Escitalopram tablets are indicated for the treatment of: major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults and pediatric patients 12 years of age and older. generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) in adults. Additional pediatric use information is approved for AbbVie Inc.'s LEXAPRO (escitalopram) tablets. However, due to AbbVie Inc.'s marketing exclusivity rights, this drug product is not labeled with that information. Escitalopram tablets are a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) indicated for: treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults and pediatric patients 12 years of age and older ( 1 ) treatment of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) in adults ( 1 )
Contraindications
Escitalopram tablets is contraindicated in patients: taking MAOIs with Escitalopram tablets or within 14 days of stopping treatment with Escitalopram tablets because of an increased risk of serotonin syndrome. The use of Escitalopram tablets within 14 days of stopping an MAOI intended to treat psychiatric disorders is also contraindicated [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.7 ) and Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )]. Starting Escitalopram tablets in a patient who is being treated with MAOIs such as linezolid or intravenous methylene blue is also contraindicated because of an increased risk of serotonin syndrome [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.6 ) and Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )]. taking pimozide [see Drug Interactions ( 7 )]. with a hypersensitivity to escitalopram or citalopram or any of the inactive ingredients in Escitalopram tablets.
Do not use MAOIs intended to treat psychiatric disorders with Escitalopram tablets or within 14 days of stopping treatment with Escitalopram tablets. Do not use Escitalopram tablets within 14 days of stopping an MAOI intended to treat psychiatric disorders. In addition, do not start Escitalopram tablets in a patient who is being treated with linezolid or intravenous methylene blue ( 4 ) Known hypersensitivity to escitalopram or citalopram or any of the inactive ingredients ( 4 )
Warnings and precautions
Serotonin Syndrome: Increased risk when co-administered with other serotonergic agents (e.g., SSRI, SNRI, triptans), but also when taken alone. If it occurs, discontinue Escitalopram tablets and initiate supportive treatment ( 4 , 5.2 ) Discontinuation syndrome: When discontinuing Escitalopram tablets, reduce dosage gradually whenever possible, and monitor for discontinuation symptoms ( 5.3 ) Seizures: Use with care in patients with a history of seizure ( 5.4 ).
Activation of Mania/Hypomania: Screen patients for bipolar disorder. ( 5.5 ). Hyponatremia: Can occur in association with syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion ( 5.6 ). Increased Risk of Bleeding: Concomitant use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, aspirin, other antiplatelet drugs, warfarin and other drugs that affect coagulation may increase risk ( 5.7 ). Interference with Cognitive and Motor Performance: Use caution when operating machinery ( 5.8 ).
Angle Closure Glaucoma: Angle closure glaucoma has occurred in patients with untreated anatomically narrow angles treated with antidepressants. ( 5.9 ) Use in Patients with Concomitant Illness: Use caution in patients with diseases or conditions that produce altered metabolism or hemodynamic responses ( 5.10 ). Sexual Dysfunction: Escitalopram tablets may cause symptoms of sexual dysfunction ( 5.11 ).
5.1Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors in Adolescents and Young Adults
In pooled analyses of placebo-controlled trials of antidepressant drugs (SSRIs and other antidepressant classes) that included approximately 77,000 adult patients and 4,500 pediatric patients, the incidence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in the antidepressant-treated patients age 24 years and younger was greater than in placebo-treated patients. There was considerable variation in risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors among drugs, but there was an increased risk identified in young patients for most drugs studied.
There were differences in absolute risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors across the different indications, with the highest incidence in patients with MDD. The drug-placebo differences in the number of cases of suicidal thoughts and behaviors per 1,000 patients treated are provided in Table 1. Table 1: Risk Differences of the Number of Patients of Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors in the Pooled Placebo-Controlled Trials of Antidepressants in Pediatric and Adult Patients Age Range Drug-Placebo Difference in Number of Patients of Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors per 1,000 Patients Treated <18 years old 14 additional patients 18 to 24 years old 5 additional patients Decreases Compared to Placebo 25 to 64 years old 1 fewer patient ≥65 years old 6 fewer patients It is unknown whether the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children, adolescents, and young adults extends to longer-term use, i.e., beyond four months.
However, there is substantial evidence from placebo-controlled maintenance trials in adults with MDD that antidepressants delay the recurrence of depression and that depression itself is a risk factor for suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Monitor all antidepressant-treated patients for any indication for clinical worsening and emergence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors, especially during the initial few months of drug therapy, and at times of dosage changes.
Counsel family members or caregivers of patients to monitor for changes in behavior and to alert the healthcare provider. Consider changing the therapeutic regimen, including possibly discontinuing escitalopram tablets, in patients whose depression is persistently worse, or who are experiencing emergent suicidal thoughts or behaviors.
5.2Serotonin Syndrome
SSRIs, including Escitalopram tablets, can precipitate serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition. The risk is increased with concomitant use of other serotonergic drugs (including triptans, tricyclic antidepressants, fentanyl, lithium, tramadol, tryptophan, buspirone, amphetamines, and St. John's Wort) and with drugs that impair metabolism of serotonin, i.e., MAOIs [see Contraindications ( 4 ) and Drug Interactions ( 7 )].
Serotonin syndrome symptoms may include mental status changes (e.g., agitation, hallucinations, delirium, and coma), autonomic instability (e.g., tachycardia, labile blood pressure, dizziness, diaphoresis, flushing, hyperthermia), neuromuscular symptoms (e.g., tremor, rigidity, myoclonus, hyperreflexia, incoordination) seizures, and/or gastrointestinal symptoms (e.g., nausea, vomiting, diarrhea). The concomitant use of Escitalopram tablets with MAOIs is contraindicated.
In addition, do not initiate Escitalopram tablets in a patient who is being treated with MAOIs such as linezolid or intravenous methylene blue. No reports involved the administration of methylene blue by other routes (such as oral tablets or local tissue injection). If it is necessary to initiate treatment with an MAOI such as linezolid or intravenous methylene blue in a patient taking Escitalopram tablets, discontinue Escitalopram tablets before initiating treatment with the MAOI [see Contraindications ( 4 ) and Dosage and Administration ( 2.7 )].
Monitor all patients taking Escitalopram tablets for the emergence of serotonin syndrome. Discontinue treatment with Escitalopram tablets and any concomitant serotonergic agents immediately if the above symptoms occur, and initiate supportive symptomatic treatment. If concomitant use of Escitalopram tablets with other serotonergic drugs is clinically warranted, inform patients of the increased risk for serotonin syndrome and monitor for symptoms.
5.3Discontinuation Syndrome
During marketing of Escitalopram tablets and other SSRIs, there have been spontaneous reports of adverse reactions occurring upon discontinuation of these drugs, particularly when abrupt, including the following: dysphoric mood, irritability, agitation, dizziness, sensory disturbances (e.g., paresthesias such as electric shock sensations), anxiety, confusion, headache, lethargy, emotional lability, insomnia, and hypomania.
While these events are generally self-limiting, there have been reports of serious discontinuation symptoms. Monitor for these symptoms when discontinuing treatment with Escitalopram tablets. A gradual reduction in the dose rather than abrupt cessation is recommended whenever possible. If intolerable symptoms occur following a decrease in the dose or upon discontinuation of treatment, then resuming the previously prescribed dose may be considered.
Subsequently, the physician may continue decreasing the dose but at a more gradual rate [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.6 )].
5.4Seizures
Although anticonvulsant effects of racemic citalopram have been observed in animal studies, escitalopram has not been systematically evaluated in patients with a seizure disorder. These patients were excluded from clinical studies during the product's premarketing testing. In clinical trials of escitalopram, cases of convulsion have been reported in association with escitalopram treatment. Like other drugs effective in the treatment of major depressive disorder, escitalopram should be introduced with care in patients with a history of seizure disorder.
5.5Activation of Mania or Hypomania
In patients with bipolar disorder, treating a depressive episode with escitalopram tablets or another antidepressant may precipitate a mixed/manic episode. In placebo-controlled trials of escitalopram tablets in major depressive disorder, activation of mania/hypomania was reported in one (0.1%) of 715 patients treated with escitalopram tablets and in none of the 592 patients treated with placebo. One additional case of hypomania has been reported in association with escitalopram tablets treatment.
Activation of mania/hypomania has also been reported in a small proportion of patients with major affective disorders treated with racemic citalopram and other marketed drugs effective in the trea
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Interactions
Table 6 presents clinically important drug interactions with Escitalopram tablets. TABLE 6 Clinically Important Drug Interactions with Escitalopram tablets Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) Clinical Impact: Concomitant use of SSRIs, including Escitalopram tablets, and MAOIs increases the risk of serotonin syndrome. Intervention: Escitalopram tablets is contraindicated in patients taking MAOIs, including MAOIs such as linezolid or intravenous methylene blue [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.7 ), Contraindications ( 4 ), and Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )].
Pimozide Clinical Impact: Concomitant use of racemic citalopram with pimozide increases plasma concentrations of pimozide, a drug with a narrow therapeutic index, and may increase the risk of QT prolongation and/or ventricular arrhythmias compared to use of racemic citalopram alone [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )]. Intervention: Escitalopram tablets is contraindicated in patients taking pimozide [see Contraindications ( 4 )].
Serotonergic Drugs Clinical Impact: Concomitant use of Escitalopram tablets and other serotonergic drugs (including other SSRIs, SNRIs, triptans, tricyclic antidepressants, opoids, lithium, buspirone, amphetamines, tryptophan, and St. John's Wot) increases the risk of serotonin syndrome. Intervention: Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of serotonin syndrome, particularly during Escitalopram tablets initiation and dosage increases.
If serotonin syndrome occurs, consider discontinuation of Escitalopram tablets and/or concomitant serotonergic drugs [see Warning and Precautions ( 5.2 )]. Drugs That Interfere With Hemostasis (NSAIDs, Aspirin, Warfarin, etc.) Clinical Impact: Concomitant use of Escitalopram tablets and an antiplatelet or anticoagulant may potentiate the risk of bleeding. Intervention: Inform patients of the increased risk of bleeding associated with the concomitant use of Escitalopram tablets and antiplatelet agents and anticoagulants.
For patients taking warfarin, carefully monitor the international normalized ratio [see Warning and Precautions ( 5.7 )]. Sumatriptan Clinical Impact: There have been postmarketing reports describing patients with weakness, hyperreflexia, and incoordination following the use of an SSRI and sumatriptan. Intervention: If concomitant treatment with sumatriptan and an SSRI is clinically warranted, appropriate observation of the patient is advised [see Warning and Precautions ( 5.2 )].
Carbamazepine Clinical Impact: Combined administration of racemic citalopram (40 mg/day for 14 days) and carbamazepine (titrated to 400 mg/day for 35 days) did not significantly affect the pharmacokinetics of carbamazepine, a CYP3A4 substrate. Intervention: Although trough citalopram plasma levels were unaffected, given the enzyme-inducing properties of carbamazepine, the possibility that carbamazepine might increase the clearance of escitalopram should be considered if the two drugs are coadministered.
Drugs Metabolized by CYP2D6 Clinical Impact: Coadministration of escitalopram (20 mg/day for 21 days) with the tricyclic antidepressant desipramine (single dose of 50 mg), a substrate for CYP2D6, resulted in a 40% increase in C max and a 100% increase in AUC of desipramine. Intervention: The clinical significance of this finding is unknown. Exercise caution during coadministration of escitalopram and drugs metabolized by CYP2D6.
Concomitant use with SSRIs, SNRIs or Tryptophan is not recommended ( 7 ). Use caution when concomitant use with drugs that affect Hemostasis (NSAIDs, Aspirin, Warfarin) ( 7 ).
Adverse reactions
The following adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the labeling: Suicidal thoughts and behaviors in adolescents and young adults [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Serotonin syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] Discontinuation syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] Seizures [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] Activation of mania or hypomania [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )] Hyponatremia [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 )] Increased Risk of Bleeding [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7 )] Interference with Cognitive and Motor Performance [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.8 )] Angle-closure glaucoma [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.9 )] Use in Patients with Concomitant Illness [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.10 )] Sexual Dysfunction [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.11 )] Most commonly observed adverse reactions (incidence ≥ 5% and at least twice the incidence of placebo patients) are: insomnia, ejaculation disorder (primarily ejaculatory delay), nausea, sweating increased, fatigue and somnolence, decreased libido, and anorgasmia ( 6.1 ).
To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Rising Pharma Holdings, Inc. at 1-844-874-7464 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
6.1Clinical Trials Experience
Because clinical studies are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical studies of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical studies of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. Clinical Trial Data Sources Adults Adverse reactions information for escitalopram was collected from 715 patients with major depressive disorder who were exposed to escitalopram and from 592 patients who were exposed to placebo in double-blind, placebo-controlled trials.
An additional 284 patients with major depressive disorder were newly exposed to escitalopram in open-label trials. The adverse event information for escitalopram in patients with GAD was collected from 429 patients exposed to escitalopram and from 427 patients exposed to placebo in double-blind, placebo-controlled trials. Adverse reactions during exposure were obtained primarily by general inquiry and recorded by clinical investigators using terminology of their own choosing.
Consequently, it is not possible to provide a meaningful estimate of the proportion of individuals experiencing adverse reactions without first grouping similar types of reactions into a smaller number of standardized event categories. In the tables and tabulations that follow, standard World Health Organization (WHO) terminology has been used to classify reported adverse reactions. The stated frequencies of adverse reactions represent the proportion of individuals who experienced, at least once, a treatment emergent adverse event of the type listed.
An event was considered treatment-emergent if it occurred for the first time or worsened while receiving therapy following baseline evaluation. Pediatric Patients Adverse reaction information for pediatric patients was collected in double-blind placebo-controlled studies in 576 pediatric patients 6 to 17 years of age, (286 escitalopram tablets, 290 placebo) with major depressive disorder and in 273 pediatric patients 7 to 17 years of age (137 escitalopram tablets, 136 placebo) with generalized anxiety disorder.
The safety and effectiveness of escitalopram tablets have not been established in pediatric patients less than 12 years of age with MDD or less than 7 years of age with GAD. Adverse Reactions Associated with Discontinuation of Treatment Major Depressive Disorder Adults Among the 715 depressed patients who received escitalopram in placebo-controlled trials, 6% discontinued treatment due to an adverse event, as compared to 2% of 592 patients receiving placebo.
In two fixed-dose studies, the rate of discontinuation for adverse reactions in patients receiving 10 mg/day escitalopram was not significantly different from the rate of discontinuation for adverse reactions in patients receiving placebo. The rate of discontinuation for adverse reactions in patients assigned to a fixed dose of 20 mg/day escitalopram was 10%, which was significantly different from the rate of discontinuation for adverse reactions in patients receiving 10 mg/day escitalopram (4%) and placebo (3%).
Adverse reactions that were associated with the discontinuation of at least 1% of patients treated with escitalopram, and for which the rate was at least twice that of placebo, were nausea (2%) and ejaculation disorder (2% of male patients). Pediatric Patients Adverse reactions in pediatric patients 6 to 17 years of age were associated with discontinuation of 3.5% of 286 patients receiving escitalopram tablets and 1% of 290 patients receiving placebo.
The most common adverse reaction (incidence at least 1% for escitalopram tablets and greater than placebo) associated with discontinuation was insomnia (1% escitalopram tablets, 0% placebo). The safety and effectiveness of escitalopram tablets have not been established in pediatric patients less than 12 years of age with MDD. Generalized Anxiety Disorder Adults Among the 429 GAD patients who received escitalopram 10 to 20 mg/day in placebo-controlled trials, 8% discontinued treatment due to an adverse event, as compared to 4% of 427 patients receiving placebo.
Adverse reactions that were associated with the discontinuation of at least 1% of patients treated with escitalopram, and for which the rate was at least twice the placebo rate, were nausea (2%), insomnia (1%), and fatigue (1%). Incidence of Adverse Reactions in Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trials Major Depressive Disorder Adults The most commonly observed adverse reactions in escitalopram patients (incidence of approximately 5% or greater and approximately twice the incidence in placebo patients) were insomnia, ejaculation disorder (primarily ejaculatory delay), nausea, sweating increased, fatigue, and somnolence.
Table 2 enumerates the incidence, rounded to the nearest percent, of treatment-emergent adverse reactions that occurred among 715 depressed patients who received escitalopram at doses ranging from 10 to 20 mg/day in placebo-controlled trials. Reactions included are those occurring in 2% or more of patients treated with escitalopram and for which the incidence in patients treated with escitalopram was greater than the incidence in placebo-treated patients. 1 Primarily ejaculatory delay. 2 Denominator used was for males only (N=225 escitalopram; N=188 placebo). 3 Denominator used was for females only (N=490 escitalopram; N=404 placebo).
TABLE 2 Adverse Reactions observed with a frequency of ≥ 2% and greater than placebo for Major Depressive Disorder (Adults) Adverse Reaction Escitalopram Placebo (N=715) % (N = 592) % Autonomic Nervous System Disorders Dry Mouth 6% 5% Sweating Increased 5% 2% Central & Peripheral Nervous System Disorders Dizziness 5% 3% Gastrointestinal Disorders Nausea 15% 7% Diarrhea 8% 5% Constipation 3% 1% Indigestion 3% 1% Abdominal Pain 2% 1% General Influenza-like Symptoms 5% 4% Fatigue 5% 2% Psychiatric Disorders Insomnia 9% 4% Somnolence 6% 2% Appetite Decreased 3% 1% Libido Decreased 3% 1% Respiratory System Disorders Rhinitis 5% 4% Sinusitis 3% 2% Urogenital Ejaculation Disorder 1,2 9% <1% Impotence 2 3% <1% Anorgasmia 3 2% <1% Pediatric Patients The overall profile of adverse reactions in pediatric patients 6 to 17 years in major depressive disorder was generally similar to that seen in adult studies, as shown in Table 2.
However, the following adverse reactions (excluding those which appear in Table 2 and those for which the coded terms were uninformative or misleading) were reported at an incidence of at least 2% for escitalopram tablets and greater than placebo: back pain, urinary tract infection, vomiting, and nasal congestion. The safety and effectiveness of escitalopram tablets have not been es
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Composition
Active ingredients
ESCITALOPRAM OXALATE EQ 20MG BASE
Strengths and forms
The FDA lists each strength of a product separately; these pages share one label.
Prognia shows this product information for reference and learning. It is not treatment advice and can lag behind the official text. Always check the current product information and local protocols before prescribing.
