Escitalopram
Escitalopram is an SSRI antidepressant. In the UK it is prescribed for depression and for generalised anxiety disorder when your prescriber considers it appropriate. It is closely related to citalopram but is not identical; dosing and monitoring differ.
This medicine is part of the Mental health medicines category.
Generic name: escitalopram
Quick answers
Short replies to searches people often run before speaking to a clinician. For the overview of what the medicine is used for, see the short summary under the page title above.
What is it for?
Escitalopram is an SSRI antidepressant.
How long does it take to work?
Many antidepressants need several weeks on a steady dose before full benefit; your GP usually reviews you in that window.
What are common side effects?
Common effects include nausea, headache, dry mouth, increased sweating, sleep changes, and sexual side effects.
Can you take paracetamol or ibuprofen with it?
Similar interaction profile to other SSRIs: tramadol, triptans, other antidepressants, NSAIDs, some antibiotics, and linezolid need careful review.
More about what Escitalopram is used for
Escitalopram is an SSRI antidepressant. In the UK it is prescribed for depression and for generalised anxiety disorder when your prescriber considers it appropriate.
It is closely related to Citalopram but is not identical; dosing and monitoring differ.
How does Escitalopram work, and how long does it take to work?
It increases serotonin activity between nerve cells, which may improve mood and anxiety symptoms over weeks rather than immediately.
Your prescriber usually keeps you on a steady dose for a period before judging response.
How and when should you take Escitalopram?
Escitalopram is usually taken once daily, morning or evening. Swallow tablets with water, with or without food.
Do not stop suddenly without advice — gradual reduction may be recommended.
What are the common side effects of Escitalopram?
Common effects include nausea, headache, dry mouth, increased sweating, sleep changes, and sexual side effects. Many improve after the first few weeks.
Serious side effects of Escitalopram — when to get urgent help
Seek urgent help for suicidal thoughts, severe agitation, fits, severe allergic reaction, or symptoms of serotonin syndrome.
Heart rhythm effects are possible at higher doses or in susceptible people — your prescriber may use ECG or dose limits if needed.
What if you miss a dose of Escitalopram?
If you miss a dose, take it when you remember unless your next dose is due soon. Do not double up.
Who should not take Escitalopram?
Do not use with MAOIs within unsafe switching periods. Caution in epilepsy, bipolar disorder, bleeding disorders, and some heart conditions. St John’s wort must not be combined.
Can you take paracetamol or ibuprofen with Escitalopram? — other interactions
Similar interaction profile to other SSRIs: Tramadol, triptans, other antidepressants, NSAIDs, some antibiotics, and linezolid need careful review.
Alcohol may worsen drowsiness and low mood.
Escitalopram in pregnancy and breastfeeding
Speak to your GP or psychiatrist before changing escitalopram in pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Blood tests and monitoring on Escitalopram
Reviews after starting and dose changes are usual. ECG or blood tests may be arranged in selected patients.
What might your GP prescribe instead of Escitalopram?
Your GP may consider Citalopram, Sertraline, SNRIs, or psychological therapies depending on your history and response.
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Reviewed by UK registered pharmacists for accuracy and clarity. Content is informational only.
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Frequently asked questions about Escitalopram
People also ask — common Google searches
- What is Escitalopram used for?
- Escitalopram is an SSRI antidepressant. In the UK it is prescribed for depression and for generalised anxiety disorder when your prescriber considers it appropriate. It is closely related to Citalopram but is not identical; dosing and monitoring differ.
- How long does Escitalopram take to work?
- Many antidepressants need several weeks on a steady dose before full benefit; your GP usually reviews you in that window. Always follow your prescriber’s follow-up plan.
- Can you take Escitalopram with paracetamol or ibuprofen?
- Similar interaction profile to other SSRIs: Tramadol, triptans, other antidepressants, NSAIDs, some antibiotics, and linezolid need careful review.
- What are the side effects of Escitalopram?
- Common effects include nausea, headache, dry mouth, increased sweating, sleep changes, and sexual side effects. Many improve after the first few weeks. See the sections below for more detail, including serious side effects and when to seek urgent help.
- Escitalopram vs citalopram — are they the same?
- They are related but different medicines with different strengths and monitoring. Your prescriber chooses what suits you; do not swap without advice.
- How long until escitalopram works?
- Mood or anxiety may start to improve after 2–4 weeks, with further gains over 6 weeks or more. Your prescriber reviews you along the way.
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Often used with
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