit evaluation by a doctor.
Furthermore, Cipralex interacts with many other medications. These include:
- antipsychotics (for mental disorders)
- antidepressants (for depression)
- Antimalarials
- Analgesics (pain relievers)
- Anticoagulants (blood-thinning medicines)
- St. John’s Wort
Any use of these drugs should be cleared in advance with a doctor and pharmacist, because the combination of these drugs can cause severe side effects.
Cipralex: dosage
Usually, Cipralex is administered once daily, regardless of meals. The Cipralex dosage depends on the type and severity of the illness.
In severe depression, the usual daily dose is 10 mg and may be increased to a maximum of 20 mg. The duration of use continues for another six months after successful treatment of symptoms.
For the treatment of an anxiety disorder, the dosage is 5 mg of Cipralex for the first week and is then increased to 10 mg. If necessary, the dose can also be increased to a maximum of 20 mg. However, treatment success is not expected for three months.
Social anxiety disorder is treated with 10 mg of active ingredient daily. Depending on the severity of symptoms, the dosage can be reduced to 5 mg or increased to 20 mg. The duration of use should be at least twelve weeks and can be extended to six months on an individual basis.
For the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder, 10 to 20 mg of active ingredient is administered daily – over a treatment period of at least six months.
Patients 65 years and older start with a Cipralex dosage of 5 mg daily.
Cipralex overdose
No poisonings have been observed to be caused by Cipralex alone. However, severe symptoms of poisoning may occur in combination with other drugs. In this case, a doctor must be consulted immediately.
Cipralex: discontinuation
It is recommended to reduce the dosage slowly and not to stop treatment abruptly. As increased symptoms may occur when stopping the medication, this should only be done under the supervision of a doctor.
Cipralex: pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Cipralex should not be taken during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Especially taking it in the last month of pregnancy causes harm to the baby. The newborn may suffer from narrowed blood vessels in the lungs (PPHN). This is manifested by a blue coloration of the skin and breathing difficulties. Furthermore, the child may experience vomiting, seizures, difficulty in feeding, stiff or flaccid muscles, listlessness, persistent crying, vivid reflexes, or nervous tremors.
The active ingredient also passes to the baby through breast milk and may also be harmful after birth.
Cipralex and alcohol
There are no known interactions, yet combining Cipralex and alcohol should not be advised.
How to get Cipralex
Complete information about this drug
Here you can find the complete information about the drug as a download (PDF)
