Escitalopram

Escitalopram is an antidepressant medication. This medication needs to be taken daily in order to reduce feelings of depression, sadness, guilt and anger. It works by changing the chemical makeup in the brain so that the patient feels more mentally balanced and alert.

Side Effects/Warnings

This medication is associated with suicidal feelings and suicide attempts in children, adolescents and young adults. People in these age groups are at increased risk for suicide or other self-harming behaviors while on the medication; however, all people on this drug should be monitored regularly for suicidal tendencies.

Patients should not abruptly stop taking this drug because doing so will throw the body into a state of shock. Abrupt withdrawal can cause high blood pressure, heart attacks, strokes, seizures and suicidal feelings. Patients who want to stop taking the drug should gradually withdraw from it while under the supervision of trained medical personnel.