Escitalopram is in a class of antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
It works by increasing the amount of serotonin, a natural substance in the brain that helps maintain mental balance.

Escitalopram is used to treat depression (major depressive episodes) and anxiety disorders (such as panic disorder with or without agoraphobia, social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder).
It may take a couple of weeks before you start to feel better.
Depression is a continuing disturbance of mood that interferes with everyday life.
The symptoms of depression vary from one person to another, but often include deep sadness, feelings of worthlessness, loss of interest in favorite activities, sleep disturbances, feeling of being slowed down, feelings of anxiety, and changes in weight.

Take this medicine by mouth.
Swallow the tablets whole with a drink of water. Do not chew your tablets.
Take with or without food.
If you feel the effect of your medicine is too weak or too strong, do not change the dose yourself, but ask your doctor take this medicine by mouth.
Swallow the tablets whole with a drink of water. Do not chew your tablets.
Take with or without food.
If you feel the effect of your medicine is too weak or too strong, do not change the dose yourself, but ask your doctor.
The amount of this medicine you take will depend on your illness. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully.
Do not discontinue this medication suddenly
Depression:

The starting dose of Escitalopram is 5 mg as one daily dose for the first week before increasing the dose to 10 mg per day.
The dose may be further increased by your doctor to a maximum of 20 mg per day.

The normally recommended dose of Escitalopram is 10 mg taken as one daily dose.
Your doctor can either decrease your dose to 5 mg per day or increase the dose to a maximum of 20 mg per day, depending on how you respond to the medical condition

The amount of this medicine you take will depend on your illness. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully.
Do not discontinue this medication suddenly.
Doses may be changed in special conditions so always follow your doctor's or pharmacist's instructions.
If you take more than you should, talk to a doctor or go to the hospital straight away.
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember it unless it is nearly time for your next dose.
Do not take a double dose (two doses at the same time) to make up for the forgotten dose.

Although the following side effects are not common in everyone, some patients may complain from:

Blocked or runny nose (sinusitis)
Decreased or increased appetite
Anxiety, restlessness, abnormal dreams, difficulties falling asleep, feeling sleepy, dizziness
Diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, dry mouth
Increased sweating
Pain in muscle and joints (arthralgia and myalgia)
Sexual disturbances (delayed ejaculation, problems with erection, decreased sexual drive)
Fatigue, fever
Increased weight

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, think you may be pregnant, or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking this medicine.
Your doctor will discuss the possible risks and benefits of using this medicine during pregnancy and breast-feeding

Ginkgo biloba has been studied for its effects on mental health and found to be effective. Gingko Biloba extract can be purchased in liquid or capsule form for example Ginkozac Capsules
Some conditions can be triggered by stress.
Physical therapy like yoga will be helpful
Adequate amount of sleep is very important for your mental health
Always take your medications as instructed.

if you have epilepsy. Treatment with Escitalopram should be stopped if seizures occur at the same time or if there is an increase in the seizure frequency
if you suffer from impaired liver or kidney function. Your doctor may need to adjust your dosage.
if you have diabetes. Treatment with Escitalopram may alter glycemic control. Insulin and/or oral hypoglycemic dosage may need to be adjusted.
If you have a decreased level of sodium in the blood.
if you have a tendency to easily develop bleedings or bruises.
if you are receiving electroconvulsive treatment.
If you have coronary heart disease.
If you suffer or have suffered from heart problems or have recently had a heart attack.
If you have a low resting heart rate and/or you know that you may have salt depletion as a result of prolonged severe diarrhea and vomiting (Being sick) or usage of diuretics (water tablets).
If you experience a fast or irregular heartbeat, fainting, collapse, or dizziness on standing up, which may indicate abnormal functioning of the heart rate.
If you have or have previously had eye problems, such as certain kinds of glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye).

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken, or might take any other medications including over-the-counter non-prescription medicines, prescription medicines, herbal supplements, vitamins, and supplements.

Store below 25°c
Don’t refrigerate
Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.
Store in the original package to protect from moisture.
Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the box/blisters/label. The expiry date refers to the last day of the month.

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